At Secure Data Recycling we call it e-waste, discarded computer equipment comprises monitors, printers, hard drives and circuit boards. Such items should on no account be thrown out with your household rubbish because they contain toxic substances, and are effectively hazardous waste. E-waste often ends up in the developing world, and the UN’s Environment Programme is alarmed by the amount of electronic goods which are improperly disposed of overseas. There is increasing concern about the pollution caused by hazardous chemicals and heavy metals in Africa, Asia and South America.

So what is your PC made up of?

23% Plastic

32% Ferrous Metals

18% Non Ferrous Metals

12% Printed Circuit Boards and other electronic components

15% Glass

A single computer can contain up to 2kg of lead, and this complex mixture of materials does make PCs very difficult to recycle

It is a complicated business and one that the experts at Secure Data Recycling would be happy to explain.

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