Recycle It
If your old PC doesn't qualify for a trade-in or donation, recycle it. Computers, monitors, and peripherals contain lead, mercury, and other nasty chemicals that demand special handling. Throwing your system in the trash is not only a very bad idea, it may also be illegal: California and Massachusetts are among the states that have enacted laws prohibiting the disposal of a CRT monitor in a landfill.
If you're buying a new PC or printer, see if the manufacturer offers free recycling; Dell currently includes a coupon for free recycling with each PC or printer. Click here for details.
Dell, HP, and IBM will recycle computer products from any manufacturer for a fee ranging from $10 to $34 (see the chart below). For information on free and low-cost recycling alternatives, check the Web sites of the Electronic Industries Alliance and the National Recycling Coalition.
| Here are the rates three vendor charge for equipment disposal. You provide the box and packing material; they pay for shipping. | |||
| PC (without monitor) | $10 | $31 | $30 |
| Monitor (LCD or CRT) | $10 | $29 | $30 |
| Laser printer | $10 | $34 | $30 |
| Inkjet printer | $10 | $17 | $30 |
| PDA | $10 | $13 | $30 |
Click here for past Hardware Tips columns. Send your tips and questions to kirk_steers@pcworld.com. We pay $50 for published items. Kirk Steers is a PC World contributing editor.
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