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What kinds of products do recycled computers get turned into?
Computers are made up of metals, plastics, and other components. What are most of the recycled parts made back into? The most common things will be fine.
answers (8)
plastic components get shredded and turned back into plastic raw material.
precious metals in circuit boards and wiring get extracted and reused.
glass material from tube monitors get cleaned of the lead and turned back into raw glass material.
the steel and aluminum is separated and reprocessed.
so the answer is a bit complex but in short the computer is separated into the recyclable components and then those components are re-used/re-sold to raw material dealers who in turn sell them back into the market for these materials.
of course the MOST ecological thing to do is to REUSE the whole system or parts to build a system - check out http://freegeek.org/ for this method
one last thing along the lines of reuse - some computers and parts get turned in art - http://tinyurl.com/5mggnp and http://www.poppycockjewelry.com/index.html
precious metals in circuit boards and wiring get extracted and reused.
glass material from tube monitors get cleaned of the lead and turned back into raw glass material.
the steel and aluminum is separated and reprocessed.
so the answer is a bit complex but in short the computer is separated into the recyclable components and then those components are re-used/re-sold to raw material dealers who in turn sell them back into the market for these materials.
of course the MOST ecological thing to do is to REUSE the whole system or parts to build a system - check out http://freegeek.org/ for this method
one last thing along the lines of reuse - some computers and parts get turned in art - http://tinyurl.com/5mggnp and http://www.poppycockjewelry.com/index.html
source(s):
my brain and local portland, oregon contacts
my brain and local portland, oregon contacts
plastic...
Thanks. But what the question says is what kinds of products---just saying "plastic" or metal or anything else is not specific enough. I'm looking for valid examples of actual products (ie: gas containers, plastic jugs for laundry detergent) etc. that are made up from materials recovered from computers, not a generic answer.
I have some experience in this area (see credentials at www.miplaw.com) and assisted with some legal issues relating to computer recycling. Here is an article on the subject:
If one examines the various standards programs governing health, safety and environmental protection as they apply to computers, a picture emerges of what a green personal computer (PC) looks like.
A green PC is:
-electrically safe;
-produces no unwanted emissions;
-creates no adverse health effects;
-exhibits ergonomically sound design;
-conserves energy; and is
-environmentally-clean.
A PC that does not meet these standards is likely to encounter barriers to international market entry.
Introduction
Growing public concern over the environment has prompted consumers and businesses to demand products that conform to the most rigorous health and safety standards and which are energy efficient and environmentally "friendly". No where has the pressure to buy green products mounted faster than in the PC industry -- both in the U.S. and abroad.
In a mass market of "me-too" offering, PC product differentiation increasingly turns on the consumer's awareness of a product's health effects of environmental impact. Firms on the forefront of these issues are finding that not only are legal and regulatory barriers to international markets being eliminated, but substantial rewards are being reaped through sales campaigns geared toward the green features of their PC technology.
This "eco-technology" guide provides a brief overview of some of the following Design for Environment (DFE) concerns confronting PC manufacturers:
Electrical safety
RF emissions
Bio-effects radiation
Ergonomics
Energy conservation
Environmental - ODC
Environmental - waste
Environmental - other
Claiming a green PC
Electrical safety
In the U.S., electrical safety means conformity to Underwriters Laboratories standard 1950 or its equivalent. Safety standards are enforced at the Federal level by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and at state and local levels via the National Electrical Code (NEC). In Europe and elsewhere, safety compliance is mandated by national laws based on standards that follow the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Compliance with IEC standard 950, a UL 1950 equivalent, should satisfy most international electrical safety concerns.
A green PC will carry the safety seal or logo of the certifying organization or testing laboratory. Examples are UL in the U.S., CSA in Canada and TUV in Germany. Beginning in 1995, the ubiquitous European CE marking will also connote electrically safe equipment.
RF emissions
In the U.S. market, all computers are required to comply with either Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15 standards or IEC/CISPR 22. In Europe, similar emissions laws will become mandatory in 1996 (only Germany has such laws currently) pursuant to the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC). Evidence of a green PC is an FCC identifier (Class B) or compliance statement (Class A) in the U.S., the CE marking in Europe, and either the VDT or TUV mark in Germany.
