YONKERS, New York (ENS) - Just in time to maintain your newest electronic gadgets and to safely dispose of the old, Consumer Reports’ environmental website, GreenerChoices.org, has launched an online Electronics Reuse and Recycling Center.
The Center features thoroughly researched, expert advice to help de-clutter homes and solve the huge and growing problem of electronics waste.
It also features the results of a March 2006 nationwide, online survey about why people replace their electronics and what they did with their old equipment.
'Tossing millions of computers, cell phones, and TVs into landfills can pose serious environmental and health risks' said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, senior scientist for Consumer Reports.
'But the good news is that most electronic components can now be reused, recycled, and diverted from the waste stream, if consumers have the right information,' Rangan said. 'That’s where our new online E-waste center can really help.'
According to CR’s survey results, about three in 10 consumers replaced their computers last year. Of these, about half did so because the equipment was too slow.
Nearly two in 10 consumers who disposed of desktop computers or monitors in the past year threw them in the trash.
About four in ten consumers replaced their cell phones last year, and two in 10 consumers threw their old cell phones in the trash.
Two in 10 consumers replaced their TV in the past year and three in 10 consumers that got rid of a TV threw it in the trash.
Other key findings from the survey: most online consumers want manufacturers to be responsible for paying to recycle what they produce and most also want manufacturers to design products so that they are easier to recycle and refurbish.
The Center provides step-by-step advice for keeping new electronics running longer, and solutions for disposing of electronic equipment in ways that will not harm the environment.
For example, many people do not realize they can upgrade their computer’s storage space using tools right on the computer to free up space on the hard drive. If a cell phone battery is not holding a charge, simply getting a new battery may fix the problem.
A searchable map of recyclers that have taken the new 'Electronics Recycler’s Pledge is on the website at: GreenerChoices.org.
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