What are the poper way to dipose broken computers rather than throwing it into the dump? Experts estimate that about 1 billion computers will be discarded by 2010. The discarded items often are known as e-waste.. Computers thrown into landfills or burned in incinerators can pollute the ground and the air. One solution is to recycle old computers. Some lawmakers prefer a more aggressive approach, such as setting up a recycling program that would be paid for by adding a $10 fee to the purchase price of computers and computer equipment, or forcing computer makers to be responsible for collecting and recycling their products. California already requires a recycling fee for any products sold that include old monitors and other equipment. Manufacturers have taken steps, such as offering to recycle old computers and using energy efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, but some claim that consumers should bear the responsibility of disposing of their old computers parts. Several have reduced the amount of toxic material in their products, and manufacturers have set up their own recycling programs, for which users pay a fee. Manufacturers have taken steps, such as offering to recycle old computers and using energy efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, but some claim that consumers should bear the responsibility of disposing of their old computers parts. Several have reduced the amount of toxic material in their products, and manufacturers have set up their own recycling programs, for which users pay a fee. What can be done to ensure that computers are disposed of safely? Should government, manufacturers, or users be responsible for safe disposal? How can computer users be motivated to recycle obsolete equipment? How can society make it easier to donate used equipment?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I live in Canada.When we buy an electric product we have to pay a recycling fee. We have recycling depots that you have to take all your
stuff to and they are reduced to their component parts and they are
recycled. It is easy. Also in my city we have a place we can take them and the hard drives are wiped cleaned and they are fixed up and donated to families that can;t afford them or to local non profit organizations. 100% 1 Vote

Other Answers (4)

• It is my understanding that the Goodwill stores will take in and handle any electrical or electronic items. 0% 0 Votes
• In my region you can take it to your local household hazardous waste site for free. They recycle and properly dispose of them.
  
  There%26#039;s also plenty of charities like Goodwill or some international groups that will take them, fix them up, and donate or sell them.
  
  Both these solutions are free. The 1st one you have to drive it to the drop off yourself, but many of the charities will pick it up. I don%26#039;t know how much easier it could be than simply making a phone call and putting it on the front porch.
  
  As far as responsibility, the altruistic side of me says my parents taught me that if you want something you have to know how to take care of it and that extends to being informed and planning for responsible disposal. The practical side of me says that people won%26#039;t care enough to be informed without intervention from lawmakers and manufacturers. I do believe education is the key. If people really knew the problem and how it affects them (key being it affects them) they may be more likely to take the right actions. 0% 0 Votes
• Stores like Staples have made it easy - I just take my PC or printer, pay a small fee and they recycle it for me. I%26#039;ve used their service twice, and it%26#039;s a piece of cake. If recycling electronics gets as easy as taking your cans to the grocery store for a tiny refund, we will all be doing it tomorrow.
  Yes, there should be a mandate by gov%26#039;nt - too much mercury and such to allw PC%26#039;s to go to landfills. If it was required that PC%26#039;s contain a certain % of recycled content, then scrap electronics would give people some refund money incentive to recycle - electronics manufacturers would need/buy the materials with which to build their product, and those selling it would need to give consumers a reason to bring in thier old stuff (again, a tiny refund). 0% 0 Votes
• I would first like to say thanks to the person who posted the question about recycling computers. It shows me there is still people in this world who care. :-)
  
  I own a computer recycling center in Mascoutah Illinois, We accept used, broken, or even still working computers, monitors, keyboards, computer speakers, and computer towers, FOR FREE!!!
  
  Basically we accept any of the computer components, by dropping them off at our drop site in Mascoutah illinois. Our number there is 618-566-4102, if you have any question, Please feel free to call us and for more information.
  
  We are also offering free pick up for computers and laptops in large quantities.
  
  I do this because, I want to employ 3000 people and more, I want to bring jobs back to southern Illinois. Ones that will not be sent over seas!!
  
  Also to stop the Computers and e-waste from being thrown into landfills or burned in incinerators and polluting the ground and the air. 0% 0 Votes