The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has
launched a new statewide program Web site for recycling computer
equipment, TexasRecyclesComputers.org,
giving Texans a simple way to find the recycling options their
computer manufacturers offer.
"The goal of the program is to give Texans an easy way to
recycle the used computer equipment they have been storing in their
closets and garages for years," said TCEQ Executive Director Mark
Vickery. "The most effective way to reduce the environmental impact
of computer equipment is to help ensure it is reused or
recycled."
The program, created by House Bill 2714 in the 80th Legislative
session, requires computer manufactures that sell in Texas, to
offer consumers convenient, free recycling on their brands of
computer equipment. Program details, and information on how Texans
can recycle certain used computer equipment, as well as a list of
manufacturers and their recycling programs will be available on TexasRecyclesComputers.org
.
Used computer equipment is a rapidly growing source of waste in
Texas and across the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimates that in 2007, 53 million computers became
obsolete, as well as 35 million monitors and 82 million mice and
keyboards. Many consumers store used computer equipment rather than
throw it away: The EPA estimates about 68 million used computers
and 42 million monitors were in storage as of 2007. The new program
complements already available resources. Used computers can
potentially be reused, as-is, and offered to schools or non-profit
organizations. Circuit boards, microchips, and other components
found in used computer equipment can be recovered and reused in
other electronics products. Also, metals such as copper and gold
can be extracted from used computer equipment and recycled.
