About Computer Recycling

When your computer reaches its end of life, it is necessary to get rid of it properly. Recycling is one of the best ways to "throw away" old computers without posing harm to the environment. There are things to consider before recycling a computer--from packaging to different location sites, harvesting different parts that are still usable and selling them or donating them to those who can make use of them.

Function

When you recycle a computer, you give it another purpose. It is better than just throwing it in the dumpster, which can cause leakage of hazardous components coming from the computers. Responsible recycling is finding a safer way to get rid of old computers by taking them to recycling centers, sending them back to the manufacturers and donating them to different organizations and charities that are in need of computers.

Significance

It is important to recycle computers to ensure that functional parts can find a new life in a different form. Some parts can go into another computer in need of that missing part that would cost money to buy. Recycling centers turn unusable parts into materials used for building other things such as mixing them with concrete to create flooring materials for industrial sites or grinding them finely and mixing with other aggregates to create countertops. Some make the unusable parts into works of arts. More innovative ideas come from recycling old computers to lessen the waste that goes into the landfill, thereby preventing any harmful effects to the environment.

Considerations

Before sending a computer to the recycling center, ensure that it is no longer functional and that not even any type of troubleshooting or upgrade would do it any good. Some prefer buying new ones rather than spending a lot of money to upgrade the old one, which may end up costing the same, or more, as buying. Pack the computer properly, especially if there are any broken pieces and if you suspect any leakage. Call the recycling centers for proper disposal and handling. Not all recycling centers take computers, so call first before heading down there.

Prevention/Solution

There are several e-waste programs available aside from finding a reputable recycling center. EBay has a program called "Rethink Program" that provides useful information on how to reuse and recycle old computers. In similar fashion, websites such as CompuMentor and eCycling offer advice and useful links for information on e-waste recycling programs. RetroBox and FreeGeek are examples of companies that salvage usable parts to build new computers.
Computer manufacturers also offer what they call a "Take Back Program." The programs allow consumers to send back old computers to the makers for recycling. They even send packaging materials and instructions on how to ship the computers. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition provides a report card on the effectiveness of these e-cycling programs in ensuring that the components do not end up in the landfills.

Warning

Ensure that you perform a backup of your old hard drive every time, so that when your computer crashes and becomes irreparable, you do not have to worry about loss of data. If you are recycling a fully functional computer, make sure that you wipe out all your files so that you will not worry about others reading your personal information and other important sensitive data. Use DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) to erase your hard drive completely. Some recycling centers and organizations offer wiping out your data; however, it is best that you handle this on your own rather than risking that your data reach the wrong hands.

Resources

• How to Recycle a Computer

Photo Credit

Creative Commons ShareAlike 2.0:ExtraKetchup

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