Bio-effects radiation
Health and safety standards governing ionizing radiation and light emitting products are administered in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These laws are mandatory for such products as VDT's, laser-based peripherals and optical network equipment.
Europe is currently developing radiation safety standards for VDTs under the Workplace Safety Directive (90/270/EEC). Germany also has mandatory standards for VDT's administered by the PTB. Laser product safety in Europe is governed by IEC 825.
In the field of non-ionizing radiation safety, only Sweden has announced standards governing ELF and VLF emissions from VDTs. Public pressure in the U.S., though, has forced the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider adoption of similar standards.
For ionizing radiation safety, green devices are labelled with the DHHS/FDA certification statement in the U.S. or a PTB certification in Germany. The CE marking eventually will govern VDT safety throughout the European market. For non-ionizing radiation safety, green devices are marketed as being in compliance with the Swedish MPRII or TCO standards.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic standards for personal workstations, currently voluntary in the U.S., are based on ISO 9241, a comprehensive 17 part standard covering everything from VDT fonts to keyboard design to furniture configuration. OSHA is in the process of developing mandatory ergonomic standards for VDT usage which will also address problems associated with musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries (RSI). In Europe, the Workplace Safety Directive (90/270/EEC) mandates the development of standards for the protection of health and safety in the areas of VDT and worker/computer interfaces. Additionally, Germany currently imposes certain ergonomic requirements for workstations which are contained in its electrical safety laws.
Green PCs will reference ISO 9241. In the future, OSHA ergonomic standards may become mandatory in the U.S. and ergonomic safety will be covered by the CE marking in Europe.
Energy conservation
The EPA's Energy Star program governs PCs, peripherals and accessories that are designed to operate at low power levels or reduced power consumption in an idle state. For a product to carry the Energy Star logo an agreement must be signed with the EPA. Europe and Japan are actively considering adoption of a similar scheme.
Green computers will display the EPA Energy Star logo or its foreign equivalent in marketing or advertising materials.
Environmental-ODC
The U.S. along with Europe and most other industrialized countries are signatories to the Montreal Protocol governing the phase-out of harmful ozone depleting chemicals (ODC). EPA regulations adopted in 1993 require all electronic products to be labelled with warning statements if harmful ODCs are used in their manufacture. Europe currently has no labelling requirements for ODC usage.
Green computers will not contain an ODC warning statement on the enclosure, packaging or advertising materials. In addition, PCs made with ODCs may not be permitted to display the national environmental logos of certain countries.
Environmental - waste
In the U.S., waste recovery and recycling programs for consumer products are administered at the state level. State programs that impact the PC industry deal with plastics recycling, rechargeable battery disposal and the use of heavy metals in packaging.
Private environmental labelling programs also exist in the U.S. Two of the better known programs are Green Seal and the Scientific Certification System, both of which are developing comprehensive standards and environmental benchmarks for green PCs.
In Europe, the Commission of the European Union (EU) adopted recycling and ISO marking requirements for certain rechargeable and other batteries via the Battery Directive (91/157/EEC). In addition, the EU recently adopted an Eco-labelling Directive (95/326/EEC) to establish a uniform labelling scheme for waste products and to increase public awareness about products with reduced environmental impact. Germany, like the EU, is also presently considering adoption of an Electronics Scrap Regulation which, if promulgated, would require foreign and domestic manufacturers of electrical and electronic product to take-back used and discarded equipment for the purpose of reuse or recycling. The ordinance, if adopted, would likely take effect in 1995 forcing manufacturers to accept obsolete equipment as discarded.
Various countries also promote their own national ecology programs for environmentally "friendly" products under proprietary logos. Germany, France, Austria and the Netherlands, for example, currently sponsor Green Dot programs which signify that a product is recyclable. The programs parallel the EU's eco-labelling initiative. In addition, Germany promotes the Blue Angel program which, beginning in 1995, should apply to all importers and retailers of PCs and will signify an environmentally safe product.
