The average life span of a personal computer has shrunk from four or five years to two years. Users in California buy more than 2.2 million new computer systems each year. Currently, about 50% of US households own a computer. Analysts estimate that more than 6,000 computers become obsolete in California every day. They are either tossed out with the trash and subsequently landfilled by trash collectors – often illegally – or stored in attics and garages for a later day when they will be dumped. Consumers have, on average, 2 to 3 obsolete computers in their garages, closets or storage spaces. US government researchers estimate that three-quarters of all computers ever sold in the United States remain stockpiled, awaiting disposal. Should every consumer attempt to throw out their obsolete computer at once, California and the nation would face a major budgetary and environmental crisis.
-"Poison PCs/Toxic TVs", Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, 6/19/2001