Computers and Electronics

The U.S. EPA estimates that more than 3.2 million tons of electronics are landfilled each year. Computers are typically discarded about every 3 to 5 years. By 2005, nearly 250 million computers are expected to become obsolete.

In 2001, 11% of personal computers were recycled, including recovery of steel, glass, plastic, and precious metals. According to E-Scrap News, more than 1,000 U.S. communities now provide some kind of electronics recycling (periodic events, drop-off, or door-to-door collection). Communities may charge a collection fee.

About 50 new e-scrap processing firms were established in the U.S. in 2003. According to the International Association of Electronics Recyclers e-scrap reclaimers employ 7,000 in processing 40 million electronics products annually.

• Get "Ten Tips for Donating your Computer."
• Get information on the U.S. EPA's Plug in to E-cycling campaign.
• For consumer information on electronics recycling and reuse opportunities, visit the Consumer Education Initiative.
• Dell and Best Buy have also established electronics collection programs.