When I purchased my first computer, I remember thinking that is was so expensive that I hoped it would last at least ten years. I spent around four thousand dollars for it. Now, they cost under one thousand and seem to become worthless within three years. According to the National Safety Council, more computers will soon become obsolete than the number of new ones that will be sold.

Plenty of computers are simply being thrown out everyday. That means that they end up in our landfills and in our incinerators. Computers and related hardware contain toxins such as lead, mercury and acids. When they are thrown out and land filled or burned, these badies find their way into out drinking water, lakes, streams, soil and air. Not good for the environment -- or us.

The answer: computer recycling. Several companies, including HP and Dell, have up and running recycling programs. The good stuff that can be re-used is in fact re-used. The really old materials are broken into little pieces and the metal and plastics are removed for recycling. The computer recyclables have value, which means that computer recycling is a win-win proposition. There are almost no losers at all.

The only losers are residents of communities that are not actively involved in recycling. Residents need to become involved and demonstrate to their local government leaders that the public wants computer hardware to be recycled, not land filled or burned.

The PAX Fund, a family of mutual funds, has already expressed its willingness to avoid investing in companies that do not support recycling and related environmentally friendly initiatives. Leaders are generally motivated to consider these kinds of "green issues."

Does your community recycle community hardware? Probably, it does not. If not, I suggest that you first arm yourself with pertinent information concerning the identity of harmful materials found in computers and what these materials can do if they are land filled or incinerated. This information is widely available on the Internet.

Once educated, find out who in your local government is responsible for recycling. Get that person's name, with proper spelling, his or her title and address. Then, write to the official and express your concern that old computers are not being recycled.

Local companies are starting to emerge that specialize in computer recycling. Since the recycled material has value, the process may cost little or nothing to your local government. At the same time, everyone will benefit from a healthier environment.

One computer-recycling firm can probably handle the waste from several counties, or perhaps even states. This means that special pickups will have to be advertised and scheduled. And multi- community organization and cooperation will be required.

Absent a squeaky wheel, or a now less-than-likely mandate from Washington, recycling of computer hardware is not going to happen by itself. You need to make it happen.

HP and Dell have their own programs. Anyone who wants to organize such an initiative might want to contact these companies for help and guidance. The EPA in Washington can also provide help. What a great project for local organizations who want to make a difference in their communities.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.