Forrester Research estimates that a third of all new computers bought will be replacements for graying PCs. That compares to more than six years for VCRs and nine years for TVs. Federal rules prohibit the dumping of computers into landfills. Monitors contain phosphorous. Processors contain mercury and chromium.
Circuit boards contain lead.
Computer glass contains barium and cadmium. But trying to give some PCs away to nonprofits can bring its own headaches. Some owners mistakenly assume nonprofit organizations on tight budgets will be thrilled to receive used machines. But unless the computers are fairly new and capable of running today's most basic software, many groups can't be bothered. They say they want computers, not junk.