Computers are simply an inevitable part of life. Like it or not, the world has changed and our dependency on the technology has made us slaves of dependency.
And as time pushes us on to live in the era of technological breakthroughs and advancements, it seems obvious that modernization has taken a toll on more than just our lives…even machines have not be spared from a hasty existence.
You ought to have notice how the lifespan of your beloved and once quite expensive computer has shortened to an unavoidable and almost certain death at the tender age of 5. Sometimes they only live till 3 years of age.
So with each one’s passing, comes the question, Can computers die a dignified death and turn ashes to ashes dust to dust returning to their maker?
Well not quite, and for several reasons too. Firstly computers don’t disintegrate; they aren’t bio-degradable and certainly won’t turn to ash or dust.
Secondly, the makers of computers are man -large manufacturing corporations to be exact; so you can’t exactly return them to their ‘makers’ because the companies won’t want them.
Also, computers are by nature hazardous waste as they contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs) which have significant concentrations of lead and other heavy metals that include as mercury and cadmium. On top of that computers and their electronic devices akin also contain hexavalent chromium, PVC plastic, brominated flame retardant, halogenated hydrocarbons. All of which poses great danger to both the environment and public health when not given a proper ‘burial’ (by burial I mean disposal), and allowed to contaminate the surrounding (e.g.: groundwater).
But as similar to living creatures, the lifespan of a computer is finite. It is unavoidable that our dear old computer will have to one day retire be it because you can no longer find replacement parts (stopping production of parts and support for units is one of the sly ways companies pushes a computer into being obsolete) or simply because a replacement unit is more economical than a repair investment.
At the end of it all, we are simply left in a position where the ‘burial’ of the unit is eminent. The issue then that remains is how do we give it a ‘proper burial’?
Now if your unit is simple obsolete in the market but still functional, you should always just try donating it first, maybe to schools or even charities that include 3rd world countries.
But if it is indeed dead beyond salvage, then you want to make sure that you don’t just throw it out in the garbage but instead have it recycled.
Recycling computers and electronic devices is very different from just your usual collection of newspapers or glass bottles. It takes extra work (lots of it) and even more care (dangerous contents call for more precautions). Computers contain valuable materials and components that are technically recyclable and like all other hybrid products, they need to be stripped and separated according to their elements (by metal or plastic) before they can be sent off to processors.
Bear in mind that even though your computer may have met its end, some part within it are still functional and can be resold. Think organ donation and how your now ‘departed’ computer could actually be helping out another computer! (That counts for a dignified death don’t you think?).
However as wonderful as recycling your computer sounds, the practice too faces the same general back setter in the form of:
- The lack of collection incentives
- The lack of recycling infrastructures
- The high cost of material collection, handling and processing.
Just those 3 elements alone have seen the increase of illegal computer dumping at landfills.
So if you have a unit that is nearing its time, consider donating it before its time runs up. And if you already have a unit to burry then do it the right way and give it a dignified burial. For starters if you’re at a loss you can contact your local state recycling coordinator. If not go ahead and look up ‘computer recycling professionals’. There are companies nowadays who specialise in recycling computers and will charge you a small fee to give your PC its final rest. On top of that, they also take care of your private data, ensuring that it is all properly destroyed (remember that data can’t just be deleted from the hard drive)
Here are some Computer Recycling Professionals you can always look up:
Computer Recycling Service Inc.
Electronic Recyclers International Inc.
Remember, recycle and give your computer a dignified end to its gloried life.