Canada, France, Japan and the Nordic Countries also feature programs which, similar to the Blue Angel, are designed to guide consumers toward the purchase of environmentally sound products.
Green PCs in the U.S. will display the familiar "chasing arrows" emblem on products and packaging. In Europe, Canada, Japan and elsewhere, national eco-labels will signify a green PC. Eventually, the European eco-label will signify environmentally safe products.
Environmental - other
Hazardous chemicals (e.g. inks and toner), noise and ozone emissions are some of the other PC-based "pollutants" that can impact human health. EPA and state authorities regulate hazardous waste in the U.S. via recovery and "right-to-know" laws while noise and ozone emissions are typically governed by workplace safety standards (NEC or OSHA). European programs tend to parallel those in the U.S., although standards development occurs at a different pace.
Green PCs will reference compliance with standards that address these other environmental concerns.
Claiming a green PC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued guidelines in 1992 dealing with environmental claims in product labelling, advertising or promotional materials. The EPA also has jurisdiction over certain environmental claims of which manufacturers should be aware.
Under FTC and EPA policies, manufacturers must have a reasonable basis upon which to base their green claims. Such claims must be made in a clear, prominent manner; must clearly distinguish between environmental benefits of the product and packaging; and must clearly explain comparative statements about other products to avoid overstating environmental benefits.
Manufacturers may be ordered to supply "competent and reliable" scientific evidence before either agency to substantiate any express or implied environmental claim. Violations of FTC or EPA guidelines may lead to the issuance of injunctions, corrective advertising or refunds to consumers.
look here also
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/how_to_recycle_1.php#ch03
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4595920_old-computer-recycled-new-computer.html
If one examines the various standards programs governing health, safety and environmental protection as they apply to computers, a picture emerges of what a green personal computer (PC) looks like.
A green PC is:
-electrically safe;
-produces no unwanted emissions;
-creates no adverse health effects;
-exhibits ergonomically sound design;
-conserves energy; and is
-environmentally-clean.
A PC that does not meet these standards is likely to encounter barriers to international market entry.
Introduction
Growing public concern over the environment has prompted consumers and businesses to demand products that conform to the most rigorous health and safety standards and which are energy efficient and environmentally "friendly". No where has the pressure to buy green products mounted faster than in the PC industry -- both in the U.S. and abroad.
In a mass market of "me-too" offering, PC product differentiation increasingly turns on the consumer's awareness of a product's health effects of environmental impact. Firms on the forefront of these issues are finding that not only are legal and regulatory barriers to international markets being eliminated, but substantial rewards are being reaped through sales campaigns geared toward the green features of their PC technology.
This "eco-technology" guide provides a brief overview of some of the following Design for Environment (DFE) concerns confronting PC manufacturers:
Electrical safety
RF emissions
Bio-effects radiation
Ergonomics
Energy conservation
Environmental - ODC
Environmental - waste
Environmental - other
Claiming a green PC
Electrical safety
In the U.S., electrical safety means conformity to Underwriters Laboratories standard 1950 or its equivalent. Safety standards are enforced at the Federal level by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and at state and local levels via the National Electrical Code (NEC). In Europe and elsewhere, safety compliance is mandated by national laws based on standards that follow the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Compliance with IEC standard 950, a UL 1950 equivalent, should satisfy most international electrical safety concerns.
A green PC will carry the safety seal or logo of the certifying organization or testing laboratory. Examples are UL in the U.S., CSA in Canada and TUV in Germany. Beginning in 1995, the ubiquitous European CE marking will also connote electrically safe equipment.
RF emissions
In the U.S. market, all computers are required to comply with either Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15 standards or IEC/CISPR 22. In Europe, similar emissions laws will become mandatory in 1996 (only Germany has such laws currently) pursuant to the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC). Evidence of a green PC is an FCC identifier (Class B) or compliance statement (Class A) in the U.S., the CE marking in Europe, and either the VDT or TUV mark in Germany.
Bio-effects radiation
Health and safety standards governing ionizing radiation and light emitting products are administered in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These laws are mandatory for such products as VDT's, laser-based peripherals and optical network equipment.
