Pavel Vozenilek (talk | contribs) →See also: +cs:Repasované počítače (cs translated as "refurbished computers" but mostly about the same topic) |
DefianceFalcon (talk | contribs) Fleshed out the article as a result of a university assignment. |
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[[Image:Recycling Computers.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Computers being processed for recycling]] |
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⚫ | Most major |
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'''Computer Recycling''' refers to any process by which a [[computer]] (or other [[electronic device]]) is disposed of in a safe manner that prevents it from going to waste or becoming an [[environmental health]] [[hazard]]. This can include finding another use for the system (i. e. donated to [[Charitable organization|charity]]), or having the system dismantled in a manner that allows for the safe extraction of the constituent materials for reuse in other products. |
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== Reasons to Recycle == |
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== The Secondary Computer Industry == |
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Obsolete computers are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly they are a major source of [[toxic waste|toxins]] and [[carcinogen|carcinogens]]. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even [[planned obsolescence]] have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall [[toxic waste]].<ref name="iWaste">{{cite news|last=Slade|first=Giles|title=iWaste|publisher=Mother Jones|date=[[2007-04-01]]|url=http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2007/03/iwaste.html|accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> |
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The computer hardware market is a fast paced, changing and competitive marketplace in which rapid technological obsolescence is a significant challenge for manufacturers, resellers and customers. The reseller market segment is known as a competitive, low-margin subset of the market. The primary computer market consists of the sale of the new equipment from [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|OEM]] directly and indirectly through the reseller channel. The secondary reseller market consists of companies reselling new, end-of-line, discontinued and used/refurbished product. |
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Many materials used in the construction of computer hardware can be recovered in the recycling process for use in future production. Reuse of [[tin]], [[silicon]], [[iron]], [[aluminum]], and a variety of [[plastics]] – all present in bulk in computers – can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. In addition, components frequently contain [[copper]], [[gold]], and other materials valuable enough to reclaim in their own right. |
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End-of-line, discontinued and factory refurbished products are sold to the secondary market by the [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|OEM]]s such as [[IBM]], [[Compaq]]/[[Hewlett-Packard|HP]]. Purchases of this type of product require some form of reseller authorization. With the rapid rates of technology introduction and steep depreciation curves, manufacturers require a secure channel for selling end-of-line and discontinued product. This product has manufacturer warranty and is often factory sealed product. |
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== Regulations == |
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Used/refurbished product are sold too or disposed of, in the secondary market by leasing companies and large corporate end users. Managing the lease returns and end-of-life assets for these companies is a significant task that has economic, environmental, and security / privacy implications. To serve this market segment different types of companies exist including many “Fee for service” facilities that test, report, and warehouse for third parties. |
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In [[February 2003]], the [[European Community]] signed into [[law]] the [[Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive]] 2002/96/EC<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2003:037:0024:0038:EN:PDF </ref> (WEEE Directive). The [[European Union directive|directive]] imposes the responsibility for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) on the manufacturers of such equipment. Those companies should establish an infrastructure for collecting WEEE, in such a way that "Users of electrical and electronic equipment from private households should have the possibility of returning WEEE at least free of charge". Also, the companies are compelled to use the collected waste in an ecological-friendly manner, either by ecological disposal or by reuse/refurbishment of the collected WEEE. |
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The Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EC<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2003:037:0019:0023:EN:PDF </ref> (commonly referred to as the [[Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive]] or RoHS) was adopted in February 2003 by the [[European Union]]. The RoHS directive took effect on [[1 July]] [[2006]], and is required to be enforced and become law in each member state. This directive restricts the use of six [[hazardous materials]] in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. |
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In the UK, there is a growing market for companies who will collect, and then re-use or recycle unwanted computer equipment. Such companies usually provide a service to recover, then refurbish usable equipment, or arrange environmentally friendly disposal of non-working equipment. The recent introductions of the WEEE and ROHS directives in Europe has caused these companies to be in greater demand. In 2006, Sir Alan Sugar of Amstrad Computers appointed "The Apprentice" winner, Michelle Dewberry, as MD of his new company aimed at meeting the demands of this market - Xenon Green. However, in September 2006 she left and the company is operating 'at a low level'. See also Viglen (one of Alan Sugar's companies. |
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== Consumer Recycling == |
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⚫ | Most major computer manufacturers offer some form of recycling, often as a free replacement service when purchasing a new PC. At the user's request they may mail in their old computer, or arrange for pickup from the manufacturer. There are also a variety of donation options, including charities which may offer [[Tax deduction|tax benefits]]. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] maintains [http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm a list] of electronic recycling and donation options for consumers in the [[United States|US]]. |
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== Corporate Recycling == |
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[[Business|Businesses]] seeking a cost-effective way to responsibly recycle large amounts of computer equipment face a more complicated process. They also have the option of contacting the manufacturers and arranging recycling options. However, in cases where the computer equipment comes from a wide variety of manufacturers, it may be more efficient to hire a third-party contractor to handle the recycling arrangements. There exist companies that specialize in corporate computer disposal services both offer disposal and recycling services in compliance with local laws and regulations. Such companies frequently also offer secure data elimination services. |
