Most computers in the UK last just four or five years before they are thrown out, but one north London based company is giving them a new lease of life.

Computer Aid is one of a number of companies which take in and refurbish machines that are no longer needed.

The computers are then sent out to schools and community organisations in the developing world.

Charity

Computer Aid is non-profit making. Most of its staff are volunteers and it relies on financial support from charities and development organisations.

Many of the staff at Computer Aid are unpaid

The majority of the machines come from businesses and organisations who need to replace them.

Upgrades and new models can make computers redundant within just a couple of years.

Landfill

Traditionally, redundant computers, although often still useable, have been dumped in landfill sites.

This is bad for the environment - each computer monitor can contain up to eight pounds of lead.

Strict new European laws due in 2005 could make such scrapping methods illegal.

Sensitive

Each machine Computer Aid receives is taken apart and rebuilt.

Computer Aid hopes to recycle 50,000 machines this year

Many are donated by banks or hospitals and contain sensitive information.

All programmes have to be removed and the data on the hard drive is wiped in accordance with strict security guidelines.

Demand

Last year in the UK 1.5m computers were taken out of use but only 20% of these were recycled.

There is a massive need for this technology in the developing world, where 99% of children leave school without even touching a computer.

Future

Since it was established in 1998, Computer Aid has sent more than 10,000 machines to 60 countries.

It hopes to step up its operation - aiming to recycle 50,000 computers a year.

Ultimately however, companies like Computer Aid know there needs be a change in attitude by consumers.

Only by persuading us to donate rather than dump our old machines can a computer mountain be avoided.