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Electronic scrap. Pile of discarded computer components and other electronic waste. Modern electronic equipment contains many potentially polluting substances, including lead, cadmium, mercury, barium and various plastics. The fast development of computer and communications technology means that equipment rapidly becomes outdated, generating large amounts of scrap. To prevent environmental damage, many countries have initiatives to promote the recycling of old equipment and to design products that are less harmful when discarded. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PHOTOSTOCK-ISRAEL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)