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TECHNOLOGY
- December 2002 by Ed Ford Where Do Computers Go When They
Die? It’s estimated that U.S. companies retire more than 11 million personal computers each year. But, where do they go? Unfortunately, more than 80 percent end up in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – and that’s not good. Landfill disposal or incineration can result in contamination of water sources and generate toxic air emissions. Computer monitors utilizing lead-filled cathode ray tubes – such as those used in television sets – are the big problem. Monitors, the EPA points out, contain an average of about 10 ounces of lead, which is released when the unit’s glass is crushed or burned. In addition, computer equipment contains such materials as heavy metals, acids, plastics and plastic additives that can be toxic. If you should choose to dispose of computers via the landfill method, remember that state and federal EPA regulations apply. And, to avoid some potentially harsh penalties, it’s best to contact the Kentucky EPA beforehand. And, there are other – and better – ways to dispose of computers, such as donating equipment or recycling it. For example, the McConnell Technology and Training Center (MTTC), headquartered in Louisville, has a program designed to help companies and individuals find new homes for outdated computer equipment. The MTTC accepts equipment at four Kentucky locations (Bowling Green, Harlan, Lexington and Louisville) and is preparing to open two new locations in Maysville and Paducah. Computers are refurbished by the Center and, through regional training programs, are offered to those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to own a personal computer. A U.S. Navy sponsored program, the MTTC is operated by Innovative Productivity Inc., a non-profit Louisville corporation that’s dedicated to training through donated technology. Through the effort, donated computers are forwarded to a repair training program where students handle repairs and upgrades. Then, the refurbished computers are used to train other students in how to use them and the internet. Students keep the computers used in their training program. Innovative Productivity’s Brian Daly points out that the program began in 1997 from a request to find ways to train technicians in computer repair. “Our primary mission is to help create high-wage jobs in the region,” Daly, director of business development for Innovative Technology, noted. “We help provide the Navy with answers to fleet maintenance programs and one of the areas in which we were involved was technology transfer – helping Kentucky firms find ways to transfer technologies to the Navy and vice versa.” When asked, as part of that activitity to initiate training in computer repair, Daly said a computer repair course was established in Louisville. “United Parcel Service was bringing in a number of firms who needed PC (personal computer) repair, so we started asking companies for donations of computers that could be used in the repair process. This would enable our students to work with the real stuff.” At that point, the program was seeking about 50 computers, but a major vendor announced it had a thousand and asked if they were wanted. “So, we said ‘sure, if we can figure out a way to deal with them effectively and not enter them into the waste stream,’” Daly related. “We started refurbishing the computers and running classes in the community. For the cost of the refurbishing and the class, the students got the computers and took them home. Since ‘97, we’ve conducted about 6,000 training sessions and removed about 35,000 computers from waste areas.” Most of the computers have gone back into the communites – places such as Morehead, Harlan, Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky where classes were conducted. In some cases, computers are sold to individuals and other placements are made in cooperation with other non-profit organizations. When it’s not feasible to repair or reuse equipment, locations are found where appropriate disposal can be accomplished. “One unique thing that’s happening in Kentucky,” Daly commented, “is a group called Partnership for Effective Electronics Recycling and Reuse. This is a three-year-old program involving state universities, private industry, EPA representatives and anyone else interested in recycling electronics.” The emphasis is finding ways to do electronic recycling “the right way.” The PEER2 group has scheduled a conference Aug. 28-29 in Louisville to discuss what’s working nationally where such recycling is concerned. “To donate a computer or computer system,” Daly said, “the best bet is to call our MTTC center in Louisville at 502/367-2186. Marshall Bramble is our PC resource manager who handles all donations and makes arrangements to pickup equipment.” The center accepts desktop or laptop computers of (1) minimum Pentium 1 class or better, (2) monitors of minimum SVGA (Super Variable Graphics Adapter) capability and 14-inch display area or greater, and (3) MS (Microsoft) Windows ‘95 or better software licenses. If you have computer systems other than these, ask about alternative methods of recycling or disposal. And, remember, tax deductions for donations can be another benefit. For individuals, the charitable deduction usually is the fair market value of the computer. For corporate donors, tax deductions usually are limited to the amount of the donor’s tax basis for the property contributed. Efforts to salvage
used computers and to provide them to non-profit organizations, schools
and individuals continue to gain momentum. Obviously, it’s becoming
increasingly difficult for anyone to survive and prosper without the
ability to use computers – regardless of economic situation or
educational background. Organizations such as the MTTC are to be saluted
for what they’re accomplishing, but even individuals are making
a difference. Ed Ford is a
staff writer for The Lane Report
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