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Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - Almanac Vol. 59, No. 28

Spring Cleaning Your Office? Know What to Do with E-Waste

When spring arrives at last, many of us feel inspired to make a fresh start by doing extra cleaning in our homes and offices. In our work environment, this may include identifying old computer equipment or other aging electronics that we no longer need. It is important to remember that such "e-waste" contains heavy metals and toxic materials that can seep into the water supply or poison the ground if not disposed of properly. However, all of these materials can be contained, and most can be reused if handled appropriately.

• First, make sure that all data is securely wiped from your hard drive before sending computers to be donated or recycled. More information about secure deletion strategies is available on Penn's Information Security website. Ask your LSP for assistance if needed.
• Choose a reputable e-waste recycler, like Elemental, who will make sure the devices are disposed of properly. Penn's Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) has researched Elemental's recycling practices thoroughly.
• Donate older but still usable equipment to give your computer a second life. Donations may be arranged through Communitech, a Penn student organization which supplies surrounding neighborhoods with computer and technology information.
• Use vendor recycling programs. Programs are available through Dell, Apple and HP.
• Participate in City of Philadelphia hazardous waste collection days so that your computer and other electronics will be disposed of properly and will not end up in general landfills.

For more information about Green IT visit the following websites:

• Green IT: www.upenn.edu/computing/greenit/index.html (Includes links to Apple, Dell and HP.)
• Elemental: http://eleminc.com/about.htm
• Communitech: www.ctech.org
• City of Philadelphia Hazardous Waste: www.philadelphiastreets.com/hazardous-waste.aspx
• Information Security: www.upenn.edu/computing/security/privacy/data_clear.php