WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR PC RETIREMENT? Part of the problem is no one group wants to take ] responsibility for hardware disposal. ] Many user companies and analysts say PC companies should ] take back retired hardware. Indeed, some do -- but only ] for their very biggest customers and only if a deal is ] made at the time of purchase or lease. ] Garbage collection companies say PC makers should use ] safer, nontoxic materials during manufacturing. ] PC companies generally say that local governments should ] set up facilities for the safe disposal of computer junk. ] But computers are a mix of varied, and sometimes toxic, ] materials. That makes recycling difficult and ] time-consuming, because someone has to separate the ] parts, said Gary Kelman, an officer at the National ] Association of Environmental Professionals in South ] Portland, Maine. CNN.com - Technology - Millions of obsolete PCs enter waste stream - April 12, 2000 |