Rosewill Computer Case 422 Informacje Techniczne Pobierz pdf (Strona 79)

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Chapter 4 • Disassembly and Power

Computer Disposal/Recycling

Computers and other electronic devices can contain materials such as beryllium, chromium,

cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc. The levels of these materials are increasing dramati-

cally every year in landfills and can pose a threat to our environment. Plastics that are part of

computers are hard to isolate and recycle. CRTs (cathode ray tubes) are found in older moni-

tors and TVs and usually contain enough lead and mercury to be considered hazardous waste.

However, the EPA has been successful in obtaining exclusions from the federal hazardous

waste standards for unbroken CRTs, so they can be recycled more effectively.

Batteries contain acids that can burn or hurt body parts. Batteries can introduce lead and

acid into the environment. Heavy metals can leach into the ground and water sources.

Every state and many cities have specific guidelines about how to dispose of electronics.

These rules must be followed by technicians who replace broken computer equipment. For

example, in Florida and New York, steps have been taken to increase CRT recycling; however,

other states regulate all CRTs as hazardous waste and ban them from being sent to landfills. If

you are unsure about how to get rid of any piece of broken electronic equipment, contact your

direct supervisor for instructions.

The following list provides alternatives and suggestions for being environmentally con-

scious about discarding electronics:

• Donate equipment that is operational to schools and charities so that those who do not

have access to technology can get some exposure. If the operating system is not trans-

ferred to another system, leave the operating system on it and provide proof of purchase

along with documentation. Also, do not forget to erase all data stored on the computer

before donating it.

• Recycle very outdated electronics. If the devices are so outdated that a school or charity

does not want them, consider recycling them. Many companies accept old electronics

and have determined ways to reuse some of their parts.

• Remove parts that do work and donate or recycle them.

• Buy electronics that are designed with saving resources in mind and are easy to

upgrade, which extends their usefulness period; are energy efficient; contain fewer tox-

ins; use recycled materials; and offer leasing or recycling programs.

• Check with the computer or component manufacturer to see if it has a recycling pro-

gram. Most of them do.

Soft Skills—Written Communications

Skills

When technicians are in school, they seldom think that the skills they should be learning

involve writing. However, in the workplace, technicians use written communication skills

when they document problems and use email. Advisory committees across the country say that

in addition to having technical knowledge, it is important that technicians be able to commu-

nicate effectively both written and orally, be comfortable working in a team environment, and

possess critical thinking skills (that is, solve problems even though they have not been taught

the specific problem).

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Rosewill Computer Case 422 Informacje Techniczne Strona 79