Why Should You Even Care?

Not only are there serious global environmental issues to be concerned about, you and your organization could be at risk when disposing of electronics. It is important to understand those risks, and dispose of your electronics in an ethical way.

What is happening to your data?
Each computer unless scrubbed scrupulously contains data about your organization, business, your customers, trade secrets, budgets, proprietary information and more. It is critical that this information is distroyed properly and thoroughly. We destroy hard drives in a way that does not allow any access to your data.

States are enacting new laws
New laws are enacted frequently to protect the environment and health of people. These laws sometimes come with stiff penalties to those violating proper disposal techniques.

• Computer monitors and older TV tubes contain an average of 4 to 8 LBS .of lead, a neurotoxin, and require special handling.
  
  
• Electronics contain additional hazardous metals: cadmium, a carcinogen that damages lungs and kidneys, mercury, arsenic, beryllium, and other toxins.
  

Our local and global environment
You'vel seen the news about overseas dumping of electronic waste. Know your recycler and make sure your electronics are not being shipped overseas. Ask questions, and get firm answers. Dumping endangers lives and contaminates the ground for years. Dumping also leads to lead poisoning in toys that are sold back into our country.

This actually happened

A four year old boy died in Minnesota. His parents took him to the hospital multiple times until he became so sick he was put on life support. After life support was removed, and the child died, the doctors found a small hearth shaped charm with the words Reebok stamped on it. He had swallowed this charm that was 99.1% lead - he died from lead poisoning. This little charm was sold to Reebok from a manufacturer in China.

Photo courtesy of Consumer Product Safety Commission