Apple has come under attack by consumer groups for the environmental damage caused by users throwing away their Apple computers. Why single out Apple? Why not Dell or Hewlett Packard, whose innards cause as much environmental damage as Apple? Does it stem from Apple’s association with Al Gore as Leander Kahney suggests? How should users dispose of their personal technology once it is obsolete?
Apple now sends a label for customers to return their old Apple computer. The customer must still box the old computer and take it to a drop box. Some action is better than no action. A few Apple users dispose of their
- Mac in the box
, - iMac
, - and Cube
by turning it into an aquarium. Some end customers sell their personal technology. One person’s old gadget is another’s must have new technology?
Should computer manufacturers like Apple and Hewlett Packard make their products with more recyclable material? Should the American federal government require computer manufacturers to make their products with recyclable material? Does anyone shutter at the disposal problem from the introduction of ultra cheap computers (image linked here and story linked here)?
Computers may be the tip of the iceberg. With flat panel screens now en vogue, what will happen to the millions of cathode-ray tube (CRT) computer monitors and television sets 
? What about MP3 players like iPods? As the life span of cell phones shorten, how should users dispose of the handset?
The American federal government can force television broadcasters to switch broadcasting spectrums. The government can set standards for energy compliance (i.e., the energy star label 
). Local governments usually enact regulations concerning proper disposal of household goods. Do we need a government policy for the disposal of personal technology?
Do retailers bear any responsibility? When you purchase a heavy appliance from Lowe’s or Sears, they offer to install the new appliance and remove the old appliance. Should they offer the same service on personal electronics like a computer, MP3 player, or cell phone?
Are we better off letting consumer advocacy groups, computer manufacturers, and retailers decide the best approach of disposing of technology?
47 responses so far ↓
whitneyw1 // March 24, 2007 at 1:22 pm |
I think there should be a standard made for the disposal of such products as computers and cell phones and mp3 players. If there are so many other regulations about the disposal of other products why can there not be regulations about the disposal of such things as computers. Especially if the regulations are helping preserve our environment. I think it is a smart idea to make regulations concerning making computers with more recyclable material. Those types of regulations can ensure more safety for our enviroment and less worry about the disposal of products. Decrease worry about disposal could prossibly lead to increase purchase and consumption also. In addition, I think it is a great idea to involve retailers in the disposal process. If retailers could make the disposal process easier by picking up old computers and then taking the responsibility of disposing of them properly and safely I think it would be a great thing. Also if I knew of a retailer that did such activities I would more than likely choose that retailer over one that did not offer the same services. This could lead to a big competitive advantage for certain retailers.
koltb2 // March 26, 2007 at 11:31 am |
I see no reason that computer manufacturers should not be required to make their products with recyclable materials. In fact, I am surprised that the government has not already set standards that would force this action. I am sure all the manufacturers will do is pass the cost on to the customer, which could be a problem for us. Furthermore, I feel it would be a great idea to require all retailers to accept old electronics, in order that they may be disposed of properly.
josephw2 // March 26, 2007 at 12:58 pm |
Currently, Hp and Dell are making newer computers with an emphasis put on energy reduction. This has been made possible by the more energy efficient hardware inside them. So you can’t blame the pc maker for its lack of environmentally friendly products when they’re dependent on their suppliers. Likewise, on Dell’s behalf I can say they are the leader in environmentally friendly products throughout the pc industry. If you visit their website, http://www.dell.com/html/global/topics/pure_earth/index.html, you’ll find that they do many things to encourage environmentally friendly consumption. I bet you’d be surprised how much time and money they actually dedicate without any outside pressures forcing their hand.
stacys2 // March 26, 2007 at 1:11 pm |
I also see no reason for manufactures to start making computers with recyclable material. That is kind of crazy in a way. When you are making the decision between two computers and you see a recyclable one and an all new Apple with all these high-tech gadgets on it, what would you honestly choose? Yeah, there may be a few who hard core environmentalists out there that choose the recyclable one, but honestly, I would choose the new and improved Apple. And I have a feeling I am not alone in that decision. However, I do think that manufacturers should offer the option, when trading your computer for a newer one, to dispose of your old one for you. This way I will still feel like I am doing a good thing for the environment because technically I am doing nothing but sending my old computer back from where it came.
