Environmental issues related to the disposal of computer components, also known as e-waste.
Computer systems are made of many different materials, many of which can have a detrimental impact on the environment if not disposed of correctly.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment have a National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme to help avoid electronic equipment ending up in landfill. There are over 1800 collection services across Australia for this scheme. The scheme is part funded by large manufacturers and importers of electronic equipment (TVs, Computers). A requirement of the scheme is that 90% of the weight of recycled materials must be re-used or manufactured into new products.
Computer components contain hazardous materials (e.g. lead, mercury, cadmium) which could have a long lasting effect on the environment if not disposed of correctly. Additionally computer components contain high value materials (e.g. gold, silver, copper) which are a limited and expensive resource which can be recovered and reused.