Let's focus on what computers are made of, just to appreciate the possible harm of tossed away computers.

The most harmful part of any computer is its display. There are two different types of computer displays: a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube,) which is identifiable by its larger size, and in particular depth, and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) which is commonly used in flat screen displays, and laptops, because it can be only a few centimetres thick. A CRT can contain 4lbs of lead to shield radiation. The display itself contains mercury among other harmful chemicals. LCDs, on the other hand, which are becoming more popular, don't have lead, because they don't emit radiation, but still require mercury.

If you think this is bad, in fact, it used to be worse. Today's computer manufacturers use less aluminum and plastic. Machine soldering is also more precise. More, LCDs are becoming an affordable alternative. Most technology such as computers today also require less power to operate, partly because of the advocacy of many groups around the world urging companies and consumers to conserve and use energy more effectively. Some companies, such as the US-based Apple use recycled materials, in particular aluminum, and lead-free solder in their computers, laptops and mp3 players, including iPods.

But rest assured that Brunei does in fact have some answers regarding the recycling of discarded, harmful technology. "Mr. Tan" is the assistant manager at a private company Kawan Bumi Enterprise. He said the company had answered a call by the Ministry of Development to create a centre that will end the Sultanate's reliance on other countries for waste recycling. Now, Kawan Bumi Enterprise accepts many forms of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, metal, cardboard and even e-waste, which is also on the rise.

"Many people have old computers that they don't need anymore, but want to get rid of them properly," he said, adding that his company is trying to do its part to make that happen.

According to Mr Tan, plastic and aluminum from computers' central processing units (CPU) have proved to be most valuable. A single CPU has an estimated 8lbs of aluminum that can be recycled and reused.

However, for now, the company is unable to accommodate recycling requests for specific items, including "computer monitors because they contain chemicals such as lead that is not only hard to get rid of, but also hazardous to both people and the environment."

So how does this work exactly?

Mr Tan answers: "What we do with the e-waste is to compile it with others that we have collected and then compress it into a more compact and portable size .. After this, we gather the compressed blocks into a large container which we then use to export and sell overseas."

But, as expected in all new ventures, the company's ability to recycle highly sophisticated items is still somewhat limited. "At the moment, we have only just started this campaign of accepting bigger electronic constructs such as computers because we understand it and it contains more parts that we can recycle," he said.

Recycling, aside from the obvious benefit of saving one's environment, also has its rewards, at least, ones offered by Kawan Bumi Enterprise. As "added bonus for the eco-friendly citizens", the company is offering tokens of cash rewards, depending, of course, on the size and nature of one's delivery.

But one can do much more than ensuring that technology items are discarded wisely; for a start, one can try to consume less, and use technology to fulfill real needs, not simply wants. More, one can also inform others of the need to recycle their useless technology. If it's salvageable, maybe someone else can use it.

It goes without saying that public awareness is a starting point, for knowledge is contagious, and quickly spreads to become a culture.

So if you want to play your part, please remember this: consume less, and recycle more. A simple equation perhaps, but is it enough to keep our country beautiful and clean?