CAPE COD CHRONICLE RECYCLING COLUMN

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What About E-Waste?

Some time around 1991 we purchased our first home computer and life hasn't been the same since.

For better or worse, computers and other electronics are part of our everyday lives. Printers, copiers, cell phones, DVD players, televisions...the list goes on! And what are we to do with them when they are broken or obsolete? How many of us have a garage or basement with old computer monitors hanging around? You might not feel right about chucking them in the trash, for good reason!

These products pose significant risk to the environment upon disposal due to the presence of chemicals, such as lead and mercury. Burn or bury these items and some of these toxic chemicals enter the environment and end up in our soils, ponds, oceans, streams, and eventually into our food supply!

So what are our options?

Reduce - Maintain and keep equipment as long as possible.

Reuse ­ Donate your used equipment an organization that will accept them for reconditioning and distribution to others that can use them. Check earth911.org for up to date lists. Or donate cds, dvds, videos to the Chatham Recycling Center for charity.

Recyle - The Chatham Recycling Center will accept computer monitors and televisions for recycling. Also consider returning old computer equipment to the manufacturers for recycling, Hewlitt Packard and IBM both accept old items for recycling. U.S. Best Buy stores have kiosks for consumers to drop off old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink-jet cartridges at no cost.

ChathamRecycles.org

spot illustration © 2007 by Bob Staake - All Rights Reserved

article by JD