Every day while riding through Vancouver, I see electronic waste (e-waste) in our alleyways. Even before Free Geek started, I would ride every Sunday with my bicycle trailer throughout Vancouver picking up discarded technology.

People often leave old hardware out in hopes that someone may pick it up. Sadly, most gets ruined by rain, or finds its way into the dumpster. Often, this waste is not only unsightly and wasteful, but toxic too.

Often, monitors left in the alley are torn apart by people seeking copper, which they can sell to a scrap yard. Unaware of health hazards, they break off the copper "yoke" at the back of the tube. The image on the left shows an exposed Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) missing its copper back, found in Mount Pleasant.

Most modern CRTs are made of heavily-leaded glass, to protect people from X-rays. But it is encased in plastic, since direct contact with lead can accumulate in the body, leading to problems in the nervous system. As you can see, the cover has been removed.

CRTs may occasionally contain toxic phosphors; breaking the glass envelope could release these toxins. Barium compounds and other reactive materials are used in the construction of the cathode and getter assemblies. If the CRT is smashed, such hazardous materials could be inhaled by the unaware. Care should be taken to avoid direct contact with all broken cathode ray tubes.

We found this e-waste and brought it to cold storage where it will await responsible recycling. If you see e-waste in your alley, please give us a call and we can advise you about what you can do to make your community a healthier place!