Recycle-A-PC Keeps Old Electronics Out of Waste Stream

According to a recent report by the IAER (International Association of Electronics Recyclers), about 1 billion units of computer equipment will become obsolete or be "retired" between now and 2010. This represents approximately 40 billion pounds worth of potential scrap, much of which could end up in landfills. Most of this material is recyclable, while some is hazardous.

Metech International has introduced www.RecycleAPC.com, a new program that aims to keep as much of this scrap out of the waste stream as possible.

"Tremendous growth in the computer industry and rapid advancements in technology mean that consumers upgrade their equipment more frequently," says Jim Gardner, manager of market development at Metech. "Our Recycle-A-PC program gives people an alternative, an easy way to do the right thing."

 Plastic, steel, glass and aluminum comprise the bulk of a computer's weight, but there are also precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as copper. All of these can be recovered and reused in other applications. Additional materials found in computer equipment are hazardous and include several pounds of lead in each monitor and chromium, cadmium, mercury and other heavy metals in batteries.

Metech has established a system of Accountable Resource Management (ARM) protocols to provide environmentally correct recycling for electronics and to warrant proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

"Consumers are only just beginning to be aware of the danger in throwing away their used electronic equipment," he says. "Recycle-A-PC provides individuals and businesses with the means to properly recycle obsolete and unwanted computer equipment. It is a simple, straightforward way to be environmentally responsible, and our ARM(R) program assures people that it is done properly."

 The program accepts both PC and Apple equipment, including monitors, CPUs, laptops, mice and keyboards, as well as peripherals such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras. Consumers need simply to visit www.RecycleAPC.com and complete the form to purchase an ARM(R) Shipping Label. The label, which costs $30, allows a person to ship one box of computer equipment that can contain up to 60 pounds. The individual is responsible for packaging the equipment, affixing the pre-paid ARM Shipping Label and dropping the box off at a UPS pick-up location. About four weeks after shipment, Metech will send an e-mail notification that the shipment has arrived and has been properly recycled. Metech will also send a certificate of recycling for each shipment of material processed.

Details and restrictions are available www.RecycleAPC.com.