Although 90 percent of computers are recyclable, less than 10 percent are ever recycled, according to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. The perception that high tech is environmentally friendly is steadily changing. Computers and other electronics are banded cocktails of lead, cadmium, mercury and other dangerous chemicals and metals. About 40 percent of all lead in landfills come from junked computers and TV monitors. Many electronic toxins are not monitored, however, and their amounts in landfills are largely unknown.
Electronic toxins can leach into groundwater or produce carcinogens when burned.
Computer makers that address the environmental problems their products cause will keep ahead of inevitable government mandates. Moreover, given the changes necessary to implement recycling, proactive companies will have an advantage. They will redefine how computer services are sold and set standards favorable to their way of doing business. Given the public health risks, consumers should not be held responsible for disposing of electronics. Instead, manufacturers should.