Environmental Concerns
                        NiCad Computer Batteries

      Nickle-cadmium batteries are well established, but environmental
      concerns about the effects of their disposal hasten the
      availability of nickel-metal hydride batteries and other battery
      chenistries. Experts believe that NiCad batteries disposed of in
      landfills are breaking down and leaking cadmium, which is a toxic
      metal, into groundwater.

      Minnesota recently implemented legislation to address this
      problem. It forces battery manufactures and manufacturers of
      products that use NiCad batteries to make them easily removable
      from products so that they can be discarded separately. Minnesota
      has also mandated collection programs for NiCad batteries. Other
      states are expected to follow suit. California, Florida, Michigan,
      New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Rhode Island,
      and Vermont are considering or have passed legislation that make
      NiCads easier to remove and dispose of.

      Some battery manufactures (including Compaq, Tandy,Toshiba, and
      Sharp) and their customers have formed a consortium called the
      Portable Rechargeable Battery Association. (PRBA), whose goal is
      to slow down the pace of change in battery regulation so that
      manufactures can keep up with the legislative demands. The PRBA
      was also formed to help users find ways to dispose of NiCads
      properly. If you have NiCad batteries to discard, contact the
      manufacturer of your product. Somr companies, such as DELL
      Computer, have already offered to collect NiCad batteries from
      customers at no charge. And Compaq Computer has started a
      recycling program for its NiCad battery packs. For more information
      on how to dispose of NiCads, contact the PRBA at (404) 980-6688.

      batteries to discard