Help! What Do I Do with My Old Computer Equipment?

by Glen A. Kashgegian

Reverse Logistics Magazine, Edition 16

Chicago's Public School CTO Robert Runcie is responsible for managing computer hardware in more than 600 public schools. Unfortunately, Chicago's fiscal challenges have handcuffed Runcie making his job very difficult. According to an article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune, "Each Chicago area school gets its own budget for purchasing and supporting its own computers. This has led to some massive problems, as schools struggle to find their way in unfamiliar territory." The article talks about how schools struggle with problems relating to the acquisition, maintenance and recently the disposal of old computers. Typically, the funding that is provided to schools is usually targeted for the acquisition and maintenance of computers. There usually is no consideration given to the disposal of the old computers. The challenges Mr. Runcie faces are not unique to the Chicago Public School System. School systems across the country face a similar dilemma in what to do with old, outdated computer hardware.

As technology continues to advance, the useful life of computers will continue to shrink. The useful life of a computer today is roughly three years and this is shrinking! A typical computer has many negative influences on the environment, anywhere from the manufacturing the computer to the disposal of the computer. Studies estimate that 300 to 600 million desktop and laptop computers in the US will soon be obsolete. These computers contain more than 1.2 billion pounds of lead. About 40% of the heavy metals found in landfills across America include lead, mercury and cadmium. These come from discarded electronic equipment¹. When we watch TV, use our computer or listen to the radio we give little or no thought to the materials used in building these products. Unfortunately, several environment unfriendly materials are used in the manufacture of these products. The chart below shows the kinds of materials that are found in a ton of random electronic boards.

In addition to the environmental impact of old computers, new computer manufacturing has an impact on our environment as well. With 25 million new computer systems manufactured in the US each year, new computer manufacturing requires the consumption of approximately one million barrels of crude oil and 7.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas every year².

THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERS

Several computer makers have taken a proactive approach in addressing the environmental issues of computer disposal. Both Dell and HP have instituted recycling programs for consumers through buy back programs. On the other hand Apple computer has been environmentalist's biggest disappointment by fighting environmental initiatives. In an April Business Week article, Jon Hinck, staff attorney for Maine's Natural Resources Council, says that "during Maine's legislative fight on buy back programs, Apple was doing more than any manufacturer to fight the bill." The article goes on to point out that Apple's CEO Steven P. Jobs publicly dismissed the gripe with profanity³. Apple has also come under fire recently regarding the eco-unfriendliness of the iPod⁴. This certainly doesn't help end users with their computer/electronics disposal dilemma.

Consider this: Groundwater near a landfill has become contaminated and people living in close proximity have come down with a mysterious illness. In investigating the cause, representatives from the EPA have discovered that the landfill had become contaminated by old computer systems that had been improperly disposed. Upon further investigation authorities have discovered old computers with your school's asset tags on them. Unfortunately your problems have just begun! Even though you thought you disposed of the old computer equipment properly, you may still be liable.

In addition, regulations regarding the disposal of computer equipment vary considerably from state to state. States such as Massachusetts, California and Minnesota have made it illegal to landfill monitors. Several states have proposed legislation that will make it illegal to landfill all computer equipment. So what does the school or end user do to properly dispose of their old computer equipment?

HELP IS ON THE WAY!

The first step in dealing with your old computer hardware is to develop a disposal plan. Most organizations/individuals end up storing their old computers. Unfortunately this is not a viable option because it takes up valuable space. Another alternative is to simply throw the old computer in the trash. As previously mentioned this is not a good idea either. In addition to the potential legal liabilities involved, you also expose yourself to identity theft by having someone recover sensitive information off the hard drive. The most viable options are to reuse, recycle or trade-in your old computer hardware.

Studies have shown that reusing one in ten computers reduces total energy use by 8.6 percent and 5.2 percent respectively. In contrast, recycling the materials from one in ten computers only saves 0.43 percent by replacing demand for virgin materials⁵.

If you chose to recycle your computer hardware it is important that you consider the following. Make sure to deal with reputable recyclers. Then take steps to protect your data! Deleting files is not sufficient to protect your data. You should remove the hard drive and if possible drill a hole through it. You should also remove any identification from the computer such as company name or asset tags. This will prevent computer hackers from identifying where the computer came from. If you chose to give it to a recycling company make sure the recycling company provides you with copies of their EPA and local DEP permits. Also insist on written documentation as to how the computer will be disposed of. You should keep this information in a safe place because there is not statute of limitations for polluters.

If you chose to reuse or extend the useful life of your computer product, there are several reputable companies that provide service parts and repair on older or previously enjoyed assets. Most of these companies can also help you if and when you decide to dispose of these computers. However the same rules apply! You should insist on copies of their recycling permits as well as written documentation on how your asset will be disposed.

Glen A. Kashgegian, BSET, MBA is President of Blue Raven Technology, Inc. Blue Raven is one of the nation's largest provider's of out of warranty computer parts. With over 10,000 sku's and 125,000 parts in inventory, the chances are good that Blue Raven has what you need to upgrade/extend the useful life of your computer. Should you decide to recycle or trade-in your computer, you can rest easy. Blue Raven is a federally licensed recycler. Not only will Blue Raven properly dispose of your computer, chances are your computer will be used to extend the life of another computer, which in turn, helps our environment.