patrickm2 // March 26, 2007 at 2:13 pm |
I think one reason they are targeting apple is the fact that they make computer and monitor together in the same package. If you buy a monitor separately, you can reuse it when you buy a new computer. I purchased a laptop my freshman year and used my old Sony monitor from an old desktop. That being said, I believe computer manufacturers should be responsible for the recycling of computer products. With complete and accurate knowledge of the industry, computer companies have the best chance in turning an environmental issue like computer disposal into a profitable organization. Once profitable, the incentive for companies to encourage recycling increases as does the market in computer recycling and the environment as a whole. I tend to believe that consumer advocacy groups have the right vision but may not have the technological know how to make such an endeavor profitable, which is the best way to encourage recycling among computer retailers and manufacturers. Making it profitable to recycle will most importantly make a better global environment, a solution pleasing computer manufacturers, retailers, and consumer advocacy groups alike.
gconner2 // March 26, 2007 at 7:01 pm |
I think that retailer’s should in fact hold some responsibility for the disposal of personal electronics that are larger in size. The question is what defines “some”? This subject could be taken too far if the government implemented unreasonable regulations on Apple and other companies. On the other hand, I see that if nothing is done at all, neither people nor distributors will have any incentive to dispose of personal electronics properly. With the rapid increase of technology today this I could see as being a problem as people constantly update their mp3’s, computers, and televisions to the new and best ones. Retailer’s I believe will also gain a closer relationship with customer’s if they offer the option to accept back the product for disposal after the customer is ready for a new and improved one.
clintt1 // March 26, 2007 at 10:42 pm |
I agree with what people have said that in order to solve this disposal issue, things have to be done at multiple levels of the supply chain. The manufacturer should be required to make computers and electronics with more recyclable material. Likewise, retailers should accept old electronics when new ones are purchased. It will take multiple effort to handle this disposal issue, but something has to be done. Technology is improving faster and faster, and electronics turnover is only increasing. Maybe Apple is a target because of a relationship with Al Gore who is the leading proponent of environmental awareness and protection. That is all politics and the media though, the problem exists with all electronics manufacturing. I know that when you purchase a new phone at Cingular, you can donate your old phone which are provided for lower income people. What if something like that were done with computers? There are a lot of developing countries around the world just now becoming technologically advanced. What if a company like Dell took old computers from their customers and used them in a school for children in Africa? Not only does it solve the disposal situation, but helps people less fortunate and creates a positive image globally for Dell.
christopherf2 // March 28, 2007 at 9:51 am |
In regards to the disposal of computers and other related products, I feel that it is crucial that we as a country create an easier and more efficient way to dispose of certain technologies. This question directly parallels the problem America was having twenty years ago with the disposal of oil from automobiles. People once poured products such as anti-freeze and oil down their driveways which ended causing groundwater issues for many cities. The state and local government s need to come together and formulate a plan that will motivate technology consumers to dispose of their old products correctly. For example, cities could have a program where they would pick up the products for disposal, from a persons house, in exchange for a small cash reward. I have seen this program implemented in a few cities around Texas and it apparently has become very popular. Also, retail stores can help with this initiative by making people aware of the issue and also by giving customers discounts on their next product if they bring their old one in.
williamj2 // March 30, 2007 at 12:34 pm |
I think the reason that Apple has been targeted is because they are a big leader in the market for computers. Everyone knows who Apple is and by pointing them out they essentially are waiting to see if they will be the leader in dispoding of old products when the need arises. I don’t think that we should have to resort to using recycled materials for future computers unless we are able to develop something that we can atleast compare to the materials that are used in computers now. As long as the improved performance of computers declines, I see no problem in using recycled materials in the future. Retailers should develop ways to dispose of the products we currently have now, but in the end it is still up to the consumer to do their part of the job.
