I think my colleague threw a large load of computer equipment into the garbage

[Anonymous]

A colleague of mine cleaned out an old storage area in our office recently. Since I knew they were coordinating this, and as part of my role in our workplace (landlord coordination) I forwarded her the name and number of a company that takes IT equipment.

I believe that she was too lazy to call the recyclers and simply dumped the computer equipment in the garbage. Example, today I found a computer keyboard in the garbage. Garbage that goes to the landfill.

I realize that not everyone is worried about the environment. However I do feel that if indeed my colleague took the lazy way out, that she has dumped this equipment irresponsibly.

Would you say anything?

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if there are regs about what she might have done but if she threw out anything with memory, I'd be concerned about a data breach (sp?).

[Anonymous]

no you are pissed she didn't take your advice. was the colleague *required* to recycle it? MYOB

[Anonymous]

A computer in the garbage is NOT ok. But then I work for NIH which has strict recycling rules.

[Anonymous]

Sure, go ahead and ask her. Maybe the keyboard had damage and that's why she pitched it out.

[Anonymous]

I am CONSTANTLY pulling ink cartridges out of coworker's trash cans. I don't say anything about it anymore other than I'm happy to take them to the recycling station for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:no you are pissed she didn't take your advice. was the colleague *required* to recycle it? MYOB

NP here. You're not supposed to throw out stuff like computer monitors or TVs in the regular trash. It has to be disposed of in a designated recycling location to be safe. Have you not heard of that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure, go ahead and ask her. Maybe the keyboard had damage and that's why she pitched it out.

Yes, the equipment was unusable in one form or another and needed to go. My objection is that she is just putting that stuff in a landfill. When it rains, the water goes through landfills, into our rivers - and we drink that stuff. Do you really want to drink water that's been filtered by old computer equipment?

I realize worse things get dumped every day. But I feel ill. Like an eco-crime has been committed. If I had known she'd be so careless I would have scheduled with the recycling company myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:no you are pissed she didn't take your advice. was the colleague *required* to recycle it? MYOB

NP here. You're not supposed to throw out stuff like computer monitors or TVs in the regular trash. It has to be disposed of in a designated recycling location to be safe. Have you not heard of that?

This. But we just recycle our recycled electronics to poor countries willing to accept our toxic waste. Then their poor citizens work at further dismantling and recycling die from improper exposure to hazardous materials.

[Anonymous]

O GOD OP!!!

Really? who died and made you the recycling police? If you turn her in you will look petty and immature.

Get on with your own life, surely you have bigger fish to fry? If not, you need a hobby.

[Anonymous]

I would just MYOB.

[Anonymous]

Keyboards wouldn't have been picked up by the IT company I suspect.

[Anonymous]

This also speaks to our need for the latest and greatest gadgets. I'd bet some of the equipment was in working order, and could be used for at least another few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure, go ahead and ask her. Maybe the keyboard had damage and that's why she pitched it out.

Yes, the equipment was unusable in one form or another and needed to go. My objection is that she is just putting that stuff in a landfill. When it rains, the water goes through landfills, into our rivers - and we drink that stuff. Do you really want to drink water that's been filtered by old computer equipment?

I realize worse things get dumped every day. But I feel ill. Like an eco-crime has been committed. If I had known she'd be so careless I would have scheduled with the recycling company myself.

Really, let it go. Your thinking is over the top. It also falls into the hoarder mindset.

It's also possible that your organization does not allow things to go to the recycling organization. For businesses, it's a more involved question than a single individual.