Recycling Computers and other electronics
I have long contended that computer user groups should be in the forefront of recycling of computers. Let's talk about that...
Cowtown MUG here in Fort Worth has helped of its former members deliver old Macs to grade school kids. The best way to recycle is to let some else put the computer to good use.
Of course, that is not always possible. A recent article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram points out that only 14% of the computers in America are recycled.
The article gives a lot of detail about how dangerous computers, TVs and other electronics are to the environment. Since more than 100 million computers, monitors and TV are taken out of service each year, that is a big need to recycle.
There is a local company, Monitex, that recycle computers full time out of a 44,000 square-foot building. They claim that about 70% of the computers they get are still usable.
The problem is, there isn't a profit in recycling. They have to charge companies to allow them to do the recycling. Of course, most of the brand name computer makers also charge you to recycle your old machine, although sometimes they will waive the fee if you are getting your new computer from them.
Other possible places to recycle:
* 1-800-GOT-JUNK is a Vancouver based service that is francising across America.
www.1800gotjunk.com
* Goodwill Industries in most communities take these electronics as donations, no mater what their condition, although most do not accept TVs.
locator.goodwill.org/
* PC Disposal: www.pcdisposal.com
* Ink cartridges for cash: offers fund-raiser programs
www.ecyclegroup.com
Other options and more detail at: Here (free registration required)
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