On Fri, 7 Jun 2002, Joe wrote:
> At 05:42 PM 6/7/02 -0500, you wrote:
>
> > Didn't see anyone else mention this story, though it isn't exactly
> > front-page news...
> >
> > China bans toxic American computer junk:
> > http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,725756,00.html
> >
> > Maybe this will help save just a few systems...
>
> Yes, but I fear we'll soon be swimming in computer scrap. The amount
> of scrap that we've been exporting is tremendous.
I guess US companies will have to start dealing with scrap in better ways
now. Of course, it does also mean we might have a better chance to grab
the better parts and systems before they are scrapped. It also seems that
it would be more profitable for companies to sell (or even give away) such
old systems to folks that will give them a home (possibly with a signed
agreement transferring the responsibility for recycling to the new owner)
rather than deal with the scrapping and recycling of it.
If China's ban works, the better metals will also quit finding their way
out of the US. Most of the *old* systems were made with high grade
aluminum and steel. It appears those are some of the materials (as well as
lots and lots of plastics and lead...) that are piling up in places like
China. The only metals that seem to be of immediate value to the scrappers
are gold, silver, and to a limited degree, copper.
-Toth
Received on Sat Jun 08 2002 - 04:57:48 BST