It is estimated that between 1997 and 2007, nearly 500 million personal computers will have become obsolete.  That’s almost 2 computers for every person living in the United States. 

TV’s and computer monitors contain an average of 4 pounds of lead, as well as other toxins.

According to Closing the Circle News, the manufacture of one computer consumes 529 pounds of fossil fuels, 49 pounds of chemicals, and 3,307 pounds of water.  The combined weight of the materials used is equivalent to the weight of a rhinoceros or sport utility vehicle

What Is Electronic Waste?

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is non-working, obsolete, or unwanted computers, monitors, televisions, audio/visual equipment, printers, scanners, copiers, keyboards, mice, and other home electronic equipment. 

Electronic waste is a relatively new problem facing our environment and the quality of our natural resources.  Once upon a time, computers were huge machines, mainly comprised of metal, which were maintained for years, and recycled as metal at the end of their lifespan.  Over the past several decades, dramatic advances in technology have diversified the types of electronic devices accessible to most businesses and families.  In both our personal and working lives, our reliance on electronics continues to grow.  

Currently, non-working and obsolete electronics comprise a small amount of the municipal solid waste stream, however, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, projects that nationwide nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years.  The majority of end of life electronics will be disposed of in landfills, incinerated, or remain in storage for extended periods of time.

As Americans continue to be introduced to newer, faster, smaller, and more attractive     electronics, the amount of electronic waste generated by households and businesses will continue to grow, leading to a need for creative and environmentally friendly solutions to the disposal of end of life electronics.