Computer E-Waste in Australia
Australians bought 2.4 million new computers last year (2008), sent 1.6 million old computers to landfill, and 500,000 went into storage facilities - alongside the 5.3 million already sitting around in storage warehousing.
As this hardware breaks down over time, dangerous toxins leach into the groundwater, contaminating the earth, waterways and ultimately us.
A standard sized cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, for example, contains more than two kilos of lead. The toxicity of lead has been well known for centuries, with children particularly susceptible to its adverse effects.
Other toxins heavy metals contained in PC components include mercury, phosphor, barium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, beryllium and bromated flame retardants.
Electronic components also contain valuable raw materials, such as copper, iron, silicon, nickel and gold, which can be collected and Understanding your carbon footprint is the first step in doing something positive for our environment. Simply calculate and offset elements or all of your life and we will plant native tree(s) to offset your emissions. Our forestry offsets are in addition to Australia’s Kyoto targets so you can feel comfortable that your voluntary contribution will make a difference.
A standard sized cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, for example, contains more than two kilos of lead. The toxicity of lead has been well known for centuries, with children particularly susceptible to its adverse effects.
Other toxins heavy metals contained in PC components include mercury, phosphor, barium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, beryllium and bromated flame retardants.
Electronic components also contain valuable raw materials, such as copper, iron, silicon, nickel and gold, which can be collected and reused.
Applying innovative methods of disassembly (no shredding) and carefully managing resulting waste streams, The recycling process stops 98% of all contaminants from endangering our planet preventing them from entering landfill.