Computer Waste: A Forgotten and Hidden Side to the Global Information Society

Abstract

Whilst computer technology has radically impacted upon many facets of life, and continues almost relentlessly to do so, for several years questions have been raised about a particularly dark side to such technology, concerning its potential environmental implications where it is disposed of in an uncontrolled manner. This paper looks at the failure to date of the developed world to prevent the illegal movement of its hazardous computer waste to poorer regions, including the possible implications of the charitable provision of such equipment from developed to developing world, and puts forward proposals whereby hazardous computer waste can be dealt with in a manner that will help in part to ensure that developing countries can legitimately be seen as part of the digital age, and not merely a dumping ground, fed the rich world's digital toxic scraps.