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== Concerns == |
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One of the major concerns about computer recycling programs is export of waste to countries with lower environmental standards. Companies may find it cost effective in the short-term to sell outdated computers to less developed countries with lax regulations. The [[Basel Convention]] is an international [[treaty]] intended to restrict this sort of practice, but it has proven difficult to enforce and the United States has not yet ratified the agreement. Because the US has no domestic laws forbidding the export of toxic waste, the [[Basel Action Network]] estimates that about 80% of the e-waste directed to recycling in the US does not get recycled there at all but is put on container ships and sent to countries such as [[China]].<ref>[http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071118/exporting_e_waste.html?.v=3 America Ships Electronic Waste Overseas] By Terence Chea, Associated Press, 11/18/07. </ref> Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China, India, Kenya, and elsewhere, electronic waste is being sent to these countries for processing – in most cases illegally. [[Guiyu]] in [[Shantou]] region of [[China]], and [[Delhi]] and [[Bangalore]] in [[India]], all have electronic waste processing areas.<ref>BAN and SVTC. 2002. "Exporting Harm: The High-Tech Trashing of Asia". Seattle and San Jose: Basel Action Network and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, February 25. Available: http://www.ban.org/E-waste/technotrashfinalcomp.pdf </ref> Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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*[[Green computing]] |
*[[Green computing]] |
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*[[Recycling]] |
*[[Recycling]] |
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*[[Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive|RoHS]] |
*[[Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive|RoHS Directive]] |
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*[[WEEE Directive]] |
*[[WEEE Directive]] |
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{{waste}} |
{{waste}} |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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[[Category:Recycling]] |
[[Category:Recycling]] |
Revision as of 00:14, 21 December 2007
Computer Recycling refers to any process by which a computer (or other electronic device) is disposed of in a safe manner that prevents it from going to waste or becoming an environmental health hazard. This can include finding another use for the system (i. e. donated to charity), or having the system dismantled in a manner that allows for the safe extraction of the constituent materials for reuse in other products.
Reasons to Recycle
Obsolete computers are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly they are a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste.[1]
Many materials used in the construction of computer hardware can be recovered in the recycling process for use in future production. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics – all present in bulk in computers – can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. In addition, components frequently contain copper, gold, and other materials valuable enough to reclaim in their own right.
Regulations
In February 2003, the European Community signed into law the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC[2] (WEEE Directive). The directive imposes the responsibility for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) on the manufacturers of such equipment. Those companies should establish an infrastructure for collecting WEEE, in such a way that "Users of electrical and electronic equipment from private households should have the possibility of returning WEEE at least free of charge". Also, the companies are compelled to use the collected waste in an ecological-friendly manner, either by ecological disposal or by reuse/refurbishment of the collected WEEE.
The Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EC[3] (commonly referred to as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive or RoHS) was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. The RoHS directive took effect on 1 July 2006, and is required to be enforced and become law in each member state. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment.
Consumer Recycling
Most major computer manufacturers offer some form of recycling, often as a free replacement service when purchasing a new PC. At the user's request they may mail in their old computer, or arrange for pickup from the manufacturer. There are also a variety of donation options, including charities which may offer tax benefits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of electronic recycling and donation options for consumers in the US.
Corporate Recycling
Businesses seeking a cost-effective way to responsibly recycle large amounts of computer equipment face a more complicated process. They also have the option of contacting the manufacturers and arranging recycling options. However, in cases where the computer equipment comes from a wide variety of manufacturers, it may be more efficient to hire a third-party contractor to handle the recycling arrangements. There exist companies that specialize in corporate computer disposal services both offer disposal and recycling services in compliance with local laws and regulations. Such companies frequently also offer secure data elimination services.
Concerns
One of the major concerns about computer recycling programs is export of waste to countries with lower environmental standards. Companies may find it cost effective in the short-term to sell outdated computers to less developed countries with lax regulations. The Basel Convention is an international treaty intended to restrict this sort of practice, but it has proven difficult to enforce and the United States has not yet ratified the agreement. Because the US has no domestic laws forbidding the export of toxic waste, the Basel Action Network estimates that about 80% of the e-waste directed to recycling in the US does not get recycled there at all but is put on container ships and sent to countries such as China.[4] Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China, India, Kenya, and elsewhere, electronic waste is being sent to these countries for processing – in most cases illegally. Guiyu in Shantou region of China, and Delhi and Bangalore in India, all have electronic waste processing areas.[5] Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste.
See also
References
- ^ Slade, Giles (2007-04-01). "iWaste". Mother Jones. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2003:037:0024:0038:EN:PDF
- ^ http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2003:037:0019:0023:EN:PDF
- ^ America Ships Electronic Waste Overseas By Terence Chea, Associated Press, 11/18/07.
- ^ BAN and SVTC. 2002. "Exporting Harm: The High-Tech Trashing of Asia". Seattle and San Jose: Basel Action Network and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, February 25. Available: http://www.ban.org/E-waste/technotrashfinalcomp.pdf