E-Waste
Computers and equipment associated with them, is also known as E-waste. This can include items such as the computer, monitor and printer.
These items should not be put into your household rubbish bins as they contain toxic substances, which effectively makes them hazzardous.
A breakdown of a PC and what it contains are as follows:
Plastic - 23%
Glass - 15%
Ferrous metals - 32%
Non-ferrous metals - 18%
Electronic boards - 15%
Due to a PC containing up to 2kg of lead, plus a complex mixture of materials a PC can be very difficult to dispose of.
Some manufacturers of electrical goods now have E-waste management which form a part of their environmental policies. Some may even collect your e-waste, transfer it to the recycling centre where it can be broken up (or de-manufactured). The materials from within the PC such as steel or aluminium can then be recycled to make new products.