Shorter Electronics Life Span

In 1997, the average life span of a computer was four to six years. That average is expected to decrease to less than two years by 2005, which means that one computer will become obsolete for each one put on the market.
The features, speed, and affordability of computers, cell phones, microwave ovens, and electronic equipment are changing at an ever increasing rate.
In increasing the volume of electronic products, older equipment is rendered obsolete much more quickly.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board estimates that more than 6,000 computers become obsolete in California every day.
Nationally, the EPA and the International Association of Electronics Recyclers estimate that the number of personal computers available for recycling is expected to reach a sustained 60 million units per year in the United States within the next few years.
In addition, the volume of obsolete consumer electronics continues to grow. The latter organization also estimates that there is an inventory of 200 million obsolete television sets in the USA.
End of bullet points.

The USA is in dire need of the development of coordinated electronic equipment recycling programs and facilities to dispose of this growing volume of old equipment in an environmentally conscious and ecologically responsible manner.

“Three-quarters of all computers ever purchased in the USA remain stockpiled in storerooms, attics, garages and basements.”

—National Safety Council

“More than 4.3 million tons of appliances and consumer electronics were discarded in 1999.”

—U.S. EPA