What Should I Do with Defunct Computer Equipment?

Every office or business comes upon the same problem sooner or later, and that is what to do with information technology assets. They need to be disposed of, but how should anyone approach this and what are the best and safest methods for the disposal of IT assets that may contain company data?

There are a few considerations, usually to be tackled in this order:

• Security – how can we be sure that we are not going to have our company security compromised during the process of disposal?
• Environment – what is the least damaging way we can dispose of our IT assets and what will happen to them?
• Fiscal – how much is a secure disposal going to cost and what other possible costs may we incur down the line?

There are several responsible and eco-friendly options for dealing with defunct computer equipment:

1. Donate:

If your computer equipment is still functional or can be easily repaired, consider donating it to charities, schools, or non-profit organizations that refurbish and distribute computers to those in need. This extends the life of the equipment and benefits the community.

2. Recycle:

Most electronic devices contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused. Many local authorities and electronics retailers offer recycling programs for computers and other electronics. Check with your local council or electronics stores for their recycling options.

3. Sell or Trade-In:

If your computer equipment still has some value, you might be able to sell it online or to a used electronics store. Some retailers also offer trade-in programs where you can receive credit towards a new purchase.

4. Data Destruction:

Before disposing of any computer equipment, ensure that you have securely erased all personal data from the hard drive or storage devices. You can use software tools designed for secure data wiping or physically destroy the storage devices if necessary.

5. Responsible Disposal:

If none of the above options are feasible, dispose of the equipment responsibly by taking it to a designated e-waste collection center or hazardous waste facility. Avoid simply throwing it in the regular trash as electronic waste can contain harmful substances that can leach into the environment.

Additional Tips:

• Remove any batteries from the equipment before recycling or disposal, as they may require separate handling.
• Check if your local community has any specific e-waste collection events or initiatives.
• Consider donating any usable peripherals or accessories separately if the main computer unit is no longer functional.

By choosing responsible disposal methods, you can help minimize environmental impact and conserve valuable resources.

What are the Impacts of Sending Plastic to Landfill?

Sending plastic to landfill has numerous negative impacts on the environment and human health:

Human Health Impacts:

1. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals: The chemicals released from plastic in landfills can contaminate drinking water sources and soil, leading to potential health risks for humans through ingestion or inhalation.
2. Air Pollution: The burning of plastic in landfills or incinerators releases toxic fumes and pollutants into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
3. Microplastics: Plastic in landfills breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics, which can enter the food chain through water sources and seafood. The long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being studied, but they are a growing concern.

Environmental Impacts

1. Persistence in the Environment:
   • Non-biodegradability: Plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. During this time, they break down into smaller particles, known as microplastics, which can persist in the environment indefinitely.
   • Land Use: Landfills occupy large areas of land, which could otherwise be used for agriculture, conservation, or urban development.
2. Soil and Water Contamination:
   • Leachate Production: As plastics degrade, they can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals.
   • Microplastics: These tiny particles can infiltrate soil and water systems, leading to widespread contamination. Microplastics have been found in various water sources, including oceans, rivers, and even drinking water.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   • Methane Production: Organic materials in landfills decompose anaerobically, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. While plastics themselves do not produce methane, their presence contributes to the overall volume and density of landfill waste, complicating waste management.
   • Energy Consumption: The production and transportation of plastic products consume fossil fuels, contributing to carbon dioxide emissions.
4. Harm to Wildlife:
   • Ingestion and Entanglement: Wildlife can ingest plastic debris or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. This is particularly problematic for marine animals, but land animals can also be affected.Non-Biodegradability: Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it doesn’t break down naturally. It can persist in landfills for hundreds or even thousands of years, taking up valuable space and contributing to the ever-growing problem of waste accumulation.
   • Leaching of Toxic Chemicals: As plastic degrades, it can release harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, into the soil and groundwater. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and potentially enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.
   • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Landfills are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane, and the presence of plastic can hinder the decomposition process, leading to increased methane emissions.
   • Pollution of Waterways and Oceans: Plastic waste from landfills can be carried by wind and rain into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This plastic pollution harms marine life, disrupts ecosystems, and can even enter the human food chain through seafood consumption.

Economic Impacts

1. Waste Management Costs:
   • Landfill Operations: Managing landfills is costly, involving expenses for land acquisition, site preparation, and ongoing maintenance. These costs are often borne by municipalities and, ultimately, taxpayers.
   • Long-term Liability: Even after a landfill is closed, it requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to manage leachate and gas emissions, imposing long-term financial burdens.
2. Lost Economic Value:
   • Resource Wastage: Plastics that are sent to landfills represent a loss of potentially recyclable materials. Recycling plastics can conserve resources and create economic value through the production of new products.
   • Job Creation: The recycling industry can create jobs in collection, sorting, and processing, which are lost when plastics are sent to landfills instead.

Social Impacts

1. Public Health Risks:
   • Exposure to Toxins: Communities near landfills can be exposed to harmful chemicals leaching from plastics, posing risks to human health, including respiratory problems, cancers, and endocrine disruption.
   • Water Quality: Contaminated groundwater from landfill leachate can affect drinking water supplies, leading to public health concerns.
2. Community Impact:
   • Aesthetic and Property Value Decline: Landfills can be unsightly and malodorous, leading to decreased property values and reduced quality of life for nearby residents.
   • Social Inequity: Landfills are often located near low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating social and environmental justice issues.

