Rethink Your Old PC Monitor as an Entertainment Center and Help the Environment at the Same Time

Helping the Environment Has Never Been So Much Fun!

An estimated 30 million computers are thrown out (organic pollutants and all) in the United States every year. Of those, only 11 percent are recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. www.epa.gov.

Electronics are a fast growing portion of America's trash, with 250 million computers destined to become obsolete by 2005.

Televisions and computer monitors can contain an average of 4 pounds of lead (depending on their size, make, and vintage) as well as other potential toxics like chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and brominated flame-retardants.

In response to the environmental threat, California and Massachusetts passed laws in 2001 that require recycling of old monitors and televisions. Three other states have similar plans in the works. Retailers such as Best Buy and Staples have started holding special collection days where people can bring in old electronics for recycling.

Flat screens cannot be recycled due to the fact that they have mercury in them, which is just as bad as lead.

What Can You Do? Donate, reuse, or recycle your outdated computer. This will encourage the safe management of their potentially hazardous components, and will support the recovery and reuse of valuable materials.

Many communities and businesses offer programs to collect and reuse or recycle electronics. Some cities run continuous collections for electronics or pick these goods up on an advertised day. Other communities have a collection site that you can take your electronics to. In addition, a number of computer and TV manufacturers invite you to send back old electronics. Also, in select areas, retailers and non-profit companies may accept your electronics for recycling or reuse.

Have questions? Please contact us and let us know!