Why do computer monitors need to be recycled?
Recycling computer monitors prevents a variety of the metals and chemicals used to manufacture them from creating environmental hazards. Recycling such computer parts also reduces the need to produce many of the materials which go into the production of electronics, such as copper and certain plastics, saving energy and reducing pollution.Space in LandfillsAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2007 Municipal Solid Waste Characterization Report, discarded computers and peripherals–which include printers and keyboards–totaled about 2.25 million tons. The EPA also warns that this amount is steadily increasing year to year.Damage to EnvironmentComputer monitors that are not recycled represent significant risks to soils and groundwater, with toxicity levels that can damage animal and human populations. Often they will seep into groundwater from landfills, and be introduced to downstream environments, where heavy metal poisoning can destroy animal and fish populations.Toxicity
