An Accumulating Toxic Problem: eWaste
New technologies, new versions of operating systems and software that demand newer, more powerful computers. You can now do things on your entry-level computer that only the super-computers of days past could even dream of thinking about. Where do all these unwanted electronics go, and why does it matter? You got it--most find their way into landfills. Most of the electronics that get this one way ticket were prime candidates for recycling.
This is a huge problem because many localities consider waste electronics to be hazardous waste, especially computers, monitors & TVs, which need to be disposed of properly! Electronics contain a number of heavy metals and compounds that are hazardous to human health and to the environment if they are not properly managed. Some of the hazardous or valuable metals and compounds found in most electronics are: Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Chromium VI, 
Arsenic, Gold, Silver, Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) and of course lots of plastic. All of these items require significant energy and create pollution to manufacture, and when equipment is just discarded, these resources cannot be recovered, causing even more pollution in order to manufacture new products out of virgin materials. So what can be done?
Don't send your old electronics to the landfill! Find a place to have them recycled. Many electronics retailers allow you to recycle your old equipment for free if you purchase a new replacement. For example, Crutchfield® in Charlottesville provides a one-stop electronics recycling center, where you can recycle any unwanted electronics for a small fee, or for free if you are purchasing a replacement. Please click here to visit their website. Also, see the EPA's eCycling Frequently Asked Questions website for more information.