Europe is currently developing radiation safety standards for VDTs under the Workplace Safety Directive (90/270/EEC). Germany also has mandatory standards for VDT's administered by the PTB. Laser product safety in Europe is governed by IEC 825.
In the field of non-ionizing radiation safety, only Sweden has announced standards governing ELF and VLF emissions from VDTs. Public pressure in the U.S., though, has forced the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider adoption of similar standards.
For ionizing radiation safety, green devices are labelled with the DHHS/FDA certification statement in the U.S. or a PTB certification in Germany. The CE marking eventually will govern VDT safety throughout the European market. For non-ionizing radiation safety, green devices are marketed as being in compliance with the Swedish MPRII or TCO standards.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic standards for personal workstations, currently voluntary in the U.S., are based on ISO 9241, a comprehensive 17 part standard covering everything from VDT fonts to keyboard design to furniture configuration. OSHA is in the process of developing mandatory ergonomic standards for VDT usage which will also address problems associated with musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries (RSI). In Europe, the Workplace Safety Directive (90/270/EEC) mandates the development of standards for the protection of health and safety in the areas of VDT and worker/computer interfaces. Additionally, Germany currently imposes certain ergonomic requirements for workstations which are contained in its electrical safety laws.
Green PCs will reference ISO 9241. In the future, OSHA ergonomic standards may become mandatory in the U.S. and ergonomic safety will be covered by the CE marking in Europe.
Energy conservation
The EPA's Energy Star program governs PCs, peripherals and accessories that are designed to operate at low power levels or reduced power consumption in an idle state. For a product to carry the Energy Star logo an agreement must be signed with the EPA. Europe and Japan are actively considering adoption of a similar scheme.
Green computers will display the EPA Energy Star logo or its foreign equivalent in marketing or advertising materials.
Environmental-ODC
The U.S. along with Europe and most other industrialized countries are signatories to the Montreal Protocol governing the phase-out of harmful ozone depleting chemicals (ODC). EPA regulations adopted in 1993 require all electronic products to be labelled with warning statements if harmful ODCs are used in their manufacture. Europe currently has no labelling requirements for ODC usage.
Green computers will not contain an ODC warning statement on the enclosure, packaging or advertising materials. In addition, PCs made with ODCs may not be permitted to display the national environmental logos of certain countries.
Environmental - waste
In the U.S., waste recovery and recycling programs for consumer products are administered at the state level. State programs that impact the PC industry deal with plastics recycling, rechargeable battery disposal and the use of heavy metals in packaging.
Private environmental labelling programs also exist in the U.S. Two of the better known programs are Green Seal and the Scientific Certification System, both of which are developing comprehensive standards and environmental benchmarks for green PCs.
In Europe, the Commission of the European Union (EU) adopted recycling and ISO marking requirements for certain rechargeable and other batteries via the Battery Directive (91/157/EEC). In addition, the EU recently adopted an Eco-labelling Directive (95/326/EEC) to establish a uniform labelling scheme for waste products and to increase public awareness about products with reduced environmental impact. Germany, like the EU, is also presently considering adoption of an Electronics Scrap Regulation which, if promulgated, would require foreign and domestic manufacturers of electrical and electronic product to take-back used and discarded equipment for the purpose of reuse or recycling. The ordinance, if adopted, would likely take effect in 1995 forcing manufacturers to accept obsolete equipment as discarded.
Various countries also promote their own national ecology programs for environmentally "friendly" products under proprietary logos. Germany, France, Austria and the Netherlands, for example, currently sponsor Green Dot programs which signify that a product is recyclable. The programs parallel the EU's eco-labelling initiative. In addition, Germany promotes the Blue Angel program which, beginning in 1995, should apply to all importers and retailers of PCs and will signify an environmentally safe product.
Canada, France, Japan and the Nordic Countries also feature programs which, similar to the Blue Angel, are designed to guide consumers toward the purchase of environmentally sound products.
Green PCs in the U.S. will display the familiar "chasing arrows" emblem on products and packaging. In Europe, Canada, Japan and elsewhere, national eco-labels will signify a green PC. Eventually, the European eco-label will signify environmentally safe products.
