Technologic/electronic Recycling

[telecentre-europe]

The Information Age has created a virtual tidal wave of electronic devices – including computers and monitors that become obsolete or wear out at an ever-increasing rate. The demand for newer, superior technology has increased the pace at which current devices reach the end of their useful lives. As a result, the question of what to do with obsolete electronics has become a global issue. Disposal is not the answer.

What Can Be Recycled?

* Computers – CPU’s and laptops, mainframes, peripherals
* Monitors – CRT’s and flat screens
* Telephones, Cell phones and Telephone systems
* Fax Machines and Central Office Equipment
* Printers and Copiers
* Televisions
* Banking and Financial Equipment
* Medical Equipment
* Rechargeable batteries
* Electronic Circuit boards and components
* Stereo Equipment, Games, PDA’s

Here there are some links of different companies or iniciatives related to this issue:
http://www.scribd.com/deleted/16770477?query=computer+recycling+env...
http://www.crserecycling.com/
http://www.rdc.co.uk/?gclid=COjLoavX3JsCFZ4A4wodDTsOAA
http://www.hitechrecycling.com/services.html (canada)
http://www.techrecycle.com/tr/ (USA)
http://www.etechrecycling.com/ (USA)


Please, if you know some ICT devices recycling programs, let us know...
This is a global situation that needs awareness and habit changes from all of us!

[David Banes]

Interesting discussion - we've been talking to an organisation in Uganda where the law has changed to try to stop recycled computer equipment being sent there - they feel it is just dumping an envirnmental problem upon Africa - interesting to know what views people have

One of the things that you can do to help disabled users is locally collect technologies together, especially unwanted mobile phones to allow disabled visitors to try out a phone in their hand to see what features would most suit them

Always interested in such ideas

David

[Kirsten Dewaelheyns]

In belgium we work under MAR - Microsoft authorized refurbisher - to recycle old computers.
Together with the company flection, (also workin on a proejct close-the-gap), we give some computers a new life and offer them to the unprivileged in our society.
www.flection.be

The people who are recycling, were unemployed before we engaged them in the project.
Most of them have a low educated.

[telecentre-europe]

Good information. Thanks Kirsten and David. Would be nice to have references from all the countries... places where people can find solutions to deal the situation.

[Laia Fauró Gual]

Some interesting videos in youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl2j83LCHss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n0wOnLNXwc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLKK-N0UhCY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUDF-i6uieg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4xBFXYmDNU

And contributions in Telecentre.org:
http://www.telecentre.org/forum/topics/computer-recycling-donations