| E waste is one of the most serious issues that has | | | | that installs various measures to aware computer |
| engulfed the whole world. The obsolete computers, if | | | | hardware manufacturers as well as consumers about |
| not treated properly can become a major source of | | | | the hazards of e-waste. Information on the dangers |
| toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low | | | | involved in improper disposal of computer hardware is |
| initial cost and even planned obsolescence have | | | | provided to the computer labs. The supply of quality |
| resulted in a fast growing environmental concerns | | | | hardware is also restricted to beneficiaries only. CFA |
| across the globe. Though many countries boast of | | | | provides comprehensive on-site ICT support to |
| technical solutions but in most cases a legal | | | | beneficiaries, ensuring the equipment functions for |
| framework, a collection system, logistics and other | | | | the longest possible time with the greatest positive |
| services need to be implemented before a technical | | | | impact. |
| solution can be applied. E waste comprise 2% of | | | | To counter this further, Userful desktops are being |
| America's total trash and 70 percent of overall toxic | | | | deployed all around the world with a typical |
| waste. In the United States, an estimated 70% of | | | | configuration of six stations per computer. Research |
| heavy metals in landfills come from discarded | | | | has shown that Userful products can reduce |
| electronics. | | | | electronic waste by up to 80 percent, further |
| Recycling is one of the most effective ways to | | | | decreasing its environmental footprint. It was |
| prevent the hazard of e waste. Many material used in | | | | supported by the data that stated that in the past |
| the construction of hardware can be recovered and | | | | year, Userful desktops have helped to minimise the |
| recycled. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a | | | | computer hardware waste by 29,000 tons of CO2 |
| variety of plastics – all present in bulk in | | | | emissions, which is equivalent to taking more than |
| computers – is possible and can reduce the costs | | | | 5,000 cars off the road. |
| of constructing new systems. Electronic devices like | | | | The consumers too need to get sensitive about the |
| including audio-visual components (televisions, VCRs, | | | | whole issue when the impact of computer hardware |
| stereo equipment), mobile phones and other | | | | on environment, is in discussion. We should look for |
| hand-held devices, and computer components, also | | | | eco friendly ways to dispose off the computer |
| contain valuable elements and substances that are | | | | waste and follow the recycling programmes all over |
| suitable for reclamation. Powering and cooling | | | | the country. There are various companies like Sony, |
| computers is an increasing contributor to global | | | | Toshiba and Gateway that offer take back |
| warming and the power it consumes also contribute | | | | programmes that provide monetary incentives for |
| to a negative effect on the environment. | | | | recyclable and/or working technologies. One should |
| In this regard, various government as well as non | | | | go for reuse and up gradation of the present PC |
| government agencies have taken significant initiatives | | | | unless it is very essential to dispose off. Selling off |
| to curb it. One of the main organisation that takes | | | | the old computers to the used product market is |
| the responsibility of checking the e waste is CFA, | | | | another option. |