Q: I have a Dell 1995 laptop, Windows XP that I am still using. I am totally green, grew up in Boulder when it was a town and in my DNA. I have a hard time with waste.
So my question is, what are we doing with all these old computers, when people are encouraged to dispose of them and purchase a new one? Nothing is mentioned about where responsible people can dispose or repurpose them. Computers should be exchanged for a new one if they are going to be disposed. Companies should be required to have a plan for repurposing computers. There needs to be a service for wiping and exchanging and a requirement that they cannot be disposed in the trash. It troubles me that all this electronic hazardous waste is ending up in landfills and not repurposed.— Jennifer
A: Actually, there is a lot of information online about where you can dump your old computer, recycle it or trade it in for something newer.
You’re not supposed to toss your old computer in the trash. Colorado began banning electronic waste in landfills in July 2013, as . That includes computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, DVD players, VCRs and devices with a display. The rationale is that computers, monitors and other such products have chemicals that could leak into water supplies.
The exception is counties that do not have at least two e-waste events a year or an ongoing e-waste recycling program.
Dumping e-waste illegally is subject to penalties of up to $10,000 a day via the Colorado Solid Waste Act. When I checked with the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment, no fines had been assessed as of last week.
Other states have gone farther. , for example, went into effect in 2005. Funds to recycle e-waste are charged to consumers at the time of purchase. Between $6 and $10 is added to a customer’s bill for a new laptop, TV or other video display.
Of course, the onus is on you to be a good steward. Not only do you need to make the effort to recycle e-waste, you’ll probably have to pay a fee. Plus, it’s your responsibility to delete private files from computers before recycling. The state suggests removing and destroying hard drives. (“.”)
The state’s , at , has links to , a , and a of how to reduce, reuse and recycle old junk.
Some PC makers also offer some sort of payment for your old computer. Apple for eligible smartphones, tablets and computers. on a new machine. Check with your own PC maker or a local electronics store for trade-in policies.
Some charities will take your old e-junk. GoodElectronics, which is part of Goodwill, accepts old computers in any condition for free — and even wipes the data. Details are at .
There’s also Blue Star Recyclers, which opened a Denver facility last year and has another in Colorado Springs. It tries to fix what comes in to resell or donate, or it’ll recycle what can’t be restored. The nonprofit , mainly those on the autism spectrum. Details at .
Tamara Chuang: tchuang@denverpost.com or visit
