I’ve heard my computer has heavy metals in it. Is that true?

Many electronic items contain components that can cause environmental damage when thrown in the landfill. Circuit boards contain metals like cadmium, antimony, and lead. Mercury is present in switches and lamps of many photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines. Large amounts of lead can also be found in monitors and TV glass. Plastic computer casings can have brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, materials that can release toxic chemicals when incinerated. The ever-increasing amount of obsolete electronic equipment poses a real problem for solid waste management.

Click here for more information about e-waste.

Need to recycle your old electronics? Find a drop-off near you on the RCBC Recyclepedia.

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