subject: Guidelines for Disposing of Computer Monitors [print this page] Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste across the world filling up landfills and causing various environmental issues. Computers, especially monitors, contain numerous harmful chemicals that are not only highly threatening for environment but also for human health. A growing number of researchers are reporting direct association with various skin and respiratory diseases and electronic wastes and advising people to become more sensitive about this issue.
The use of electronic equipments is unavoidable but their disposal should be done carefully and in eco-friendly manner.
Reuse and Recycle
Generally, monitors have considerably longer life span than hard drives or any other computer components. On the other hand, a monitor contains most hazardous elements such as lead and cathode-ray-tubes which itself contains five toxic substances. From environmental perspective, it is advisable to use it for the longest possible time. Instead of buying a brand new system, users should go for upgrading and recycling various components in order to extend the computer's life.
The process of manufacturing computer monitor is highly resource intensive and requires high quantities of energy as well as raw materials. If the monitor is sent for landfills, its poisonous elements will contaminate soil, underground water and peripheral air. Ultimately, it will cause infinite health problems such as pneumonitis, inhalation, respiratory, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Recycling is a significant alternative that saves environment. It reduces energy consumption, prevents wastes from going to landfills and belittles the damages to environment and human health.
There are large numbers of companies who take obsolete computers and monitors and prepare recoverable equipments for reuse. One of them is ARS services. The company brings the users into compliance at both the state and federal levels thereby relieving them of any legal liability. The company has the experience as well as the expertise to deal with highly hazardous electronic wastes.
