Computer Disposal

Recovery  News  2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-31/planet-ark-founders-cut-ties-with-lost-organisation/4167146

Waste management is a major issue with millions of computers being disposed of every year. Here are some tips to help the environment.

1. Donate your old working computer to a school or charity. They might be able to keep it going for a bit longer.

2. Give your non working system to a trade or electronic school.

3. Dispose of it thoughtfully to a recycling agent.






What kind of metals are  in a computer Motherboard?   Check out the chart.
Listed below is a desciption of  some of the more critically harmful
 substances found in computers

Cadmium

A known Carcinogen. It can cause high blood pressure, iron poor
 blood and liver disease. Not the most common product in a 
computer but a seriously harmful metal. Most of the cadmium 
used in computer is part of the battery. It is essential that
 it is disposed of  with consideration to the environment.

http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cd.htm

Mercury


Mercury is the least used product found in a computer motherboard. However due to the large quantity of these boards being accumlated the mercury can
 accumulate and an pose issues regarding health.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)#Treatment


Lead


Lead has been used for thousands of years. The adverse effect on

 human health is well known. It continues to be used because
 it is essential in the contruction of modern equipment. Disposal 
of this equipment needs to be managed. The results of the 
abuse of lead can lead to harmfull effects on human health
 and development. Some symptoms are


  • appetite loss
  • abdominal pain
  • constipation
  • fatigue
  • sleeplessness
  • irritability
  • headache
  • Kidney damage.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/lead-plomb-eng.php#il


Bromine

At 56 pounds per Ton Bromine is in the top range of non metallic elements that are harmful to biological organisms. The concern with this substance is the accumulation of the product as waste and the leaching of it into the water supply and soil

http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/br.htm




Antimony

At high levels this substance can be harmful to human health and well being but the evidence as yet is not clear on how harmful it can be in causing cancer. It can cause lung disease  where people are exposed to the substance in high concentrations. 

http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/sb.htm



*******
This link transfers to the Wollongong City Council Computer Waste Management



Materials Found In A Ton Of
Random Electronic Board
MATERIAL
LBS/TON
MATERIAL
LBS/TON
PLASTICS
600
GOLD
1
COPPER
286
CADMIUM
0.79
IRON
90
TANTALUM
0.38
MOLYBDENUM
0.31
BROMINE
56
PALLADIUM
0.25
LEAD
54
BERYLLIUM
0.18
TIN
44
COBALT
0.17
NICKEL
40
CERIUM
0.1
ANTIMONY
22
PLATINUM
0.07
ZINC
9
LANTHANUM
0.06
SILVER
1
MERCURY
0.02
SOURCE: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK

World Wildlife Fund Link

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are very similar to larger computers, they possess the same chemical elements. The phones are not biodegradeable yet most of the substances inside can be recovered for further productive use. Recycle at your local pick up point like the one listed below to prevent harmful chemical concentrations entering the environment.




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