Computer hardware that is disposed of carelessly can pollute our ecosystem. Computer components containing hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, metals or cadmium can cause serious environmental damage. Monitors weigh over 30% lead. Read this?
It could range between four and eight pounds, depending on the size of your monitor. The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), felt that it was necessary to make the Computer Disposal Law quite complicated due to the negative effects.
Recycling Legislation
As of 2010, EPA had not yet set out any parameters regarding computer recycling. Many countries have taken action to recycle old or obsolete computers. Environmental Protection Agency educates people about the dangers of computer equipments as well as other electronic products. EPA published some important guidelines. For example, if CRTs are under a year and still in working conditions, then they cannot be classified as hazardous waste. They should instead be re-used after bringing about specific modifications. EPA asks that manufacturers encourage their customers to swap their old monitors for new ones when they buy new ones. This will help to decrease the pollution rate.
Dangerous Waste Disposal Laws
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act implements strategies to handle old and obsolete computer parts as hazardous waste. RCRA tells recycling companies to keep shredded circuit waste in containers that are tightly closed. RCRA cautions recycling companies against leaving the waste in an open container, as this will do a lot of damage to our environment.