lpatman // April 1, 2007 at 6:22 pm |
I think there should be requirements for computers to use materials that could be recycled. Each company should take control of their own products waste issues. Giving an option of letting the customer take old products back to the store where they bought the product or have a recycling bin at local grocery stores are examples of a good way to help. If apple decides to do this first than they would get ahead of the other competitors. In a few years all electronic stores will have some sort of recycling for their used products. There should also be requirements for other electronics like tvs, ipods, mp3 players, and phones.
lexib2 // April 2, 2007 at 9:39 am |
Technology is a booming industry right now. Apple has done a great job in participating successfully in this boom. Many people see Apple as a superior brand name, if not from their computers, because of their ipod. If Apple were to make it a priority to ensure that their products were environmentally friendly, I believe the impact would be huge. Not many technology companies can say that if they made a platform for recycling everyone would hear about it. For instance, I never knew Dell did so much with the environment until the earlier comment. I think Apple has a great opportunity to help society move to a more eco-friendly environment. Unlike large appliances, I don’t see it neccessary to come and pick the computer or ipod up from the house, but if the retailer offered to dispose of it for the customer it would be appropriate. Even if you aren’t an environmental person, like me, you definitely wouldn’t object to another person taking care of your trash. I can only see this step being nothing but positive for Apple and look forward to seeing how they implement it.
kyleb2 // April 2, 2007 at 10:26 pm |
Disposition of any electronic device is a crucial decision each consumer has to make. Whether to recycle or dump it in the trash usually depends on the convenience and the easy the consumer can dispose their items. I know I have thrown away several computers living in Lubbock because the dumpsters are in your back yard and Lubbock doesn’t have a recycle pick up. Manufactures could offer discounts on new computers if you turn in your old one or even offer money back for people to drop off old computers. I don’t think making computers recyclable will change any thing. I believe Apple is the target because they are a strong competitor and are very distinguishable from other competitors. So by competitors labeling Apple as not environmentally safe they are hoping to attract Apple’s customers.
maryc1 // April 3, 2007 at 9:33 am |
It is really important for us to find a better more efficient way to dispose of our computers. We live in a society of constant updating of new technologies. This also means we are a society of disposing of old technologies. I fell that it is very important to place some kind of standard of disposal on computer companies. This can range from requiring them to use recyclable material or having to take the computers back and use them for another purpose. Apple has been a leader in the computer industry for years so I know that if they begin to input a plan like this the rest of the companies will follow. Once this idea takes off with computers maybe other industries will follow in finding alternate means of disposal.
jalderson2 // April 3, 2007 at 11:02 am |
I think that this is a small but yet good regulation that governments need to regulate and hold businesses to the fire on. Products of the future need to be eco. friendly and be able to be easily disposable. This however seems to be a small solution for governments to focus on right now. The bigger problem lies with carbon emmessions and polution that companies emit every year. Although this is a great idea, it seems like the government is putting a band-aid on a broken arm.
allisonw2 // April 4, 2007 at 11:19 am |
I couldn’t imagine electronic devices being made out of recycled materials. I’d be worried about the durability of those devices. I drop my cell phone at least once a week. I’d go through probably a cell phone a month! As for computers, I do think that all computer brands should focus on some sort of way to recycle their computers. Being eco-friendly in the ever growing “Green” movement is a great way to secure customers and its is just the right thing to do. Verizon has a drop box to recycle or donate your old cell phone. I think cell phone, mp3, tvs, and computers should be donated. Most of us only keep our electronics for a year or so (except for computers), so why not donate it to a school that is in need of computers? Or a mom who works 2 jobs who needs to call to check on her children? There are many ways to dispose of electronics other than in the garbage and I think that more companies need to think outside the trash can.
