Computer Giants Boost E-Waste Programs Computer Giants Boost E-Waste Programs Tom Rollino HTM 304 “IT in the News”

Quick Overview  Old electronics causing problems  The people getting angry and sick  Big computer companies making changes  More customers wanting eco-friendly products  Price’s may go up for R&D

The Problem  Old computer technology dumped  PC’s  Servers  Printers  Workers breaking equipment apart  Contain toxic stews and chemicals:  Lead  Mercury  Cadmium  Etc…

What’s Happening  About 2 million tons of electronic waste in 2005  About 133,000 PCs are discarded each day in the US  80% of electronic waste shipped overseas  Only 10-15% of waste is being recycled

Who’s Recycling…  Many non-profit groups  Computer TakeBack Campaign  Hewlett Packard  Recycled 164 million pounds  Dell  Recovers 80 million pounds in 2005

The Solution  HP & Dell using more eco-friendly components and recycling old products  Making more energy efficient products  Eco-friendly packaging  Requiring “take-back” programs  Illegal is throw out nearly any electronics

Changes to Computers  Energy efficient computers  Easier to recycle  Less toxins  Eco-friendly packaging

Effect on the Industry  HP still charging to recycle  But customers get coupons  May cause higher prices in PC’s etc.  Good for Business  Customers want best for the environment  Customer loyalty

The Questions  What is the IT in question? How does it work?  What are the most valuable business applications of the IT?  What are the significant limitations of the IT?

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