The 3R Program Recycling at Northern Illinois University www.niu.edu NIU Calendar Campus Maps
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To contact us:
Phone:
815-753-0352
Fax:
815-753-6290

3R Program Physical Plant Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115

Computer Facts
Students working on computers
Computer circuit boards
Old used computers
Man working with a computer
Computer Facts


  • The 3R Program offers recycling for laser toner cartridges.  Simply put the old cartridge back in its box, mark "RECYCLE," and send it through the campus mail.
  • If your office uses an ink jet, you can get free, postage-paid envelopes to recycle your used cartridges.  Just drop the cartridge in the envelope, seal, and mail.  Call us at 753-0352 to receive these envelopes.
  • Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) found in computer screens and TV's are at least 20% lead oxide by weight.
  • Electronics also contribute significant levels of cadmium, arsenic, zinc, mercury, and selenium to landfill leachate.
  • Pound for pound, computers contain three times as much precious metal as modern mining ore.
  • It is estimated that America uses 16 million cartridges a year.  About 14 million of these end up in landfills.
  • Cartridge recycling is a $90 million a year business.
  • Because technology is changing so rapidly, most used computer equipment has little resale value. These computers are often more than adequate for teaching basic computer literacy, however, and would make a great donation to schools or clubs.
  • A computer contains an amazing number of valuable metals.  They include: gold, silver, platinum, palladium, cobalt, nickel, copper, lead, steel, and aluminum.  Computers also contain glass and a variety of plastics.