Think E-Green: Delete and Donate Old Computers

You can help reduce e-waste by donating your used computers to a charitable organization, like Goodwill, but also don’t forget the importance of deleting personal files with a product like Symantec’s Norton SystemWorks 2002. Electronic waste or e-waste is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. It is a crisis not only of quantity, but also of electronics' toxic ingredients such as lead, mercury and cadmium that pose environmental and health threats. In fact, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that about 220 million tons of old computers and other tech hardware are trashed in the U.S. every year.

Completely deleting files requires more than just dragging a file into the recycle bin and then emptying it. In fact, the Department of Defense has a federal standard for deleting electronic files because erased documents can still be recovered unless they are completely removed from the hard drive.

Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2002 is like a paper shredder for electronic files. This easy-to-use software features Norton Wipe Info, which removes all traces of selected files or folders from hard drives. It can also wipe the free space on PCs, ensuring that previously deleted information is not lingering.

E-Waste Statistics You Should Know:

1. About 220 million tons of old computers and other tech hardware are trashed in the United States each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2001).



2. About 63.3 million desktop computers will be taken out of service in the year 2002, and 85 percent of them will end up in landfills across the country, constituting an ever-growing environmental hazard (National Safety Council, 2001).



3. By the year 2005, one computer will become obsolete for every new one put on the market (Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, 2001).



4. Fifty percent of computers being recycled are in good working order. They are discarded to make way for the latest technology (Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, 2001).



5. Experts estimate that we will have more than 500 million obsolete computers in the United States between 1997 and 2007 (Poison PCs).



6. Five hundred million computers in the world contain 6.32 billion pounds of plastics, 1.58 billion pounds of lead, and 632,000 pounds of mercury (The Basel Action Network, 2002).



7. The average lifespan of a computer has shrunk from four or five years to two years (National Safety Council, 1999).



8. About 70 percent of heavy metals found in U.S. landfills comes from discarded electronics such as circuit boards, wires, steel casings and other parts (The Basel Action Network, 2002).



9. Only 12.75 million computers, including monitors and keyboards, will be recycled in the United States in 2002 (The Basel Action Network, 2002).



10. Americans are buying more computers than people in any other nations. Currently more than 50 percent of U.S. households own computers, and therefore, generate the most e-waste (The Basel Action Network, 2002).

Symantec E-Waste FAQ

1. What is e-waste?
   E-waste is electronic waste. It includes a broad and growing range of electronic devices from large household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, hand-held cellular phones, personal stereos, consumer electronics and computers.



2. Why is e-waste a problem?
   E-waste is hazardous, and it is generated rapidly due to the extreme rate of obsolescence.



3. Why is e-waste hazardous?
   E-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of which are toxic, and creates serious pollution upon disposal. These toxic substances include lead, cadmium, mercury, plastics, etc.



4. Why does e-waste increase rapidly?
   As technology evolves rapidly, the electronics obsolescence rate increases exponentially. This is the reason electronics produce much higher volumes of waste in comparison to other consumer goods.



5. How much e-waste is there now?
   About 220 million tons of old computers and other tech hardware are trashed in the United States each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2001).



6. Where does e-waste go?
   The majority of e-waste ends up in our landfills. When disposed of in a landfill, e-waste becomes a conglomeration of plastic and steel casings, circuit boards, glass tubes, wires, resistors, capacitors, and other assorted parts and materials. These heavy metals and other hazardous substances can contaminate soil and groundwater.



7. What can I do?
   Delete and Donate - Most people mistakenly assume that their old computer is worthless. The reality is that many schools, community-based organizations and other groups can make good use of your old computer. You should delete all personal information from your old computer and donate it.
   
   Completely deleting files requires more than just dragging a file into the recycle bin and then emptying it. Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2002 is like a paper shredder for electronic files. It removes all traces of selected files or folders from hard drives.



8. Recycle - If your computer is so ancient that it is worthless, don't toss it in the nearest landfill. Find a local waste-management company that will handle used electronics and recycle it.

Symantec Ten Top Tips on How to Donate Your Old PC

1. Determine if your old computer can be reused. Usually Pentium-level computers and up are good for donation.



2. Recycle old and broken PC equipment. Recyclers remove useful parts of a PC and then break down and safely remove any hazardous materials.



3. Contact charitable organizations before donating. Donation criteria varies among organizations. It will save you time if you contact them in advance.



4. Follow PC delivery instructions. Check with the charitable organization if they have specific locations or instructions on where or how a PC can be donated.



5. Remember the accessories. Don't forget the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, packaged software, etc. Schools and charitable organizations can always put them to good use.



6. Keep the operating system intact. Since charitable organizations usually cannot afford to purchase and license new operating systems, it is best to leave your old one with the PC.



7. Provide original media and documentation. It is helpful to have the original disks, media and documentation that came with the PC when it was purchased.



8. Delete personal information using value-added software, such as Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2002. Information that should be deleted before donating includes cookies, e-mail, personal data, temporary Internet files, etc. You don't want private information in the hands of strangers.



9. Keep a list of what you donated for your records. A tax advisor can determine what donations are deductible. Most organizations can provide you with a tax receipt upon request.



10. Plan for future donations. Save all documents that came with your new PC. When the time comes around to donate your new PC, everything will be in one place.