Originally published May 5 2005
Intel's Rethink encourages PC users not to scrap old hardware
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In an effort to cut down on waste and pollution, Intel announced its Rethink Initiative, which encourages PC and cell phone users to use Ebay and other companies to recycle and resell their old hardware rather than throw it away. Computers and cell phones contain dangerous chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, and these substances have the potential to contaminate ground soil, making it dangerous for humans. The Rethink Initiative seeks to put these unwanted devices either in recycling center, or into the hands of people that want them. According to industry analysts, there are over 133,000 computers thrown away every day.
Safely getting rid of all your dead or outdated technology: We show you how simple it can be.
Every Monday when the household recycling truck comes, it's little bother for me to haul out my blue bin, where throughout the week I pitch unwanted paper, plastic, and glass.
Now, EBay, the nation's leading forum for selling used goods, is working to ease your pain, through its Rethink Initiative.
The online auction giant spearheaded Rethink earlier this year to confront the growing problem of "e-waste."
For instance, an amazing 133,000 PCs are junked every day, according to industry analyst Gartner.
Backed by Intel, Rethink coordinates the recycling programs of more than two dozen major computer manufacturers, retailers, and cell phone companies--as well as government agencies, environmental groups, and charities--and conveniently links to all of them on one site.
Now the home page of the Rethink Initiative provides easy access to the wide array of responsible ways to dump your unwanted equipment.
Of course, EBay would love for you to sell your unwanted stuff on its site, but the Rethink location also tells you about convenient local drop-off options, trade-in programs, and ways to donate to local charities.
The true gold at the end of this recycling rainbow is a list of links to technology companies' own recycling program pages, and referrals to local programs in your area where you can either drop off your equipment or arrange to have it picked up for free or for a small charge.
It took only a few weeks for Rethink to generate public response, EBay says.
EBay even provides the instructions needed to safely delete all data on your PC's hard drive or from your cell phone so the next user can't discover your personal information.
Also handy are lists of third-party sellers and of nonprofits that will take PCs and peripherals off your hands and refurbish them.
For obsolete and outdated PCs, you can go to a list of responsible recyclers.
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