ctirey // April 4, 2007 at 7:53 pm |
Apple is already one of the more youth conscious organizations on the electronic scene, the ipod opened the door for the mp3 player and as you can see from the ads apple is has strongly identified itself with the younger generation. Due to this it suprises me that apple is not at the forefront of the ecofriendly computer. I think under the scrutiny of these groups that apple will clean its act up and make a surge to become more eco friendly on all fronts and surpass any current computer companies with breakthroughs in eco friendly equipment just as they have or are attempting to do in all the other fields they have entered. I think Apple unlike dell and HP has less progress to make in upping its effort in to become ecofriendly since they don’t produce the flat panel TVs like dell and don’t make a large amount of printers like HP. On some level I think the retailer should contribute space to help the recycling of these old computers the same way Office Depot does with old print cartridges and cell phones. Perhaps having some kind of reward program for turing in these items would promote the safe disposal and possible recycling of these toxic items and help spread the word about green technology.
rossc1 // April 7, 2007 at 3:29 pm |
I think the reason many people have singled out Apple is due to their recent success in the market. Often, when one company triumphs vastly over other companies, they create enemies for whatever reasons are increasingly negative. Apple has taken the correct initiatives in giving consumers access to return the old computer, but in many instances I am confident that many consumers just throw it away. If computer manufactuers made their computers from recycleable materials, they would most likely not hold up as well and cause much dissatisfaction among buyers. I believe that making it more convenient to recycle materials is the best way to go. People are not often intrinsically motivated, so offer some rewards such as coupons on the next purchase. Not only would this make environmentalists happy, but it would make the consumer more committed to your brand.
marcusk1 // April 7, 2007 at 5:04 pm |
I do not believe also that it is the responsibility of the retailor to make sure the consure disposes of old or unwanted computers. However I do like the efforts that have been taken by apple to aware consumers of the risk and what could happen to the the environment. If apple and other computer companies somehow did make its products for recycle use after the consumer were done with the computer, it could possibly attract or add a new type of user or target market.
kkovacic // April 9, 2007 at 7:05 pm |
I think proper disposal is crucial for the future of the mankind. Pollution and other harm we cause to the environment can be reduced by taking on the behavior of disposal. I think the government needs to make it a necessity or a regulation that requires disposable consumption for products that can harm the environment otherwise. I think it should be the retailers’ responsibility to dispose technology because they might be able to re-use it. If not, they can take the proper steps for disposing it. Furthermore, I think retailers could be more reliable compared to individuals. To enforce this regulation fully, the government should assign a monetary fine for those who do not follow the regulations and harm the environment.
virginiag1 // April 10, 2007 at 9:34 am |
I think that the disposal of personal technology is something we should be very focused on in our society. As the author of this article stated, product lives are becoming shorter and shorter for items such as computers, cell phones, mp3 devices, and even televisions. This is becoming a problem for us because if the material is not recyclable it will all just go into the dumps. I think it is very important for both computer companies and the government to take responsibility and begin to make their products recyclable. Also, the stores that sell these products could get involved in the disposal process by providing customers disposal options for their old item when they are purchasing a new product. Taking care of this problem is not something that any one group can or will accomplish by themselves. Once the consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and government get together and decide the best course of action we can begin to solve this issue.
carlym2 // April 10, 2007 at 7:53 pm |
I also believe that the government should set standards for computer manufacturers to make their products with recyclable materials. Environmental concerns are growing everyday and consumers are often concerned with this issue. I think that Apple is singled out in this article because they are a well-known company. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coming up with many different ways that consumers can dispose their old computers. For example, you can donate your PC to charities, sell it on e-Bay, or trade it in. Office supplies companies are also doing their part by offering discounts on computer items if you bring in old computer appliances. These rewards would have a positive effect on consumers, as well as the environment.
ricardoc2 // April 11, 2007 at 12:19 pm |
“One mans garbbage is another mans treasure.” I tend to agree with this qoute and find myself donating many old or unused electronics to centers around town. I do however find myself throwing away many electronics such as old cell phones and palm pilots because I don’t know what else to do with them after nobody wants them. Just recently I have visited some retailers that have boxes where you can turn in your old cell phones so that they can be recycled. This is a great approach towards supporting our environment. I just find it easier to throw away electonics than drag them down to a store so that they can be recycled. I am sure that there will be mandatory requirments set by the goverenment in the futute that mandates the proper disposal of electonics.
