Short Series on E-Waste : Part I

Some of you may be wondering what MSU does with their E-Waste (Electronic Waste). Over the next few weeks we will take a look at what E-Waste is and how MSU deals with the growing problems due to E-Waste.
Part I: What is E-Waste?
Part II: What does MSU do with its E-Waste?
Part III: How do I get rid of my E-Waste?

Part 1:
What is E-Waste?

E-Waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste disposed of in landfills.
It is estimated that as many as 35 million PC's could find their way into
landfills in 2008. Computers, monitors, printers, and other electronics
contain thousands of components and a number of highly toxic materials
including lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and PVC plastics that pose a
real danger to the environment if they are simply dumped in landfills.
Electronics not properly disposed of can leak chemicals into groundwater and
create hazardous carcinogenic chemicals.

E-Waste is any device with a circuit board on it that is near its end of useful life. This includes a lot of items, here are some examples: computers, laptops, monitors, printers, calculators, stereos, copiers, alarm clocks, and many more. These items are not wanted in landfills as they are not biodegradable and some items are hazardous materials (CRT monitors for example). It is said that as much as 70% (40% of lead) of the heavy metals in landfills is due to CRT monitors. To keep these items out of landfills new laws have been put in place and these laws are being updated constantly.
The list of companies that will accept E-Waste is growing due to the high demand to dispose of these items properly. Another reason more companies are starting up is that E-Waste has recyclable metal in them: gold, copper, and aluminum are just a few of the items one could make money selling. Now separating these metals out of the boards they are on is not easily done and it takes time and special equipment to do it right. This is a quick overview of what E-Waste is, please check back later for parts 2 and 3.