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

Volume 1: Basics for starting up a computer recycling businessFOREWORDby Abdul Waheed Khan and Daniel BéguinThe development of Information and Communication Technologies asmajor pillars of the emerging knowledge societies has lead to a significantincrease in demand for computer equipment worldwide. As a result,countries - including those in developing regions - are facing an increasingvolume of computer equipment waste from both new computers andsecond-hand equipment.While the increase in computer equipment significantly contributes to thereduction of the digital divide and supports economic growth, it will alsohave detrimental consequences for both the environment and public healthand safety if it is not handled in the most professional way. Developing localcapacities to manage end-of-life equipment in an environmental manneris therefore paramount. Not only should computer recycling be complementaryto computer delivery but it should also help to provide businessopportunities for small and medium enterprises, particularly in emergingmarkets. Capacity building is a major concern for UNESCO and ADEME,as it plays a strong part in the sustainable development of inclusive globalknowledge societies. That is why UNESCO and ADEME have called uponexperienced partners, such as HP, to join forces in the development of ablueprint guide which will provide local entrepreneurs with the knowledgeand capability to collect refurbish and recycle computer equipment. Theguide will provide a pragmatic answer to this ever increasing environmentalchallenge and will help to generate opportunities for small businesses andentrepreneurs at a local level.v