rachelh1 // April 11, 2007 at 8:06 pm |
I believe that consumer advocacy groups are not doing enough to address the issue of disposition. Why not try to get federal regulations passed to set an established percentage of different products that must be made of recycled parts? Or have federal regulations on how to dispose of larger products such as computers, flat screen and other technologies? Electronics, if just simply dumped in the trash will take almost the longest to decompose than anything else. Consumer advocacy groups should put pressure on the government to set regulations for consumers to dispose properly of many more products. Government regulations will in turn give companies the opportunity to be socially responsible, and thus will also give the companies who choose to make disposition(according to federal regulations) easier on their customers. If companies find a way to take the responsibility of disposition off their customers, they could very much differentiate themselves as not only a products company, but a service company as well.
saraf2 // April 12, 2007 at 9:59 am |
Many people are not creative, so I do not beleive that it is up to the consumer to recycle the computers. Apple, Dell, HP and others should have an incentive for users to send the computers back to them to dispose of. Maybe they can turn it in an aquarium, plant box, or something else for the consumer and send it back to them. Technology changes so fast, that we are always needing the next best thing to keep up with business, work, and other things. Viruses and downloading leaves a computer slower and harder to work, which just leaves the consumer angry. Therefore they will go out and get a new computer instead of trying to fix it because of the hassle or not having a computer for a while. Time is a big issue with the reliabiity of computers.
lesleyh1 // April 12, 2007 at 2:14 pm |
I think there should be a regulation on how computers are disposed and any electronic for that matter. A big start in this trend would be to require companies to incorporate environment friendly components for easy recycling. I think most people trade or sell their old electronics. They clean out the harddrive and sell it to someone on ebay or newspapers or a computer resale shop. There is always someone who will think your trash is their good find. I think the media is pointing fingers at Apple because of their company success with IPods. Everyone is trying to emulate their product, but they can’t. Why not point the finger at the successful one to try and bring them down. Everyone has the problem with disposing their technology.
kellis1 // April 16, 2007 at 12:41 pm |
In my opinion there should be a regulation put into place by the federal government that instructs retailers on the disposal of computers and other electronics. If these regulations were put in place, i feel that it should be the retailers responsibilty to take care of the proper disposal. Retailers already offer services such as installation and other help features, why not disposal as well. It is very apparent that many Americans are not too concerned with the environment, so it should not be left up to consumer groups decide this. If its not already a big deal, it soon will be with new computer and electronic products coming out every day. If retailers were to provide disposal of all of their electronic products they sell, it would be beneficial to all.
emilys1 // April 16, 2007 at 6:54 pm |
In my opinion, the federal government should implement a standard for the disposal of technological goods such as Apple Computers, ipods, and TV’s. The government already takes action in the disposal of other household products so I think they should have the responsibility to take some action in the disposal of technological goods. I think it would be a good idea for retailers of these products to also take responsibility in the disposal of these products. I think if retailers offered a disposal service of some sort more consumers would be willing to buy their products. Disposing of these types of goods is difficult and time consuming which consumers are not willing to waste time on. If retailers were willing to impliment a disposal system of some sort they would really stand out amongst their competitors.
ashleyh1 // April 16, 2007 at 8:44 pm |
I am on the fence about making recycling standards. I am completely pro recycling but I do not believe there should be standards. Yes I think most companies should be more waste recycling savvy, but not at the cost of cheap material that would not satsify most customers. Instead of setting a standard, I think companies should be doing research on the side to see what they can come up with as well as making technology waste easier to dispose of. I think all retailers that sell that brand should accept old computers, Ipods etc. and have a system to send them back to that company to recycle the material. People will more likely recycle if it is not a waste of time to them or they don’t have to go through a lot of effort in order to do it. Therefore both companies would benefit bringing in customers to their store as well as knowing that the company of their technology is taking the effort in recycling.
