How to Recycle Corporate Large Volume Computers

In an ideal world a business with large quantities of used computers, laptops, CRT monitors and network equipment should consider either repairing and possibly reselling old, used computers. The next best environmentally friendly thing to do, is to recycle used computer hardware!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your Mind: Your Green Way Of Thinking!

1. Think of all the valuable precious metals, copper, and plastics that go into the makeup of computer hardware today. This type of material requires energy to process. By businesses recycling computer hardware all these prescious materials are recovered, conserved, and walah computing becomes environmentally friendly.

2. Finding a recycling company:
   
   There are many companies that offer computer and electronics collections for businesses nationwide. Businesses needing to dispose of large lots of used computers, desktops, laptops and CRT monitors need to choose wisely when searching for a recycling company.
   
   Companies that offer nationwide reuse, resale and recycling programs for large volume off lease computers and maintain the policy that no equipment processed will end up in a landfill include:
   
   A-Z Computer Liquidators: Nationwide
   Auctionbidmart: Nationwide
   Golden Surplus: California
   Ewatsemc: California
   Applied Quality Test: Nationwide
   
   These companies offer of asset disposal services for large customers needing to liquidate or recycle 250+ 1000 units.
   
   Electronics manufacturers and retailers have established programs in place for electronics for recycling. Many retailers and manufacturers now have programs in place to resell and recycle used electronics.
   
   *Dell for instance offers Business Recycling and Asset Recovery Services. Their environmentally friendly method is set up to help organizations dispose of outdated computer equipment that no longer has useful life.
   
   *www.dell.com/earth
   
   IBM as well has Green technology programs designed to improve energy efficiency. IBM understands that discarded computers spread toxic chemicals, leaching lead, cadmium, barium and mercury into our earth.
   
   IBM offers a responsible way for businesses to recycle old technology equipment. Many other manufacturers have also caught the recycle bug. Green is the only way to go. Our earth’s survival depends on it.
   
   *http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/greendc/green_technology/

3. Businesses and Institutions Federal Requirement:
   
   Buisness and institutions are required to properly manage the disposal of end of life computer hardware by incouraging recycling. The EPA encourages reuse and recycling of used electronics, including those that test “hazardous.”
   
   To facilitate more reuse and recycling of these products, EPA has less stringent management requirements for products bound for reuse and recycling *. When selecting a recycler consider EPA approved recycling methods from such recyclers.
   
   Federal Regulatory Requirements for Disposal CRTs and Other Electronics that Test “Hazardous”:
   
   Large Quantities Sent for Disposal: Wastes from facilities that generate over 100 kilograms (about 220 lb.) per month of hazardous waste are regulated under Federal law when disposed. CRTs from such facilities sent for disposal (as opposed to reuse, refurbishment or recycling) must be manifested and sent as “hazardous waste” to a permitted hazardous waste landfill.
   
   
   Small Quantities Exempt: Businesses and other organizations that send for disposal (as opposed to reuse, refurbishment or recycling) less than 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) per month of hazardous waste are not required to handle this material as hazardous waste. If a “small quantity generator” wishes to dispose of a small quantity of CRTs or other used electronics that test hazardous under Federal law, these materials can go to any disposal facility authorized to receive solid waste (e.g., a municipal landfill), unless state law requires more stringent management (e.g., CA).
   
   
   Household Exemption for Electronics Sent to Disposal: Used computer monitors or televisions generated by households are not considered hazardous waste and are not regulated under Federal regulations. State laws may be more stringent as reqards electronics from households (e.g., CA).
   
   
   *http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/rules.htm

Tips & Warnings

• Think of Reselling Your equipment through a liquidator.
• Donate the equipment to a school or church.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled-content.
• Be cautious and abide by EPA federal regulations.

Resources

• A-Z Computer Liquidators
• Golden Surplus Liquidators
• Applied Quality Test Liquidators
• Auctionbidmart Used Computer Auctioneer
• Used Electronics Reseller
• Computer Hardware Recycler

[sonni57]

on 3/22/2009 Good article I didn't know this.

[aprilanng]

on 2/24/2009 I am going to let my company know about this, we are about to move into a new building and get all new equipment. We weren't sure what we were going to do with all the old computers. Thanks!