Lawrence Tech University held its first electronic recycling drive last month. The University took in over one ton of eWaste according to TechNews. The event helped raise awareness about the dangers of electronic waste. There are real environmental dangers associated with discarded electrical and electronic equipment.
Computers contain:
- Beryllium,
- Chromium,
- Lead,
- Mercury,
- PVC.
CRT’s contain:
- Barium compounds,
- Bromine-based flame retardants (BFRs),
- Up to 8 pounds of lead,
- Mercury,
- Phosphors compounds,
- PVC.
LCD monitors contain:
- All the above,
- Mercury in backlights.
Batteries
- Lead
- Mercury,
- Mercury oxide,
- Nickel, and cadmium. (Nicad)
- Silver oxide,
- Sulfuric acid
- Zinc carbon.
Inkjet inks and laser tone cartridges:
- Bromine-based flame retardants (BFRs).
- PVC.
Copper Ethernet cables are often jacketed in PVC.
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.