These days, it’s often cheaper and more convenient to buy a new PC than to upgrade an old one. But what happens to those old computers once they’ve been abandoned for newer models?

The refuse from discarded electronics products, also known as e-waste, often ends up in landfills or incinerators instead of being recycled. And that means toxic substances like lead, cadmium and mercury that are commonly used in these products can contaminate the land, water and air.

Fareed Bushehri, the UNEP’s ROWA DTIE officer, and an acknowledged expert who provides technical assistance to countries of the West Asia Region to promote Sustainable Development, will be speaking to us at our regular meeting tomorrow evening (April 19th, 2010).

Mr. Bushehri covered:

• What is E-Waste and Why E-Waste is an issue?
• The Arab region and Its ICT Industry
• E-Waste Projects & Initiatives currently undertaken by UNEP
• Results of the Desk Study on E-Waste Management in the Arab Region
• Potentials for Environmentally Sound Management of E-Waste in the Region.

Please listen to the podcast of the meeting and Mr. Bushehri’s talk by clicking Play below:

[audio:RA-100419.mp3]

You can also download Mr. Bushehri’s accompanying presentation by clicking here [pdf].

disclaimer: some text copied from Wired.com