The dumping of old computer equipment can contaminate the entire eco-system. Hazardous materials like lead, metals and mercury that are found in computer components can have a severe impact on the environment – important link. More than 30 percent of Monitor weight is made up of hazardous lead materials. The amount of lead in a monitor can range from four to eight pound depending on its size. In light of the harmful factors, the Environmental Protection Agency has made the law on computer disposal quite complex.

Recycling laws

As of 2010, the EPA did not set any specific parameters for computer recycling. However, many countries, such as France, Germany and Japan, but also the United States of America Canada and the United Kingdom have done so. They have expressed their interest in recycling obsolete and old computers. Environmental Protection Agency raises public awareness of the hazardous chemicals found in computer equipments, other electronic devices and how they can harm both human and environmental health. EPA also published important guidelines, such as that CRT monitors less than a one-year old, and in good working order, cannot be considered hazardous waste. Instead, these should be repurposed after undergoing certain changes. EPA encourages manufacturers to request that their clients exchange old monitors when purchasing new models. These strategies are sure to reduce pollution.

Dangerous Waste Disposal Laws

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, implements strategies for dealing with obsolete and old computer components that are hazardous waste. RCRA, for example, instructs recyclers that shredded circuit boards waste should be considered hazardous and kept in tightly sealed containers. RCRA advises that it should not be left out in the open as it will cause great damage to the environment.