With the increasing technological advancements, we have come to rely heavily on high-tech conveniences – cell phones, fax machines, and computers. Some of us say our lives now depend on them. But what happens when they’re no longer useful? They become high-tech trash — a dirty secret we often think little about.

E-waste is a collective name for discarded electronic devices that enter the waste stream. Electronic waste management is now an issue of environment and health concern. Every year, we are throwing away millions of pieces of high-tech equipments. The plastic from the computer, tin and other metals in addition to the potentially toxic ingredients like lead and cadmium are causes of concern.

Why bother recycling e-waste?

• 500 million PCs will become obsolete between 2000 and 2010.
• This year alone, 70 million PCs will become obsolete.
• For every nine PCs made this year, only one will be recycled.
• 75 percent of obsolete computers are sitting in storage.
• A computer monitor contains an average of four pounds of lead.
• E-scrap is responsible for 70 percent of all heavy metals found in U.S. landfills.
• More than half of computer waste collected is exported to countries such as China where workers often are exposed to toxins and where waste is mishandled.

We at Computer Hardware Services are committed to environmental protection. We have been constantly supporting the manufacturers who are trying to remove hazardous substances such as lead and mercury from computers. For example, the lead in solder will likely be phased out over the next five years.

We have been working with the industry partners towards a comprehensive e-waste management plan. The plan will consist of e-waste collection at no-cost or nominal cost basis from individuals, organizations, businesses and corporations. The working equipment will be resold in store or made available to nonprofit organizations, new business and students in need. The non-working equipment will be sent to a reclaiming facility.