Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's, Report Says

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the old computers, televisions, and other electronic devices that people get rid of? A new report says that the majority of this old equipment is being donated or sold to developing nations throughout the world. This may seem like the a nice thing for the United States to do; however, when 75% of the equipment is not useable, it just creats more problems for the developing nations. A typical computer monitor can contain up to eight pounds of lead, flame retardents, and cadmium. These are all very harmful to the environment. When the developing countries get these computers that do not work, they have to do something with them. These developing countries do not have the infastructure to properly recycle these electronics, so they end up in landfills polluting the groundwater and creating other unhealthy conditions. The United Nations is trying to enforce the Basel Convention treaty that limits the trade of hazardous waste, the United States has yet to sign this treaty. As of now, there have been 30 recycling companies in the United States that have agreed to not send anymore electronic waste to other countries. Is the United States trying to help these other countries or are we trying to get rid of our own waste so we will not have to deal with it anymore?