Energy model for end-of-life computer disposition

Abstract

It has been postulated that recycling EOL computers and related components partially offsets the energy requirements of newly manufactured computers. This benefit can arise from 1) refurbishing and reselling components and systems, 2) "cannibalizing" computers of their highgrade parts such as sheet steel and aluminum, and 3) primary material source reduction through true recycling of clean and separated metals, plastics, and glass. This research program undertook an effort to study and quantify this hypothesis.