Environmental - other
Hazardous chemicals (e.g. inks and toner), noise and ozone emissions are some of the other PC-based "pollutants" that can impact human health. EPA and state authorities regulate hazardous waste in the U.S. via recovery and "right-to-know" laws while noise and ozone emissions are typically governed by workplace safety standards (NEC or OSHA). European programs tend to parallel those in the U.S., although standards development occurs at a different pace.
Green PCs will reference compliance with standards that address these other environmental concerns.
Claiming a green PC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued guidelines in 1992 dealing with environmental claims in product labelling, advertising or promotional materials. The EPA also has jurisdiction over certain environmental claims of which manufacturers should be aware.
Under FTC and EPA policies, manufacturers must have a reasonable basis upon which to base their green claims. Such claims must be made in a clear, prominent manner; must clearly distinguish between environmental benefits of the product and packaging; and must clearly explain comparative statements about other products to avoid overstating environmental benefits.
Manufacturers may be ordered to supply "competent and reliable" scientific evidence before either agency to substantiate any express or implied environmental claim. Violations of FTC or EPA guidelines may lead to the issuance of injunctions, corrective advertising or refunds to consumers.
look here also
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/how_to_recycle_1.php#ch03
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4595920_old-computer-recycled-new-computer.html
Thanks - I'm familiar with this information...I'm looking for specifics on actual products that are made from materials recovered from PC's.
Many materials are recovered through the recycling process which can be sold and distributed for the creation of any other product in any industry. The materials include: tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, a variety of plastics, lead, copper, and gold.
Can you provide specific examples of products please---that's what I'm looking for.
Sure, take a look at this page where it describes some products made out of recycled materials and can be recycled again. These materials can come from several sources, like computer parts.
http://www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/common.html
http://www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/common.html
60 Minutes aired an excellent expose on US PC recyclers on November 9, 2008.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml
Unfortunately, there is little oversight or regulation on what is actually happening to recycled electronics. A large % of recyclers seem to be illegally exporting electronic waste to China, where it is causing a devastating ecological problem.
The EPA lists the most valuable materials that are recycled from electronic waste as:
"precious and other metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture them. Reusing and recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing new products."
These waste streams are ground up and treated in bulk, providing the raw materials for newly manufactured PC's, cell phones, and other electronics products.
The most efficient means of recycling PC's is to use them "as is" rather than sending them into the waste stream. But, be warned that you need to run special drive erasing programs to ensure that your personal information is not disclosed to the next user of your old computer.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml
Unfortunately, there is little oversight or regulation on what is actually happening to recycled electronics. A large % of recyclers seem to be illegally exporting electronic waste to China, where it is causing a devastating ecological problem.
The EPA lists the most valuable materials that are recycled from electronic waste as:
"precious and other metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture them. Reusing and recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing new products."
These waste streams are ground up and treated in bulk, providing the raw materials for newly manufactured PC's, cell phones, and other electronics products.
The most efficient means of recycling PC's is to use them "as is" rather than sending them into the waste stream. But, be warned that you need to run special drive erasing programs to ensure that your personal information is not disclosed to the next user of your old computer.
source(s):
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/faq.htm#enviro
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page5724.cfm
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/faq.htm#enviro
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page5724.cfm
Thanks - I've seen this, I'm looking for specific products that are made from materials recovered from computers - not how bad the situation is overseas. See comments above. Thank you anyways.
The specific products I mentioned are PC's and Cell Phones - especially for the metals that are recovered - they go back into making similar products to those that were destroyed.
The recycled parts are turned into raw materials. IE Plastic blocks, metal bars, etc. These raw materials are then sold to manufacturers who make use of the metal. Any thing that is made using recycled content may have part of a computer in it. I found no companies that claim to make use of recycled computer materials exclusively. I am sure alot of it goes back into computer components simply because the raw materials you get from recycled computers and components are exactly the type of materials you need to make computers and components.
jewelry. Have you seen the prices that they sell old sticks of ram made into earrings?!?!?! ridiculous!
First, scrap metal. There are a lot of rare elements in a computer. When that is done, often the raw materials are either used in new computers, or are used to make things like soda cans.
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