meascott // April 17, 2007 at 2:13 pm |
At my work we use a Hewlett Packard Copier, and after we use the ink cartridges they provide you with a box and mailing label to send it back to be recycled. All you have to do is call FedEx to pick it up and ship it to be recycled. I think that if it was easier to find places to dispose of used computers more people would be willing to recycle. Also, if a consumer were buying a new computer they could possibly receive a discount if they brought in their old one to be disposed of. Honestly the best way to increase the amount of recycling is to offer some type of benefit to the consumer or monitor recycling by regulation.
travish1 // April 18, 2007 at 9:41 am |
Disposing of any obsolete technology is always tricky at times especially if you are not the only one doing it. It would seem that we throw away just about everything that we purchase and then some. It would be nice if manufactures made products out of some recycleable products even if it were just a small amount. Some is always better then none and than make it possible to reuse the old existing parts/out dated and some how incorporate them back into the new so where not to waste space, time, money and the environment. Reusing computers as other things is a start at the very least donate your old out dated gadgets to charity or someone in need. Just cause you might not use it anymore doesnt mean someone else wont.
julianneb1 // April 18, 2007 at 11:33 am |
I think it’s a difficult thing to get rid of a computer. I mean you paid alot for it, and you just throw it away? What about the info you have on your hard drive? I think they do need to come up with ways that make it easy to dispose of them as well as a way that is safe for the environment. If they made computers and other electronics with recyclable materials would the level of quality go down? I just know there has to be an easy and safe way to dispose of computers and any other kind of big electronic device we just have to find out what it is.
micheller2 // April 18, 2007 at 5:17 pm |
I think there should be a standard made for the disposal of such products as computers and cell phones and mp3 players. It would be nice if manufactures made products out of some recycleable products even if it were just a small amount. It is very apparent that many Americans are not too concerned with the environment, but people might be more likely recycle if it is not a waste of time to them or they don’t have to go through a lot of effort in order to do it.
jakeg2 // April 18, 2007 at 8:40 pm |
I think that the users of personal computers are the type of people that would be interested in recycling their computers. If manufacturers offered an incentive or discount towards the purchase of a new computer then it would not go to waste. Also a kit could be sold to convert the computer into an aquarium. Lots of people do it, so it obviously has a market. Why not help people to make this crazy setup. Might work? who knows. If it were going to happen in any market though, I think that the computer market might be the first.
lynsmith // April 19, 2007 at 9:39 am |
I believe that it comes down to the users/consumers of a product. Companies can do stress their customers to take a certain action, however in the end the final decision is not up to them. I have a friend that uses a dell printer and receives the ink cartridges in the mail. When the new one comes all she has to do is return the old ones. It would take five minutes out of her life, but instead she just throws it away. There is only so much a company can do to strongly encourage something that would be better for the environment. It is obvious, not just from the example of my friend, that Americans do not feel the urgency to protect the environment. In order to really convey that message and get people to start acting in other ways, then the government needs to do more. People do not care until it is a national issue and luckily it is getting that way. Thank you Al Gore!
charlese1 // April 19, 2007 at 10:46 am |
I think the disposal of electronics is very important for the environment and should be watched closely. Apple is taking such a bad rap for their products harming the environment because they are probably the most influential company for making computers. They should start having commercials and ads that suggest the best way to disposed of a used product. This would take the heat off them and would promote environmental advocacy. I don’t think that computer manufacturers should start making their products with more recyclable material because that would make their product cheaply made. This might cause their product to have a shorter life span and not work as well. The key to all of this is to start making customers more aware of ways that they can dispose of their product. I don’t think that retailers should be held responsible for the disposal of computers and other electronics, however, computer manufacturers should be the ones making the huge movement to help out the environment by proper disposal.
