According to the Consumer Electronics Association “Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household” in the form of computers, iPods, mp3 players, fax machines, printers, cell phones and a host of other products.



This proliferation of electronics has resulted in a huge problem as to how to dispose of electronic waste, known as “e-waste”, when they are no longer operational or wanted. It is estimated that 3.2 million tons of e-waste, most of which is discarded computers and peripherals, is tossed into landfills each year.

A vast array of toxic chemicals, carcinogens and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, polyvinyl chlorides used in the manufacture of computers are being dumped in those landfills. These materials are known to have toxicological effects ranging from brain damage to kidney disease to mutations, and cancer. The sad part of this is that many of the components of e-waste can be reused.

Prior to the year 2000, much of our e-waste was sent to China. There it is burned, releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water supply. The Chinese then used the by-products to manufacture goods that are shipped out of the country.

In 2006, Jeffrey Weidenhamer, a chemist at Ashland University, published a research paper after studying the components of inexpensive jewelry imported from China. What he found was a very high level of lead in the jewelry. While it was only a theory, the lead from electronic circuit boards was most likely the source.

The only way you can know for sure that the electronic item that you are planning to recycle is truly going to be recycled properly is to check to see if the recycler has an an” E-Steward"designation. Only then will you know that your electronic item is not going to China or to a landfill.

The best way to keep electronics out of the landfills is to reuse them. In the case of computers and peripherals, if they are less than 5 years old, you can send it to a company that refurbishes computers. They will wipe your hard drive clean of any sensitive data and give them to non-profit organizations, schools or other organizations in need of such equipment.

If you are planning dispose of a cell phone, consider donating it to a woman's shelter. Since the 911 function on a cell phone works even if the service has been terminated, these cell phones are being given to battered women to allow them to call for help when needed.

In addition, many large manufacturers such as Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM and others, have recycling programs. Information and packing labels are often included with the purchase of a new computer, so you can send back your old computer to the manufacturer for them to recycle.

It may take a little research on your part to locate the proper way to recycle your e-waste, but your efforts will certainly help our environment and help our planet.