Experts estimate that about 1 billion computers will be discarded by 2010. The discarded items often are known as e-waste.. Computers thrown into landfills or burned in incinerators can pollute the ground and the air. One solution is to recycle old computers. Some lawmakers prefer a more aggressive approach, such as setting up a recycling program that would be paid for by adding a $10 fee to the purchase price of computers and computer equipment, or forcing computer makers to be responsible for collecting and recycling their products. California already requires a recycling fee for any products sold that include old monitors and other equipment. Manufacturers have taken steps, such as offering to recycle old computers and using energy efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, but some claim that consumers should bear the responsibility of disposing of their old computers parts. Several have reduced the amount of toxic material in their products, and manufacturers have set up their own recycling programs, for which users pay a fee. Manufacturers have taken steps, such as offering to recycle old computers and using energy efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, but some claim that consumers should bear the responsibility of disposing of their old computers parts. Several have reduced the amount of toxic material in their products, and manufacturers have set up their own recycling programs, for which users pay a fee. What can be done to ensure that computers are disposed of safely? Should government, manufacturers, or users be responsible for safe disposal? How can computer users be motivated to recycle obsolete equipment? How can society make it easier to donate used equipment?
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