How to recycle computer hardware

According to a European Union directive drafted in 2003, the daily household use of computer hardware is contributing to the fastest growing category of rubbish in the world. Malcolm Wicks, the UK Energy Minister at the time, reported that the UK alone was producing over 1 million tonnes of electronic waste per year. Much of it ends up in landfills with damaging consequences to the environment. The EU passed a law to make computer manufacturers and retailers responsible for the safe disposal of discarded computers, but private households also have responsibilities.

Consequences

• The consequence of throwing away old computers has been documented by Greenpeace. According to the campaigning organisation computers contain toxic chemicals that can leach into the environment over time. Computer hardware contains heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead, as well as toxic dioxins and furans in the PVC plastic used in the manufacture of most computer casings. Traces of mercury have found their way into the food chain, especially fish, with harmful effects.

Law

• In the European Union the safe disposal and recycling of computer hardware is now governed by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations which came into force in the UK in 2007 and were amended in 2008 and 2009. This makes it the responsibility of computer manufacturers, distributors and retailers and local authorities to safely recycle and reuse computer hardware.

Private Households

• Private households are not specifically governed by WEEE, but its implementation is still significant. Computer distributors are now required to provide consumers with free collection and take back systems when buying a replacement item and to make this information available at the point-of-sale. This is therefore the easiest way to recycle old computer hardware and ensure its safe disposal. Computer distributors are closely enforced by the WEEE Regulations via Enforcement Officers.

Non WEEE Recycling

• If your unwanted computer hardware pre-dates WEEE, or you are unable to contact your original retailer or producer, there are a number of agencies that can help safely recycle computers. Many will refurbish and donate it to charities, schools and community groups in the UK or developing countries. Look for your nearest at reuze.co.uk or itforcharities.co.uk.

Charities

• Many charities accept direct donations of unwanted computer hardware which they can data-wipe, test, refurbish and send to education, health and non-profit organisations around the world. Computer Aid has provided over 160,000 refurbished computers to 100 countries worldwide. Oxfam can only accept computer hardware donations from companies but recommends contacting Computer for African Schools who employ prison inmates in training schemes to repurpose computers for organisations such as the British Council and VSO.