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Category: Ecological sustainability articles
Computer monitors, especially CRT ones, contain leaded glass, which means it is specifically banned from disposal in landfills. In fact, according to federal laws, it is a crime to dump more than 22o pounds of electronic equipment in a landfill. The problem of disposal is exacerbated by the fact that hundreds of thousands of computer monitors and other computer parts are junked every year in the United States.
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While the leaded glass face may be the largest and most visible component of a computer monitor, it also contains lead solder, copper wiring and plating, palladium, silver and a small quantity of gold. While some of these junked computers can be repaired and given to schools or other needy organizations in developing countries, most of them can be recycled back into leaded glass, copper, ABS plastic, gold, etc.
There are quite a few benefits that can accrue from recycling computer monitors. One major advantage is saving money, because donating the monitor to an individual or organization will not only save disposal costs but may also earns the donator a tax break. The second advantage relates to the fact that computer monitors contain several pounds of lead, which is a toxic substance. When broken in landfills or incinerated, they release lead into the environment, thereby transforming them into hazardous waste. Another advantage is that by donating old computer monitors, one provides social benefits to organizations or individuals who desperately need monitors but cannot afford new ones. The fourth advantage is that recycling diverts computer monitors from filling up landfills, which they easily do because of their bulk.
At the computer monitor recycling facility, the cathode ray tubes in the monitors are first removed. The plastics and electronics and them removed, separated and sent for proper recycling. A hole is then drilled in the vacuum or the trigger is twisted off so that the vacuum can be released. The external straps are all removed, the tubes are placed inside metal containers and the glass is then cracked to remove the inside shield. The glass is then sent to be washed and recycled.
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Computer Monitors provides detailed information on Computer Monitors, LCD Computer Monitors, Flat Screen Computer Monitors, Cheap Computer Monitors and more. Computer Monitors is affiliated with Custom Desktop Computers.
The Options We All Have For Computer Monitor Recycling
When it comes to computer recycling and disposal, many people wonder how and where to take their old equipment. If you are looking for the ways to dispose of your old monitor or recycle the same, the following information will certainly help you in this regard. It will let you know some of the most effective methods that are used today for the purpose of computer monitor disposal and recycling.
Computer Monitor Disposal: The Trash Method
This method is not recommended because it is likely that your old monitor will end up in a landfill. This can be very dangerous, as the materials of the monitor may contaminate the water.
Computer Monitor Recycling: Municipal Pick up Day
Municipal pick up day is a much better method to recycle the monitor, as it provides a solution for the landfill issues regarding the computer monitor disposal.
Computer Monitor Recycling: Using a Recycler
This method of computer monitor disposal or recycling is one of the best methods. In this method, a recycler is used that is specifically designed for computer monitor recycling. However, make sure that the recycler has a closed loop process in order to ensure that your old monitor will not end up in any landfill.
This is very important to recycle the monitors successfully. There are several steps involved in this complete recycling process. First, the recycler shreds the monitor so that various materials and plastics could be separated and smelted. Eventually, the old monitor materials get ready to be recycled into a new product.
This is a very effective process, but since it is not free, people do not feel very comfortable to use this method. However, do not forget that by using this method, you do a good thing in order to keep the environment clean. Some places now charge a small fee or tax when you purchase new monitors. This small fee covers the recycling programs. Contact your local recycler or computer store for more information about the programs in place in your area.
Hence, here we see that if you have an old monitor, you can use various methods to dispose or recycle the same. However, you must take your time to decide which method you should select. Some of the methods do not cost you anything, but they are quite harmful for the environment. Always remember, the best method for disposing or recycling your monitor is the one that does not cause any harm to the environment.
This article with information relating too computer monitor disposal and monitor disposal per epa regulations has been submitted by Chad McDonald from: http://www.computer-monitor-disposal.info
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