COMPUTER RECYCLING

Computer Recycling



[Course name and number]

[Date submitted]

Computer Recycling in the United States

Introduction

Green computing is the practice of using computing resources efficiently. The goals are to reduce the use of hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and promote recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched Energy Star, a voluntary labeling program which is designed to promote and recognize energy-efficiency in monitors, climate control equipment, and other technologies. This resulted in the widespread adoption of sleep mode among consumer electronics. The term "green computing" was probably coined shortly after the Energy Star program began; there are several USENET posts dating back to 1992 which use the term in this manner. (San 2007)

Obsolete computers are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly they are a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 30 to 40 million PCs will be ready for end-of-life management in each of the next few years. An estimated 251 million PCs were sold in 2007.

Many materials used in the construction of computer hardware can be recovered in the recycling process for use in future production. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics all present in bulk in computers can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. In addition, components frequently contain copper, gold, and other materials valuable enough to reclaim in their own right.

Problems

Performance-wise, computer design has progressed staggeringly well and astonishingly fast but looking at it from a green perspective, the work is at its epoch. It takes a lot of energy to create, package, store, and move. Conventionally, manufacturing computers includes the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxics in general. Usually, computers can contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead alone, according to green experts.

It's no wonder that computers and other electronics make up two-fifths of all lead in landfills. To counter this growing pollution threat all over the world due to the growing use of electronic device in general and "Data center servers use 50 times the energy per square foot as an office [does]," says Mark Bramfitt, principal program manager at PG&E. Data centers are the main reason behind energy consumption, Energy consumed by data centers in the United States and worldwide doubled from 2000 to 2005, according to Jonathan Koomey, a consulting professor at ...