By Teresa Mendez-Quigley from Women’s Health & Environmental Network (WHEN)
The top US manufacturers of computers have recently made announcements about their taking responsibility for the end-of-life of their products. Given the numerous components it takes to make a computer, including both precious metals and toxic substances, it’s important to ensure that valuable resources don’t get wasted and toxic materials don’t damage the environment or people’s health. However, end-of-life for a computer is not the only issue.
Creating computers with safer components is essential for protecting our health. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), the new procurement tool designed to help institutions identify greener computers, has been released. It’s a good resource when looking at purchasing new computers and accessories that are made with environmentally safer materials. Visit www.epeat.net.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) offers several ways to handle the aging equipment in your home or office through earth- and community-friendly options that benefit you, your company or others. HP makes it easy to trade-in, recycle, reuse or donate your aging IT assets. For detailed information go to www.hp.com/hpinfo. HP is on target to meet its global goal to recycle 1 billion pounds of hardware and HP print cartridges by the end of 2007.
Got Dell? Dell has made a public announcement of their new take-back program where they will take back any Dell for free, worldwide. Previously, you had to pay for shipping your Dell back to them, but now, you visit dell.com and print off your label then call for pickup. Remember, this is only for Dell computers. To see a comparison of programs, see the chart on the Computer Take-Back Campaign website.
Each computer company has its own offerings for businesses. Check out their websites to see if they offer take-backs with or without new purchases. Each purchasing department should be aware of the best offers that include end-of-life decisions.
Recyclers who sign the Pledge of True Stewardship commit to proper recycling downstream (i.e., ensure environmental stewardship by those who buy the glass, mercury, etc.). We don’t need more computers in our landfills or shipped to China, India or Africa for dismantling and reclaiming parts. For more information on this Pledge and who has signed it, visit the Basel Action Network website at www.ban.org.
Computers have become key components to our operations and communications. Unfortunately, they are hazardous and costly to dispose of. Using these resources can help guide you to better choices up front.
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