Electronic Waste is a growing problem ...

Here is some information taken from Wikipedia's E-Waste page. Check out the original page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-waste and learn more.

E-waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users.

E-waste is both valuable as source for secondary raw material, and toxic if treated and discarded improperly. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe.

Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China and India, e-waste is being sent to these countries for processing ? in most cases illegally. Uncontrolled burning and disposal are causing environmental problems due to the methods of processing the waste.

E-waste is of concern largely due to the toxicity of some of the substances if processed improperly. The toxicity is due in part to lead, mercury, cadmium and a number of other substances. A typical computer monitor may contain more than 6% lead by weight. Up to thirty-six separate chemical elements are incorporated into e-waste items. Many of the plastics used in electronic equipment contain [harmful] flame retardants.

The unsustainability of discarded electronics and computer technology is another reason for the need to recycle, or even better, re-use e-waste.