The proper disposal and recycling of E-Waste is necessary to ensure a non-polluted world in the future. This is becoming increasingly evident in poor and third world countries who receive old computers, laptops, printers, monitors and other electronic waste as donations only to sit in dump piles for their children to scavenge.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released astatement that in 2007 Americans threw away 157 million computers, 20 million televisions, and 126 million cell phones. E-waste includes computers, monitors, keyboards, external drives, other computer components, printers, ink jet cartridges, televisions, rechargeable batteries, cell phones Televisions, appliances and anything else that is classified as electronic. Many manufacturers offer trade-ins and other recycling opportunities that would prevent this waste to be shipped overseas and cause health hazards. Most programs are free while some charge a small fee as recycling is expensive.
Apple
Apple has many recycling opportunities for their products. Turn in old computers with a purchase of a new Mac and receive a discount. Apple operates a trade-in program for businesses and schools that started in August 2005 and has collected 400 tons of e-waste that would normally litter American landfills. They do not ship any e-waste overseas and also operate recycling programs in Europe, Asia and Australia. iPods can be turned in for free through Apple retail stores for a 10% discount on a new iPod and cell phone are accepted no matter what model. . Apple is serious concerning the recycling of e-waste and complies with the “Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal” even though the United States did not sign the treaty.
Dell, Toshiba and Gateway
Dell also offers free recycling for all their products. The website gives valuable information for all Dell products and how to recycle them. Toshiba offers a program where consumers can trade in their old computers for new ones. They mail a credit when an old working laptop is sent in and if it isn’t working they will still make sure it is recycled for you. Gateway also provides a trade-in program that is detailed on their website as well.
Epson
Epson will recycle or dispose of properly, brand electronic equipment but there is a $10 fee which includes shipping costs and they send a $5 coupon for other Epson products in return. Epson also works with the National Cristina Foundation to supply economically challenged people with computers. If they can fix the computer they make sure a disadvantaged person gets it.
Five states require the proper disposal of e-waste in the United States. They are California, Maine, Maryland, Texas and Washington. These states have decided that it is their responsibility to preserve the environment of the future and it is hoped that more states will follow.
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