AS TECHNOLOGY races ahead, we find ourselves with a growing stockpile of old computers.
Possibly stashed in the garage or the spare room, old monitors, central processing units (CPUs) and printers are lurking. But throwing this e-waste into landfill presents a serious environmental hazard.
Many chemicals and heavy metals are built into our computer hardware.
Lead is impregnated into the glass of cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors and TV screens, that older chunky style of screen that most of us probably still use. Mercury, cadmium, arsenic and toxic fire retardants are also found inside.
Computers, unfortunately, aren't the most environmentally friendly of devices, says Georgina Swan, editor of Choice Computer Magazine.
The problem is there is no centralised repository for recycling programs so there are literally hundreds of thousands of computers in people's garages.
There are two ways computers can be disposed of, Swan says.
They can be refurbished for reuse or can be broken down and recycled.
In Australia, there is no legislation to address computer waste management, and finding out how you can get rid of them is difficult.
Metals like gold (in tiny amounts), silver, palladium and aluminium are retrievable from old computers and can be recycled, and so can lead impregnated glass, which is recycled to make glass for new CRT monitors, says Graham Muir, national manager of Sims E-Recycling.
Sims' depot in Brisbane's north accepts any kind of e-waste, including mobile phones and microwaves. Recycling fees are $13 per monitor or TV and $6 per printer, desktop computer, laptop, scanner or fax machine.
Green PC refurbishes donated computers and sells them to disadvantaged people at very low prices.
Based in Yeerongpilly, on the city's westside, Green PC will recycle old computers for a fee: $30 per non-working or small monitor and $20 per non-working or old computer.
Computerbank Queensland also refurbishes donated computers and gives them to community organisations and disadvantaged members of the community. Computerbank staff are all volunteers, and more volunteers are being sought.
Based in Coorparoo, on Brisbane's south, Computerbank teaches volunteers with limited computer-repairing skills. Financial donations to the organisation are tax deductible.
Computerbank Queensland and Green PC will only refurbish fairly recent models in reasonable repair.
Harvey Norman outlets and participating Australia Post branches are accepting used printer, photocopier or fax cartridges for recycling.
And computer companies Dell, IBM and Toshiba have schemes for taking back computers. Dell will take away any brand, but it will cost $10 for pick up and then $13 per item to be disposed of.
IBM have trading-in and recycling schemes, and Toshiba notebooks can be returned for recycling.
Or just wait until the next Brisbane City Council e-waste collection day.
Take e-waste to 72 Corckford St, Northgate, Brisbane.
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