FreeGeek Central Florida

A Gadget Census Report published earlier this month has revealed some uncomfortable facts about e-waste recyclingnamely, that even people who know their options don’t take advantage of them. The study, which surveyed 7,500 people, revealed that more than 60 of people say they don’t recycle used devices like computers, phones, and TVs. 25 of those said the reason was that they “didn’t get around to it”; 17 said they didn’t know how; 11 said there were no programs nearby; a minority 7 said they didn’t care.However, people may find the issue higher on their to-do list in the near future. Consumer electronics site Retrevo estimates that by the end of the year, there will be enough electronic waste to cover Manhattan three feet deep. By 2020, the amount of e-waste “could fill enough dump trucks to circle the earth twice.” It’s more important than ever that we tackle this problem head-on, and organizations like Free Geek are here to help.

We know that technology is constantly changing, and that devices often pass their prime in a matter of years (or months). So what do you do with that computer you bought a few years ago when you’re ready to upgrade? The first answer is that you don’t simply throw it out. Electronic scraps in computers, cell phones, TVs, refrigerators, and other devices can include plenty of nasty ingredients that can harm the environment and the human workers who transport them. These include beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. Meanwhile, the EPA regards cathode ray tubes (CRTs, which are used in computer monitors and television screens) as “hazardous household waste.” Unfortunately, most of this ends up in landfills or incinerators. (more…)