Dear Amy: What should I do with my old microchips? — Zohra, Mangalore, India
Dear Zohra: Technology waste is becoming a huge problem. It might be easy to just put old computer parts in the trash, but we need to remember that computer parts can contain toxic materials. Older computers and computer parts should always be properly disposed, either by reusing or recycling.
Newer computers and parts can be refurbished, or fixed and made like new again. Many organizations will refurbish old computers and give them to schools and poor communities around the globe. This is the best possible option. Not only does it help the environment, but it also provides opportunities for those who cannot afford to buy a computer.
Computers and parts that are too old to reuse should be recycled. Most of the materials in old computers and computer parts can safely be recycled and used to create new computer parts. For people who live in the U.S., visit http://earth911.org to find out where to recycle your old electronics. You can also go to https://www.techsoup.org/recycle to learn more about reusing and recycling old computers.
—Amy
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