COMPUTERS

With more and more people getting “wired” everyday, Information Technology (IT) has become the world's fastest-growing manufacturing industry.

It's estimated that the manufacture of one computer consumes 240kg of fossil fuels, 22kg of chemicals and 150kg of water. Many computer components are non-biodegradable and toxic. Many components - particularly batteries and cathode -ray tubes - contain lead, cadmium and mercury that are harmful to the environment.

Given these potential dangers, the re-use and recycling of computers has significant environmental benefits. Pass on your old computer to your friends and family - why not bring your grandparents into the IT age!

The following information should be provided with the product. Printed user instructions should be attached to the product so that information on the product or service is easily available to users.

Power Management

This should contain the minimum and maximum energy consumption of the control unit in operation; information on sleep, deep sleep, and off-mode; and a statement that the product consumes zero power only while it is not physically connected from any power outlet.

Upgrade-ability / Exchangeability

Information on how your can upgrade / exchange modules or various parts of internal hardware.

Information on Service/System

Information on how you can  make use of the take-back guarantee.

For more specific information on these products use the Good Environmental Choice Standard for Computers in Australia. This standard is used to assess the environmental performance of computers in Australia and determine if they deserve the Australian 'Good Environmental Choice' Label.

GECA 24-2005 - COMPUTERS

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES

If you have a computer you're about to replace don't just throw it out. Below is a list of recycling options you may wish to exercise.

• Green PC website run by Infoxchange Australia; sells recycled computers online, with delivery Australia-wide
• Renew computer recycling; Canberra
• Australian Computer Society donates old computers to charities; Adelaide.
• Equipment Recycling Network Inc donates old computers to people with disabilities; Maroondah, Victoria
• RecycleIT resells recycled computers and components; Perth
• Com.IT computer recycling; Melbourne
• HMR computer recycling; Sydney
• PC Graveyard Victoria, ACT and Sydney
• MRI Australia
• Wesley E-Recycling refurbishes computers for individuals, low-income earners and non-for-profit organisations.
• E-Cycle Recovery; Adelaide

When purchasing a new computer look for the following information to guide you in finding a more environmentally friendly computer. 

• When buying a computer, look for labels indicating that the machine is energy-efficient.
• Buy computers that can be easily be upgraded to avoid having to purchase entire new systems as the technologies advance.
• Recycle old computers by donating them to charities or to other organizations that can refurbish or reuse the parts, or see the list above.

Send a letter to electronics companies urging them to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products.