Recycle Computers

Recycle Computers

Not sure what items around your house are suitable for recycling? This series of pages will cover all materials that an informed layman and consumer should be aware of regarding most commonly known recyclable materials- things like newspaper, Styrofoam, ink cartridges, and plastic water bottles.

We will also discuss some materials that are not widely known to be recyclable like rubber and concrete. There should be special attention given to materials that are poorly understood and/or hard to recycle.

Recycle Computers / Out With The Old

Computer recycling is a term that refers to the recycling or reusing of computers in various ways. The procedure includes another use for materials in a couple of ways such as donation to charity and having the machine dismantled.

The dismantling must be done in a manner which allows a way for the safe extraction of the materials inside the machine for the purpose of reusing in other products.

Recycle Computers / 3 Ways to Recycle

For recycling computers one can always seek the assistance of consumer recycling agencies.

For a list of these agencies go to Recyles.org.

One can further send the devices directly back to their original manufacturing company. Below is a list of some of the major manufactures and links to their recycling programs:
Apple recycling program
Dell recycling program
Epson recycling program
Gateway recycling program
Hewlett Packard recycling program
IBM / Lenovo recycling program
Lexmark recycling program
NEC recycling program

Options include the donation of computers to organizations in need. For 10 great places to donate your old computer check out About.com.

Finally, one can always take the machine to a conveniently located recycler or refurbisher. The EPA has provides a list of great ways to dispose of your computer in an environmentally friendly way.

Recycle Computers / Why is it important?

According to experts in the subject, obsolete computers remain a valuable source for numerous secondary raw materials if they are treated in a proper way. However, if not treated properly, these products can be a source of toxins and carcinogens.

With the help of rapidly changing technology, computers are becoming more advanced and more, in some cases, more affordable. Because of the updated technology there has been an alarming rise in the indiscriminate disposal of outdated computers.

There are innumerable spare parts inside the machine that can create a health hazard. However, plenty of materials used in the manufacturing of computer hardware can easily be recovered through the recycling process for using in future production.

Saving Our Valuable Resources

Reuse of products such as, tin, silicon, iron, aluminum and a variety of plastics can drastically reduce the costs of manufacturing new systems. In addition, many times the components contain copper, gold and other valuable materials.

Recycle Computers / Sources

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm
http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/donateusedpcsequipment/tp/10donatecomputers.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/disposal.htm

Find a place to recycle your computer near you...

Local/Denver http://www.actionpc.com/e_recycling.html
Australia http://www.bytebackaustralia.com.au/

For more information on recycling computers near you just input the phrase, recycling computers in 'your area' in your search engine search bar. Or go to earth911.com.

For more information on other types of materials that can be recycled and about why recycling is important follow these links:

What Materials Can Be Recycled

Recycling Lead

Recycle Carpet

Recycle Clip Art

Recycling Ink Cartridges

Recycling Metals

Recycling Old Computers

Recycling Paper

PET Recycling

Recycling Plastic Bottles

Recycling Styrofoam