The Entrepreneur's Guide to Computer Recycling - e-Waste. This ...

Volume 1: Basics for starting up a computer recycling businesswaste electrical and electronic equipment in many countries (e.g. 8% inthe EU in 2005), there are significant opportunities to capture value inused and end-of-use PCs and related equipment. Awareness and interestfrom consumers in efficient new technologies will continue to drive inefficientand old equipment into disuse, opening opportunities for recyclingentrepreneurs.Social and economic benefits of reuseThere are significant opportunities for local businesses seeking to recoverthe value in used and end-of-use PCs and related equipment. When oldICT equipment becomes obsolete, or is simply broken, ineffective or nolonger wanted, it could still have economic value and should be managedappropriately at end-of-use. After a used PC is collected from its formerowner, reuse is the preferred first treatment option, as it can allow for moreusers of the device at a lower cost, extend the return on the energy andresources involved in the manufactured product, and prevent the devicefrom entering the waste stream. Reuse may require repair, refurbishmentor upgrade if necessary.AINTRODUCTION | INTRODUCTIONDirect reuse and refurbishment have numerous social benefits as theyallow the poorest people to have access to ICT at a lower cost. TheUnited Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Number 8 identifiesthe need for cooperation with the private sector to «make available thebenefits of new technologies, especially information and communication».ICT can serve as a powerful tool for poverty reduction and the overallachievement of the MDGs, accelerating development progress through(i) increased market access, efficiency and competitiveness, (ii) improvedsocial inclusion of isolated populations, and (iii) political empowerment. Inthe field of education, ICT can provide distance learning, teacher training,greater availability of educational curriculum and improved administration.Greater access to ICT can provide remote health care services, improvedpatient information systems, and access to research and training. ICTcan combat gender inequality and improve environmental sustainability,when harnessed and used effectively. However, when exporting used ICTequipment to developing countries or countries with economies in transition,consideration should be given to the need to ensure that environmentally3