eriny2 // April 19, 2007 at 1:46 pm |
Since personal technology is an endless growing want or desire that many consumers purchase, I believe that things do need to be done to help users dispose of their products. I don’t think that Apple should be singled-out and I believe that all companies in personal technology industry need to be involved in this. Sites such as EBay offer good disposable outlets for consumers. I think that this is a great way to sell a product that a consumer got rid of because he or she wanted the newer technology. Retailers can make disposable options easier by offering a site such as EBay where consumers can have an easy option to dispose. A consumer would be more willing to participate if it was made easier to dispose. If the product was broken it can be recycled for the company to produce new products and if it’s still in good condition it can be sold to other consumers through this site. When a customer goes to purchase items they could have the option to give the retailer their old product and get a small discount on their new purchase. This could encourage disposal that could help the environment. While I do not think that retailers should be required to offer disposal programs, I do believe that by doing this it could greatly improve the environment.
brettb1 // April 19, 2007 at 3:18 pm |
I don’t think it is as much the computer companies faults as it is the government and the consumers. People are always going to want things to be cheaper and if that means making it out of more dangerous to the environment materials then many will be willing to do so. The computer companies will then do this because they want to boost sales. I think they should offer some kind of a discount or free item if you return your old computer when you buy a new one. Maybe offer a higher discount of it is your brand of computer. Or even a higher discount if you bring in a competitors computer to swap out for your brand. I also think the government should issue some regulations on the disposal of harmful electronic components. They have done that with substances like oil and paint and over time it has just become the way of life to take those substances to a proper disposal place instead of just throwing them in the trash.
rachelc1 // April 19, 2007 at 5:40 pm |
It is very important that federal regulations start setting tougher standards on computer manufacturers. Many people in the world today do not take the time to recycle; therefore we have many landfills overflowing with things that are not recyclable. In order to save our environment, I think it is crucial to make all computer manufactures make computers out of recyclable materials. It would also help if all stores provided some discount to your next computer purchase, when you bring in an old computer. I think people have had great ideas making there old computers into aquariums. It is hard for our environment, because it seems that a new version of our computers is being developed every few years. Many people are constantly buying new computers to stay current with new technology. I think this is a perfect example of why we need to start enforcing that all computers be made somehow out of recyclable material. Another problem is the ink cartridges that computer printers use. Ink cartridges are also not easily recycled. Most people when their ink is out toss it in the trash and go to the store and buy a new one. I have made it a point to take ten minutes out of my day every so often to go to a refill ink store. These stores are all around the country and will refill your ink cartridges for almost half price. This is a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time.
nicoshas1 // April 19, 2007 at 7:57 pm |
First of all I think that apple is probably being criticized unlike Dell or Hewlett Packard because they are so popular right now. With the “revolution” of mp3 players like ipods, apple has once again been placed back on the map. Its not that I don’t think that recycling is important, but focusing on one company like apple is unfair. I do think that there should be some sort of standard for disposing of old electronic devices if we as a county want to become more global friendly. I think that it’s a good start that apple has the option for customers to send their old product s back in, but if that not goes enough either laws needs to change or the federal government needs to make a change. Also if apple want to change its policy because of the social demand for this they, along with other companies, could implement new policy or even have their stores become actively involved in this process. Maybe they already are, but by making it easier for the consumer to dispose of their old products, it might make a difference in how consumers dispose of old product. Either companies need to change or consumers need to demand change.
ashleyd2 // April 19, 2007 at 9:31 pm |
I think that these computer companies should not invent a cheaper form of a computer (My computer breaks down enough), but they should offer some way of disposing of the product for the consumer. They should not just target Apple, and also consider other harmful things like MP3 players and TVs. I like the people that make aquariums out of their old computer (Very smart), but for those of us who don’t have fish, it would be nice to have the option of going to a place that would dispose of the product properly.
