Electronic products are an integral part of everyday life. They are often used for communication, daily updating of information, data storage, etc. As a result, individuals and businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to live without them. However, electronic devices such as computers have posed a problem of waste disposal. Large amounts of computers end up in closets, storage areas, garages, attics, landfills and illegal dumps when they become obsolete. Due to environmental concerns, computer recycling is highly recommended for the following reasons:
· Reduce hazardous materials
Computers contain components that can harm the environment. These components include cathode ray tubes, which are essentially the image tubes of computer screens. These glass components contain lead. Printed circuit boards in computers are also dangerous. They contain mercury, lead, cadmium and chromium. Computer batteries may contain cadmium, nickel, mercury and lead. Although these components are not a problem when buying the product, they become a source of concern when they are removed at a time when the machine is obsolete. As a result, recycling prevents these hazardous materials from entering the environment.
· Contribute to charity
Computers are often refurbished by various established programs. These refurbished computers are typically used at school to help children, especially in poor communities. This helps to extend the school’s budget to other needs. Some of the refurbished computers are provided to non-profit organizations and to people who can not afford to buy new computers.
· Reduces manufacturing costs
Recycled computers generate large amounts of reusable components. Computers are often disassembled to support the repackaging program. Many of these components are often removed for reuse. For example, the processor is often disassembled and the electronic parts sold to various recyclers or manufacturers. Some of these important parts include the processor, the power supply, the rechargeable battery, the hard disk, the memory chips, the circuit board and various sound and video cards. The metal components of the computer are normally separated and delivered to scrap dealers. The articles are then sold to founders who melt them into new products.
· Workforce Training Tool
Computer refurbishment programs are an excellent platform where people have the perfect opportunity to train and learn computer skills. Refurbishment programs provide these training tools to young adults, correctional institutions, and the physically and mentally handicapped. Correctional facilities help inmates develop computer skills. Upon release, these skills would help them find a job.