Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Being a responsible computer user includes understanding
and complying with guidelines that ensure a safe, legal, and
environmentally conscious computing experience. In this
chapter, you'll learn about procedures to follow to make sure you don't pollute the
environment or run afoul of the law when using a computer. You'll also learn about some
green IT practices that many companies are employing to save themselves money as well as
to prevent unnecessary strain on the environment.
Safe and Legal Disposal of
Hazardous Substances
Certain computer components and consumable supplies can pollute the environment if
you dispose of them along with your regular trash. That's why, in some countries, laws or
guidelines require special disposal techniques for certain items. The laws vary depending
on the country and state in which you reside, so it's important to familiarize yourself with
what's required in your region. In addition, even if your region doesn't require a certain
environmentally friendly disposal technique, you may wish to go the extra mile to help
the environment and practice that disposal method anyway.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
In 2003, the European Union passed the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Directive, and it took effect in 2006. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous
materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic equipment. These six substances
are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and
polybrominated diphenyl ether. (The latter two are fl ame-retardants used in some plastics.)
It's closely linked to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive,
which sets collection, recycling, and recovery targets for electrical goods.
Consumer electronic components that may be affected by RoHS include just about
anything with a circuit board in it, including computers, cell phones, routers, and printers.
RoHS is primarily an issue on which device manufacturers focus; consumers aren't
required by law to do anything. However, consumers are strongly encouraged to dispose
of items that contain one or more of the six restricted substances by recycling electronic
components or delivering them to a hazardous-materials facility rather than discarding
them in the trash.
