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Cape Town - A computer retailer has collected tons of old
equipment from customers in an attempt to limit the harm that dumping it would
have on the environment.
"Incredible Connection's Trade In promotion in February saw 106 tons of
old equipment being collected and over 16 000 discount items sold in
return," the company said.
The annual initiative allows customers to use old hardware as a discount on new
items from Incredible Connection.
The company believes this raises awareness about the harm that e-waste can
cause the environment. In West African countries, there is concern over e-waste
from Europe that is dumped.
People scavenge through the garbage to find rare metals in the PCs and laptops
to sell.
Toxic materials
"The primary purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness about both
the legal and ethical necessity for the correct disposal of e-waste," said
CEO Dave Miller.
"Although Incredible Connection is a convenient collection point all year
round, our Trade In promotion incentivised customers to make the extra effort
to clean up," he added.
There are many potentially toxic materials in PC boards that may not harm the
environment, but may be a health hazard to people and animals.
"Informal processing of electronic waste can leach toxic contaminants into
the environment and cause health problems for anyone who comes into contact
with them, but many people don't know this," said Malcolm Whitehouse of
Incredible Connection's recycling partners, Desco Electronic Recyclers.
Equipment that can be refurbished is donated to schools and non-profit
organisations.
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