Green Computing RSS Feed
Dec 23, 2008
Purchasing and Disposal
When it comes to manufacturing computers, peripherals, and other technology, not all vendors are equal. Alternatives are available concerning use of toxic components and energy required to fabricate and manufacture. Decisions concerning these components play into the disposal. Vendors and specialized recyclers have developed programs for salvaging and safely disposing old computers, displays and other technology.
Purchase - Buy Green
Proper disposal of computers and other technology starts with the purchase. This is the time to determine whether you use an independent responsible e-waste provider or whether your vendor/supplier has a disposal program you would like to use. Vendor programs can be found under Resources.
Environmentally friendly disposal is easier if there is minimal toxic content to begin with. The Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies developed Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator (EEBC) which is intended to assist institutional purchasers, including Federal Electronic Challenge (FEC) program participants, in quantifying the benefits of environmentally sound management of electronic equipment.
Manufacturer Certification
To make the environmentally responsible technology purchasing
easier, the Green
Electronics Council developed
EPEAT
(Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool), which uses the EEBC and sales data from
manufacturers that participate in the EPEAT program. EPEAT is a system
to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare
and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their
environmental attributes. Search for an
EPEAT rating of your vendors and products. A broader international
standard,
ISO 14001, provides a certification for environmentally conscious
manufacturing policies.
Disposal
According to the US
Environmental Protection Agency, in 2005, discarded
electronics totaled about 2 million tons. It’s estimated that only about
15 to 20 percent of this was recycled. Since electronic equipment
contains toxic chemicals, this can pose health and environmental risks,
particularly in landfills where toxins may leak into the soil and ground
water. Even from the 20 percent of e-waste collected in the US much is
exported because the US is one of the few countries where it's still
legal to export collected e-waste to Asia and Africa. If you’re interested in learning more about the international electronics waste problem, check the Basel Action Network (BAN) at www.ban.org.
BAN has initiated a comprehensive certification program for responsible recyclers. The e-Steward Certification will be the continent’s first independently audited and accredited electronic waste recycler certification program. It will forbid the dumping of toxic e-waste in developing countries, local landfills and incinerators; the use of prison labor to process e-waste; and the unauthorized release of private data contained in discarded computers.
The EPA addresses the "ecycling" problem and offers a regional map to help you to find information about regional and State eCycling programs. Vendors and certified independent e-waste recyclers can be found under Resources.
Tips for Getting Started
- Use EPEAT to qualify vendors with green manufacturing practices
- Research vendor and independent e-waste programs and develop your disposal policy and practices accordingly
- Employ a strong policy concerning computer donations - Don't become someone else's e-waste site
- For bulk purchases, have vendors minimize packaging material (number of boxes) and copies of documentation.
Green Purchase/Disposal Resources
Green Purchase and disposal resources include articles, suggestions,
white papers, purchase guidelines, and various government, association
and vendor disposal programs.
General Resources,
which include broader assessments, conferences, websites, solutions,
webcasts and presentations.
