While this is mainly an environmental issue, it may also apply to folks who need to get rid of excess junk (in the form of computer equipment) before an Open House or Home Showing. :) For residents of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Commission makes it easier than ever to properly dispose of these potentially harmful items. For folks in other states, please check with your own state government or local waste/recycling company. (e.g. - Massachusetts residents can contact the MA Dept of Environmental Protection ).
Rhode Island residents: Check out the RIRRC site HERE
WHY CAN'T I JUST THROW IT OUT WITH MY REGULAR TRASH?
With ever-advancing technology, the typical PC (or Mac) becomes obsolete in 2 to 3 years. This creates an enormous amount of waste. If these materials (anything with an electronic circuitboard) end up in a landfill or a trash incinerator, they can pose serious health risks to all of us. There are many different harmful chemicals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and mercury... just to name a few!) in the various components of computers and recycling ensures that these materials are retained and reused in new electronics.
Computer waste (or E-waste) has become such a big issue that the U.N. is focusing on computer companies and demanding that they remove certain materials from computer manufacturing (i.e. lead) or develop standards to make certain computer parts last longer.
You can read more about these efforts here:
Christian Science Monitor article
BBC News article
Any questions? Give me a call at 401.921.5114, extension 17.
Richard M. Bianculli Jr., Esq.
Supreme Title and Escrow, Inc.
171 Service Ave, Bldg 2, Suite 302A
Warwick, RI 02886
E-mail me at rbianculli@supremetitleri.com
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Rhode Island Real Estate and Environmental Law Concerns
