Finding Commodities in Computers

Much like cell phones, computers are a vast expanse of electronic circuitry, but they typically contain even more varieties of precious metals just waiting to be extracted.

We run through computers much like we do cell phones — every 18 to 24 months on average we get a hankering for a new computing device. The older models, which are now being recycled in greater numbers, can contain metals like gold, silver, tin and copper. Indium, a minor metal that is somewhat harder to source, is a key component to many flat-screen desktop displays, and is essential to many of the Japanese electronics now being made.

The issue, of course, is the threat with all e-waste: the potentially harmful materials that reside inside these devices along with these precious commodities. Lead (an average of 4 to 8 pounds in a typical PC), chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, zinc and brominated flame retardants all lurk in the inner workings of the household computing device.

The solution is simple: Safely recycle your computer instead of tossing it in the garbage to ooze out toxins in a landfill. If you need help finding an e-waste recycling location near you, see 1-800-RECYCLING.com’s recycling location search.