Conclusion

Overall, the impacts of sending plastic to landfills are far-reaching and multifaceted, affecting environmental health, economic viability, and social well-being. Reducing plastic waste through measures such as recycling, reusing, and minimizing single-use plastics is crucial to mitigating these adverse effects. Sending plastic to landfill is an unsustainable practice with far-reaching negative consequences. It contributes to pollution, climate change, and potential health risks. By reducing plastic consumption, recycling, and promoting alternative disposal methods, we can minimize the negative impacts of plastic waste and work towards a more sustainable future.

Are There Other Dangerous Chemicals in Computers?

Computers and other electronic devices contain several hazardous chemicals beyond the plastics used in their casing and components. These chemicals pose risks to both human health and the environment, particularly when electronic waste (e-waste) is not properly managed. Here’s an overview of some of the dangerous chemicals found in computers:

Heavy Metals

1. Lead:
   • Uses: Found in solder (used to connect components) and in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in older monitors.
   • Risks: Lead exposure can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, and other health issues, particularly in children.
2. Mercury:
   • Uses: Present in some types of switches, relays, and backlighting for LCD screens.
   • Risks: Mercury is highly toxic, affecting the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, and can be particularly harmful to developing fetuses.
3. Cadmium:
   • Uses: Used in rechargeable batteries (nickel-cadmium batteries), as well as in certain semiconductors and pigments.
   • Risks: Cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage, bone loss, and is classified as a human carcinogen.
4. Hexavalent Chromium:
   • Uses: Used for corrosion protection in metal parts.
   • Risks: This chemical is highly toxic and can cause lung cancer, kidney damage, and skin irritation.

Flame Retardants

1. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs):
   • Uses: Added to plastics and foam to reduce flammability.
   • Risks: PBDEs can disrupt endocrine function, affect brain development, and are persistent in the environment.
2. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA):
   • Uses: Commonly used in the production of printed circuit boards.
   • Risks: TBBPA can have toxic effects on the liver and thyroid, and can also disrupt hormone functions.

Other Hazardous Substances

1. Beryllium:
   • Uses: Found in connectors and motherboards.
   • Risks: Beryllium is a known human carcinogen and can cause chronic beryllium disease (a debilitating lung condition) if inhaled as dust or fumes.
2. Phthalates:
   • Uses: Used as plasticizers in cables and flexible plastic components.
   • Risks: Phthalates can disrupt endocrine function and are associated with reproductive and developmental issues.
3. Arsenic:
   • Uses: Used in certain types of semiconductors and LEDs.
   • Risks: Arsenic exposure can cause skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurotoxicity.

Environmental and Health Impacts

1. Environmental Pollution:
   • When improperly disposed of, these chemicals can leach into the soil and groundwater, leading to long-term environmental contamination.
   • Burning e-waste can release toxic fumes and contribute to air pollution.
2. Occupational Hazards:
   • Workers in recycling facilities, especially in developing countries with less stringent regulations, are at high risk of exposure to these hazardous chemicals.
   • Proper safety protocols and protective equipment are often lacking, increasing the risk of health problems among workers.

As well as this, computers contain a variety of other potentially dangerous chemicals besides lead and mercury:

1. Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs): These chemicals are used in plastics, circuit boards, and cables to reduce flammability. However, they can disrupt hormone function, affect neurological development, and may cause cancer.
2. Cadmium: This heavy metal is found in chip resistors, semiconductors, and older CRT monitors. It can damage the kidneys, lungs, and bones, and is considered a human carcinogen.
3. Beryllium: This lightweight metal is used in some connectors and motherboards. It can cause lung disease and cancer in people exposed to it.
4. Hexavalent Chromium: Used in some metal coatings and plating, this chemical can cause lung cancer and damage to the respiratory system.
5. Phthalates: These plasticizers are used to make cables and other plastic components more flexible. They can disrupt hormone function and may cause reproductive and developmental problems.
6. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): This plastic is used in cables and insulation. It can release toxic dioxins and furans when burned, and its manufacture can also be harmful to the environment.

Conclusion

The presence of hazardous chemicals in computers underscores the importance of proper e-waste management and recycling. Regulations and practices that ensure safe handling, recycling, and disposal of electronic devices can mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with these dangerous substances. Additionally, advancements in designing electronics with safer materials can help reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals.It’s important to note that the amount of exposure to these chemicals from using a computer is generally low, and newer models often contain fewer hazardous substances. However, the real risk comes from improper disposal or recycling of electronic waste, which can release these chemicals into the environment and pose a threat to human health and ecosystems. It is therefore crucial to dispose of old computers responsibly by recycling them through certified e-waste recycling programs or donating them to organizations that refurbish and reuse them. This can help minimize the negative environmental and health impacts of these chemicals.

Recycling computer equipment such as recycling PCs and recycling IT assets is a vital step towards improving our relationship with planet Earth.