As someone who gets gadget fever on a regular basis, I found OSNews’s article describing the state of computer “recycling”, or what passes for it, very disturbing. Low or no safety standards for workers, shell charity organizations, and complete disregard for the environmental impact of discarded toxic waste are the norm in the foreign countries that receive our mountains iTrash.
The article mentions legal solutions to fix regulatory loopholes that allow this to go on in the United States, but more importantly it makes a solid argument for using refurbished equipment. Something I will have to consider before wandering the isles at Best Buy.
These pictures are courtesy of Basel Action Network
