Computers

Problems and Particular Challenges with Recycling this item	Careless computer disposals can lead to several problems related to environmental pollution and health issues. This environmental impact of computers is causing new diseases, day by day. Therefore, careful disposal of computers is extremely essential. Computers are composed of elements that are quite valuable. Moreover, most of the components of a computer are recyclable and reusable. It is, therefore, recommended to not just throw out computers and other types of IT equipment, but rather they should be properly recycled and reused if possible. This will substantially decrease environmental issues with computers. Some major environmental dangers inflicted by careless disposal of computers include: 1. Heavy elements used in batteries or circuits pollute groundwater and kill animals who drink that water. 2. Batteries used in computers are flammable which makes them an unsafe item in landfills as they can catch fire any time. 3. Computers and its spare parts are usually made with plastic which takes forever to decompose. 4. Mostly the plastic used in computers is ABS, which is polystyrene and upon decomposition, it will break down into toxic particles. 5. The toxins released from the landfills of e-waste enter the atmosphere and become a reason for several diseases, like skin cancer and lung diseases. 6. If lead is released into the environment, it can cause damage to human blood, kidneys, and nervous systems. 7. Warmed up e-waste is filled with toxins and when they’re released into the air, they become a solid contributor in global warming. 8. The largest landfills are present in the developing countries and their population is exposed to several fatal diseases. 9. These countries extract precious metals like silver, copper, gold, from e-waste by burning them, thus, releasing harmful toxins in the air. 10. E-waste, when dumped in the water, can cause several fatal diseases to humans and animals.

Procedures, Capacities, and Facilities for Disposing	The recyclable laptops and computers are collected from the owner’s place and brought to the recycling unit. The collected devices are then manually separated into groups of recyclables, reusable and nonreusable items. The sorted computer hardware and other material then undergo testing to confirm whether they are reusable. The reusable resources are shipped off to industries where manufacturers can use them. Recyclable computer hardware is manually dismantled and separated. These parts are then sold individually. The leftover nonreusable part of the computer goes into the shredder to be properly shredded and disposed of.

E Waste Partners for Processing Safely and Successfully	Computer Recycling Center, LLC 528 N. Prince Lane (directions) Springfield, MO 65802 Phone: 417-866-2588 https://computerrecyclingcenter.com/ Best Buy offers in-store, event, and online recycling options – https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025 HP offers free drop-off locations – https://www.hp.com/us-en/hp-information/sustainable-impact/planet-product-recycling.html Staples offers in-store and event recycling options – https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/sustainability-center/recycling-services/