erich1 // April 19, 2007 at 9:55 pm |
I believe that computer manufacturers should have regulations to determine what their products are made of. Making a device such as a computer more recyclable will help our world when keeping in mind how fast technology in our day of age changes. Making extremely cheap computers is fairly controversial in my eyes seeing as how we need to make technology available to developing areas while at the same time such a product would likely not last very long. Then the problem of disposing of such an item would become a growing problem itself. When it comes to disposing of personal technology, it’s hard to say. We all need to do our part in disposing of things properly, but I feel like it should be at the discretion of the persons owning the devices, just as if we were to recycle a soda can or newspaper. I also do not believe retailers should be responsible for disposing of our products. It may be helpful for them to provide a service for such disposition, but making it mandatory would be pushing the boundaries in my opinion. So in the end, disposing of technology should be taken very seriously, and the sooner more people realize that we have to take care of what we have, the longer we can enjoy it. We as the consumer in the end should be made aware of that and act to make sure we do our part in disposing of our ever-changing technologies.
wilsonh1 // April 20, 2007 at 12:05 pm |
I work for a HP certified dealer. Last summer we won a bid on a contract to put 2000 computers a year into Beaumont Independent School District every year. These are on four year cycles. This means that in 2010 we will be replacing the computers we put in 2006. We had to figure into the bid, the cost to ship these old computers to third world countries where they could still get use out of them. This was mandatory and was HP’s way of recycling.
iana1 // April 20, 2007 at 2:34 pm |
I think there is a business opportunity here. If someone starts something where they take everyones old computers, separates them into their material classes, breaks them down and sells the raw material the people that make computer parts. I don’t know why it’s such a big deal, and I’m surprised no one has done this yet. Tech moves so rapidly things will always be thrown out. Although I tend to be someone who just puts it in a closet and pulls it out to mess around with it 10 years later. I still have a NES, Sega Genesis, N64, and a Dreamcast, which I dust off every now and then.
treyk1 // April 20, 2007 at 3:33 pm |
I think that each person should be responsible for their the disposal of their own goods. The legislature would certainly help by causing the manufacturers to strive for more environmentally friendly materials to be used in their products. I think the retail situation will come around on it’s own. Much like how auto parts stores now accept your old oil, technology stores will come around once there is a mechanism in place for them to recycle our old technology. I would agree that this is important, but even if it doesn’t work it will give scientists in the future job security (make a device that will vaporize all the junk we’re going to leave behind).
chrisc2 // April 20, 2007 at 8:21 pm |
I think something should definitely be done about the problem. I don’t think society has been aware of what landfills are going to look like in 15 to 20 years. The way technology is progressing, the computer you buy is obsolete in 6 months to a year. I think it is up to the manufactures and retailers to develop products where at lease some of the parts can be reused and recycled. I know for sure if you build a computer monitor or T.V out of a plastic material that you can melt it down and reuse it. I don’t know about the computer components on the inside, but I am sure with some research computer companies can find a way to reduce the waste that is caused by old technology.
kerrig2 // April 20, 2007 at 10:07 pm |
I think we do need a government policy for the disposal of personal technology. It is getting to the point where most Americans have several personal technology items each including cameras, computers, cell phones, televisions, etc. Without some sort of regulation, people will continue to just throw these things out, clueless of the pollution it is causing. Maybe some sort of incentive plan would work. Give a rebate to those who turn in old technological devices. There would also have to be a convenient place for them to do this such as local grocery stores or Best Buys. I know that Best Buy currently has a drop box for used cell phones. Things like this need to be better advertised so that the general public realizes the hazardous nature of their personal products and the ease with which they could dispose of them. I personally don’t want manufacturers changing their products because I don’t think the quality would be as good. Instead I think this problem should be solved on the consumer’s end.
kathleent1 // April 20, 2007 at 10:36 pm |
I think that it is a noble idea to have manufacturers try to change the way we dispose of our products, but they are right in that we should not just single out apple. This is not only a computer problem, but a consumer product problem as well as a global one. If we continue getting rid of things the way we do now, it will led to a huge problem which I don’t know if the world is ready to deal with. When will we learn to deal with the problem before it comes one instead of dealing with the much worse aftermath. I think that a global standard should be issued to require companies to come up with a way to dispose of products in an envirnomentally friendly way.
You must be logged in to post a comment.