In 1965, Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors incorporated in a chip would approximately double every 18 to 24 months. The tech industry has kept pace with what became known as "Moore's Law". Along with this rapid growth in computer innovation comes an equally expanding waste. As older computers become obsolete, the question of what to do with them becomes increasingly pressing.

Obsolete technology, like computers, monitors, printers and keyboards sent to the third world, end up being disassembled for their materials. In almost all cases, there are no safeguards in place to protect the environment or health of workers. As a result, whole areas of the third world have been decimated and are non-recoverable environmental disasters. Those who disassemble and process e-scrap material are daily exposed to levels of contaminants that can cause irreversible harm.

It’s becoming so grave a problem that countries like China have banned the importation of e-scrap in an effort to turn things around. But it may not be enough. Those who manufacture and use technology in the United States and Canada must take an ethically responsible position to ensure that stewardship of such equipment goes beyond current possession; they must also ensure safe disposal of Computer Hardware.

Local recyclers may be able to help you dispose of your computer properly. Please contact the computer recyclers listed below. Make sure you ask about fees.

Studies have shown that the fear of sensitive data being recovered from old equipment is one of the biggest obstacles to re-use. You can be reassured that your data will be secure from retrieval if specific standards for data wiping are adhered to.

As part of any computer recycling service, your chosen partner should offer the following services:

• Compliance with relevant local/ state and central government/ congressional requirements and legislation

• Data Destruction for hard drives to US government/ Canadian/ Australian standards

• Asset tracking for all obsolete/ faulty computer hardware. You need to know where your computers end up.

• Non export of your used computer equipment. Recycling should not mean illegal dumping or export to developing countries. (in compliance with the Basel Action Network)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embraced an Extended Product Responsibility approach to the environmentally friendly disposition of these products. The EPA instituted the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) in 1994 to seek "...cleaner, cheaper, and smarter" solutions to the environmental issues concerning used computers and electronics.