The never-ending technology lifecycle mandates replacing old computers every few years. But what ha
ppens to the old PCs after you don't want them anymore? Before you dump them, examine your responsibilities as a lawyer and possible options for safely disposing of old computers.
- Over 90% of discarded computers are stockpiled, sent to landfills or incinerators, or exported as hazardous waste
- The vast majority (80%) are destined for landfills
- As much as 70% of heavy metal contamination in landfills results from improperly disposed electronics
- About 50% of computers that are recycled could actually be reused instead
-- Statistics from eBay's Rethink Project
Articles
Rethinking the Process of Hard-Drive Sanitizing by Fred Langa from Windows Secrets, September 2012
Disposing of Old Technology by Jeffrey Alan from GPSolo Magazine, August 2012
When the Devices are Done by Katherine Boehret, May 2012
Five Websites That Turn Your Used Electronics into Money by Jason Cipriani, February 2012
The Best Places to Trade-in Your Electronics by Suzanne Kantra, January 2012
10 Ways to Trade Your Old Electronics for Cash by Christine Erickson, January 2012
Links*
New! Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina, Inc. has a PC Recycling Center in the Charleston area. Visit their site for more information.
Amazon Trade-In Program - Trade in your unwanted electronics for an Amazon gift card.
Best Buy's Trade-In and Save Program - Trade in your old devices to save money on purchasing new versions. Best Buy will also recycle your old electronics for free.
GreenerChoices.org - A new website from Consumers Union, the people who bring us Consumer Reports magazine.
South Carolina DHEC - Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling
Environmental Protection Agency
Earth 911
Gazelle - Sell your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
National Recycling Coalition
National Cristina Foundation
The Consumer Education Initiative (CEI)
PC Recycling*
Apple Product Take-Back and Recycling
IBM Asset Recovery Solutions - Recycling and Buyback services
Dell Recycling Programs
Gateway End-of-Life Management Options
HP Environment: Product Return and Recycling
PC Disposal.com
Intercon Solutions
*All website links are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of the companies, their goods or services by the SC Bar. Contact pmap@scbar.org to report broken links.