Have you ever been to the basement of your office building and seen hundreds of obsolete or broken computers sitting in the hallway? What do you do with those CRT monitors you have at home after you replace them with flat screens? What do you do with all of that e-waste? Previously, many people would just toss the computer or monitor in the trash. Thankfully, recycling computers is now easy even for the home user.

Have you ever been to the basement of your office building and seen hundreds of obsolete or broken computers sitting in the hallway? What do you do with those CRT monitors you have at home after you replace them with flat screens? What do you do with all of that e-waste? Previously, many people would just toss the computer or monitor in the trash. Thankfully, recycling computers is now easy even for the home user.

Technology is causing computers to become obsolete at a very quick pace. Prices have decreased as well, allowing users to replace the old technology with the latest and greatest available. With the stockpile of old computers growing, why is it vital that we recycle? As computers decompose, dangerous chemicals find their way to the water supply and into the air.

Computers contain many valuable elements that can be used after reclamation. These include lead, gold, and copper. For example, a 15-inch monitor can contain over five pounds of lead that can be reused to construct new system.

For consumers, recycling e-waste is becoming more and more convenient. One popular method is donation. You can give your computer to a charity. Some common organizations that use the donated computers include libraries, foster homes, animal shelters, or community centers. This helps a cause, and will help you get a bit of a tax break at the end of the year.

Another choice is to participate in a take back program. These programs are offered by the manufacturer and involve the consumer mailing the old computer to the company. Before purchasing your computer, it is important to do some research. While most major manufacturers offer a computer recycling service, the programs may vary. Some will require a small fee or require you to pay for shipping. Other programs may pay for shipping and even give you a coupon for a discount on your next system purchase.

Another lesser known program is the exchange program. Manufacturers will exchange your old computer for a new model. They will turn around and renovate the old model in preparation for resale. Most manufacturers will offer these refurbished computers at a discount on their website or in their retail stores. Typically, these revamped models will come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. This allows for consumers who could not usually afford a computer to be able to benefit.

Businesses have some of the same alternatives as consumers, but often they have bulk e-waste that doesn't lend itself to the usual disposal methods. Computer manufacturers may offer bulk recycling service, but tend not to include brand names other than their own. There are third party contractors that specialize in the proper removal and disposal of bulk e-waste. Regardless of what method a company uses, they must remember that they are responsible for complying and abiding by all rules and regulations, both federal and state.

With the number of methods available for the disposal of both consumer and bulk business computers, recycling is now a painless process. By doing a little bit of research to find out your local options, you will be doing your part to save the environment from its newest danger.