Bradbury learns about 'Computer Harvest'
Bradbury soaked up details of the University's computer parts recycling program,
which he hopes can serve as a model for statewide waste reduction

Oregon Daily Emerald
Ayisha Yahya Reporter August 05, 200

Computer waste in landfills is an overwhelming problem nationwide, and people should continue promoting the proper recycling of e-waste, Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury said Monday.
Bradbury visited campus to learn about the University's Computer Harvest program and how it could be implemented more widely.

The two-year-old Computer Harvest program "demanufactures" and recycles old computers on campus. University Environmental Manager Nick Williams said that through the program, the University saved 6.5 tons of cathode-ray tube glass, five tons of metal and miles of wire from landfills.

Now, Bradbury and University staff hope the idea can be expanded to all of Oregon's communities.

"We can learn from what's being done here at a state level," Bradbury said.

In a computer-demanufacturing demonstration arranged for his benefit, Bradbury carefully watched College of Education Instructor Irene Smith pull apart old monitors. As Smith dismantled the monitor's plastic casing, she warned of the possible dangerous buildup of electric charge around the cathode-ray tube.

"It's really strong enough to knock you off your feet," Smith said.

She used simple tools like pliers and a screwdriver to snip away at wires -- disassembling a monitor or a computer -- in a process that takes about 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the model.

Smith said that, according to 2002 statistics, more than 70 percent of obsolete computers were thrown in landfills. One of the dangers of landfill e-waste is the presence of lead in many old monitors. Bradbury appeared surprised to learn from Smith that some monitors contain up to 7 pounds of lead.

During the school year, Smith teaches students in the education department's integrated teaching master's technology program how to demanufacture old computers. One day each term, Smith's students break down unwanted systems from different University departments. Smith has to distinguish between useless computers and parts and those that can be used again. She said the team can dismantle 140 to 160 computers a day.

While monitors and computers are made of numerous parts, only some are recyclable. Most of the plastic used in the older computers cannot be recycled in the United States, and some copper parts are also difficult. However, new Macintosh models are made from recyclable plastic, Smith and Williams said.

"The people who (initially) designed (computers) never thought they would have to take them apart," Williams said.

Williams said recyclable parts are carefully packed and sent out. The University bears all costs of the demanufacturing.

Smith said research still needs to be done on the recycling of monitors like those found in laptops, however.

"We may find that the hazardous waste may even exceed those in (old monitors)," Smith said.

She added these computers usually have a mercury tube behind the screen, which can be harmful if broken during dismantling.

Smith's students also visit Eugene elementary schools and teach about the environmental dangers of old computers in landfills. The younger students learn some parts of the demanufacturing process, such as how to handle tools and lift components from the computer.

Smith said University students were helping to plant seeds in the younger generation, adding that the elementary-age children showed great concern about their environment.

"Our programs are pretty unusual and we kind of see it as a model for others to follow," Smith said.

Bradbury said programs like the Computer Harvest are very promising. With the state's many computers, Bradbury said, the administration is conscious of the need to recycle and reuse, as well as to boost purchasing guidelines that include computer "end of life" prescriptions as part of the deal.

"It needs to grow -- this kind of effort will grow," he said.

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