1. Hazardous Waste Diversion Project: Recycling Computers Jeff Hoppe, Lauren Martin, Patricia Gutierrez, Steven Coppola Rutgers University: Engineering Economics April 27, 1999

2. Problem Statement Improper disposal of old computers which contain hazardous waste components due to lack of regulations and affordable economic alternatives to companies

3. Problem Factors n Hazardous Components n Methods Unknown to Consumers n Difficult to Recycle n Low Salvage Value n Manufacturers n Lack of Regulations n Y2K

4. Vision Statement n To decrease the amount of waste hardware. n To find the most economical and environmental solution.

5. Goal and Objective n Continue reuse methods n Continue Demanufacturing n Instate Federal Regulations n Green Design Engineering n Make Manufacturers Responsible

6. Economic and Operational Assumptions n Computers will be sent back to the manufacturer n With the help of legislation, computer companies will be willing to participate in the redistribution of computers. n This program will encourage manufacturers to design computers that can be upgraded by replacing the inner components while still using the same outer hardware.

7. Economic Issues n Who pays the collection costs? n Incentives for manufacturers. n Possible loss of profit to computer companies.

8. Design Issues n Companies do not have the facilities or the knowledge to collect and evaluate used computers. A collection system, budget and facility would have to be designed for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

9. Proposed Solution Methodology n Analyze facilities using cost estimating techniques n Determine approximate number of computers discarded each year in the US n Succeed in convincing computer companies to use green/”upgrade friendly” designs

11. Post-Collection Options n Landfilling n Donate to those in need n Demanufacture n Upgrade and resell

12. LandfillingPOSITIVES n Quick Fix n Can continue to sell new computers at maximum profit. NEGATIVES n Disposal Fees n Hazardous Waste n Takes up Space n Waste of Materials

14. Donating Used Computers POSITIVES n Helps those in need of technology n Extends the useful life of computers n Tax write off n Avoids disposal fees NEGATIVES n Shipping Fees n Loss of components n Damage during shipping. n Y2K will make some older computers useless. n Continuous Loop

16. Demanufacturing POSITIVES n Possible profit n Recycling of CPU’s, circuit boards, precious metals and CRT’s n Avoids disposal fees n Less hazardous waste in landfills NEGATIVES n Shipping Fees n Tedious Labor n Low profits n Lack of a substantial market for parts n Some disposal still necessary

17. Results for Demanufacturing

19. Upgrade and Resell POSITIVES n Possible profit n Extends computer life n Avoids disposal fees n Less hazardous waste in landfills NEGATIVES n Need compatible parts n Lower profits than sale of new computer n Some disposal still necessary

21. Total Cost n This cost will be added to the selling price of the computer at the time of purchase n Takes into account the percentage contribution of each option OPTION%PRICETOTAL OPTION%PRICETOTAL Donate10$81.10$8.11 Demanufacture45$11.32$5.09 Landfill5$50.09$2.50 TOTAL COST $15.70 Upgrading computers results in lower purchase price. Upgrade $511.62

22. Collection Options n Drop-off events n Permanent collection depot n Curbside collection n Point of purchase

23. Drop-off Events POSITIVES n Low initial investment n High collection amount for time invested NEGATIVES n Need publicity n Low participation n Conflicts with other events n Residents ignorant

24. Permanent Collection Depot POSITIVES n Year round collection n Convenient for residents n No time constraint NEGATIVES n High initial investment n Not effective for every community size n Staff increased operational costs

25. Curbside Collection POSITIVES n Easiest for residents n Residents do not need transportation NEGATIVES n Possible for equipment to be stolen n High operational costs n Need customized hauling equipment

26. Point of Purchase POSITIVES n Low investment cost n Promotion done by retailers NEGATIVES n Need retailers to participate n Statistical data may not be recorded by retailer

27. Problems Encountered n Broad Topic n Companies not responsible for entire life of product. n Recycling is currently not profitable

28. Proposed Solutions n Demanufacturing n Upgrade and Resell n Donating