| Although there has been a recent growing awareness | | | | program is even more important because failure to |
| about the importance of caring for our environment, | | | | properly recycle can cost your business greatly. |
| most of our attention is turned toward issues such | | | | Recycling batteries is particularly important simply |
| as alternative fuel sources and global warming. These | | | | because we use so many of them and because they |
| topics are certainly important and do merit attention, | | | | contain so many toxic chemicals. Luckily, it is easy to |
| but there are other simple tasks that you can do on | | | | find companies that will accept batteries for recycling. |
| a regular basis that will also help to keep our Earth | | | | In fact, many retail stores will recycle batteries. |
| better protected. One of these tasks is to participate | | | | These include: |
| in computer and electronics recycling programs. | | | | - Best Buy |
| Why You Should Participate in Computer and | | | | - Circuit City |
| Electronics Recycling Programs | | | | - Office Max |
| There are many reasons for participating in computer | | | | - Office Depot |
| and electronics recycling programs. We all know that, | | | | - Radio Shack |
| in general terms, recycling is beneficial because it | | | | Old computers and computer equipment can also be |
| reuses materials rather than putting them in landfills or | | | | recycled. So, if your equipment is so old that it is no |
| incinerating them. Recycling also reduces pollution and | | | | longer useful or if it is so damaged that it cannot be |
| helps save natural resources because materials do | | | | repaired, turn it into a recycling program. With these |
| not have to be developed from scratch. | | | | programs, the equipment will be dismantled and all of |
| When it comes to computer and electronics recycling, | | | | the useable parts and materials will be removed. |
| however, there are even more benefits. More | | | | Another option is to donate your computer if it is still |
| specifically, failing to recycle computer and electronics | | | | usable. |
| equipment unnecessarily releases toxins into our | | | | You can generally get computers recycled by handing |
| environment. | | | | them over to major manufacturers. These include: |
| Looking at Some Frightening Facts | | | | - Acer |
| Right now, you may be using a computer to read | | | | - Apple |
| this article. But, do you know that computers are the | | | | - Dell |
| number one cause of electronic waste? With all of | | | | - Epson |
| the different components and with the quick | | | | - Gateway |
| evolution of computer technology, consumers are | | | | - Hewlett Packard |
| going through computers rapidly as they try to keep | | | | - IBM |
| up with the changes. | | | | - Lexmark |
| Unfortunately, many consumers are actually hanging | | | | - NEC |
| on to their old electronic devices. In fact, according | | | | Many states and counties also have special |
| to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, about 75% of | | | | government programs for computer and electronics |
| electronics that are now obsolete are actually being | | | | recycling. You can contact your local waste |
| stored. This means we will be facing some major | | | | management company or local government officials |
| disposal issues when consumers finally decide to get | | | | to find out more about these types of programs. |
| rid of these devices. | | | | These government sponsored recycling programs |
| Safely Disposing of Computers and Electronics | | | | may be free or you may have to pay a fee in order |
| When it comes to computer and electronics recycling, | | | | to use the program. |
| you actually have many options available to you. This | | | | By taking advantage of these computer and |
| is partially because of growing environmental | | | | electronics recycling programs, you can prevent |
| concerns, but also because there are numerous laws | | | | hazardous materials from leaking into the |
| regarding recycling. In fact, there are over 500 laws | | | | environment and causing harm to our Earth. In |
| in the United States regarding recycling! | | | | addition, you can rest easy in knowing that you are |
| Thankfully, you don't have to know all of the details | | | | properly following the laws that have been |
| of each of these laws. All you really need to do is | | | | established by your local government as well as by |
| find a company that specializes in computer and | | | | the State and Federal government. That makes |
| electronics recycling. If you are a business owner, | | | | computer and electronics recycling a win-win situation |
| participating in a computer and electronics recycling | | | | for everyone involved! |