Today’s technology is rapidly changing thus rendering existing technology and equipment obsolete quite often. This applies to electronic devices and equipment like computers, printers, copiers, scanners, keyboards and monitors. A recent study indicates that 300 million and above computers were obsolete in 2007 and the number was expected to triple by 2013.
This poses a challenge on disposal of such obsolete equipment by schools (Sawyer, 2010). E-Waste contains toxic elements that may be harmful to the environment if crushed, burned or disposed at landfills. Such toxic elements may be harmful to the school’s population. Therefore, there are several recommended disposal mechanisms.
Computer and equipment purchase done in a life cycle. Computers and equipment purchased by the school should be done in a life cycle. This means at the time of purchase the school makes an appropriation of how long the machines are to be used and disposed. The school disposes the machines in bulk which is simple.
Recycling by vendors. The school can contact the vendors and suppliers of such equipment for disposal. Also, when making new purchases, ensure the vendor has a return/ recycling program.
Donation to others. The school can opt to donate usable equipment to charitable organizations. This goes a long way as a way of giving back to the community.
Auctioning unused equipment. The school can identify the surplus equipment and organize a local auction to dispose them off. This generates some income for the school.
Use of commercial recyclers. The school can use the services of an electronic commercial recycler, county or state recycler to dispose its used computers and equipment. The school can fully adopt the above mechanisms for effective and efficient disposal off their e-waste.
References
Francis, C. A. (2009). Organic farming: the ecological system. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI.
Sawyer, P. L. (2010). Electronic waste management and recycling issues of old computers and electronics. Nova Science, New York.