From April 2001, Lambeth Council has agreed that its unwanted computers will be recycled for use by local charities and community groups. Rebecca Lancaster reports on the background to this decision.
One of the hottest commodities today in the recycling world is the computer. As the average lifespan of the personal computer becomes shorter and shorter, industrialized nations are creating a glut of functional but obsolete computers. In the UK alone over five million are thrown out each year with only one-fifth being recycled.
As the rate of change in technology speeds up, so does the rate of redundant IT equipment ending up as expensive landfill. Since there is general opposition to building more incinerators, waste reduction and recycling have now been recognized as serious issues.
Legislation is being put in place worldwide to prevent computers from being dumped and creating potential hazards. The environmental hazard of computers is creating a new niche market, total recycling of old computers.
The average computer contains a range of heavy metals, plastic and electronic components. Computers can be dismantled and the materials sorted into plastic, screen glass, magnetic and non-ferrous metals as well as composite materials, such as those used in boards.
Many of the components in the unwanted equipment are toxic - cadmium and nickel metal hydride in batteries; heavy metals and CFCs in older machines, for example - so that disposal in regular landfill is prohibited.
The scale of the growing waste problem faced by London is huge. City firms alone are disposing of 3,000 tons of IT equipment every year. Much of it is high quality but given the rate of change in technology, it is inadequate for today’s business requirements.
Yet companies have often preferred to put older equipment into the waste stream rather than give it away - due to a fear that sensitive information on the hard disc could fall into the wrong hands, or simply not having the time or the contacts to identify suitable recipients.
Recycle-IT!, a non-profit organization operating in the south east provides a solution to these problems by collecting equipment for redistribution. The donated equipment undergoes a stringent process with the permanent wiping of data and software and safety checking. Donors are protected from technical and legal problems raised as the result of transferring the equipment to a new user. Recycle-IT! is now the largest not-for-profit computer recycling project in the UK, collecting in excess of 300 units every week.
Companies such as these can break down computers into two categories: reusable parts and recyclable materials. Computers can then be refurbished, upgraded and remarketed. Computer "asset recovery" facilities have processed more than £120,000,000 of scrap material with more than 95 per cent of materials being reused or recycled. The eventual development of an environmentally friendly adhesive could make computers completely 100% recyclable, say researchers at Cornell University, USA.
Meanwhile, there are over 185,000 registered charities in the UK, the majority of which have an income of less than £10,000/year. With limited budgets such as these, up-to-date IT equipment is beyond the financial reach of most non-profit organizations.
Recycle-IT! , one of the larger not-for-profit computer recycling projects in the UK, reports collecting in excess of 300 units every week.
These charities, other community organizations, schools at all levels and individuals often need computer equipment which provides internet access and basic word processing - exactly what redundant equipment can offer.
Lambeth Council, which currently disposes of most of its computers in specialized and expensive landfill sites, has recently announced a proposal to recycle every computer it owns from the beginning of April 2001. The plans, announced in a Press Release, include arrangements for unwanted equipment to be handed over to local non-profit organization, Cybercycle.
Cybercycle has agreed to provide a PC to charities and organizations, including everything necessary to start basic computing from scratch, for less than £1 a day. Their package will incorporate hardware, software, training, telephone support, parts & labour warranty, insurance, all at no capital cost and the only charges at a diminishing rental per day for a minimum of 6 months. Cybercycle will also be used as a training and employment opportunity for young and long-term unemployed in the borough. (Note: In July 2001 Lambeth Council issued this Press Release Distribution of recycled computers begins. Cybercycle were using premises on Angell Town Estate, but it has now been reported that Cybercycle has shut down - MB, 24 May 2003)
Companies such as these are part of the trend to take an expendable, expensive product and recycle it in order to improve the lives of unemployed people and to create jobs. Recycle It! offers volunteers training and the chance to learn practical skills in this growth area, in addition to a free computer of their own after six months.
Being familiar with a computer today is a pre-requisite in the job market, and yet thousands of people are still disadvantaged because they are unsure around new technology. Schools, community organizations and charities welcome the chance to provide the opportunity and access for children and adults alike to learn new skills and become adept with computers.
One of the first steps in bridging the digital divide is to provide accessibility by committing to donate and recycle out-dated computers for others to enjoy.
Rebecca Lancaster, March 2001
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wertz@videotron.ca
24 May 2003