Dispose of Computers in Douglas County, Colorado

When a computer in Douglas County expires, proper disposal is the key because computers can contain environmental hazards, or e-waste. If the monitor or desktop computer expires it ends up in the landfill. The parts inside are made up of cathode ray tubes and significant amounts of mercury, cadmium, lead and hexavalent chromium. With parts being this high in carcinogenic levels, old computers need to be disposed of correctly (Gaz 2011). 

Back in May 2011 the “Electronics Recycling Act or Senate Bill 269,” a bill to prevent environmental damage by electronic waste or e-waste was approved by the senate. Senator Gail Schwartz (D–Snowmass) wanted to ensure that any computer part made of hazardous material could be recycled properly, and not only in compliance with environmental standards but also provides a list of certified e-waste recycling facilities and education regarding disposal of e-waste to the public. The Bill includes massive steps to eliminate all contamination from reaching the air, water, and land, and assist residents of Colorado with recycling of any e-waste to a safe place. The senate passed the Act during its second reading and now awaits final approval before it will head to the House (Salida Citizen. 2011). 

References:
 
Gaz, Dan. 2011. How to dispose of computers in Douglas County, Colorado (April 25). eHow. http://www.ehow.com/how_8291302_dispose-computers-douglas-county-colorado.html (accessed March 28, 2012).

Salida Citizen. 2011. Bill will prevent environmental damage caused by e-waste and create Colorado jobs (May 11). http://salidacitizen.com/2011/05/bill-will-prevent-environmental-damage-caused-by-e-waste-and-create-colorado-jobs/ (accessed March 28, 2012).