As more companies, organizations, and individuals find reasons to upgrade their computers, the problem of how to safely discard used equipment continues to amplify.

The ramifications of this phenomenon are widespread:

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Plug in to eCycling program, only 15% to 20% percent of retired personal computers, TVs, cell phones and other electronic devices are being recycled in the United States (latest statistics are from 2007).



• Every computer dumped into a landfill represents a missed opportunity to provide Information-Age tools to individuals and organizations across the digital divide.



• Well-meaning companies that donate out-of-date computer systems directly to schools and nonprofits -- rather than through a recycler or a refurbisher -- can end up passing on more of a burden than a blessing.