Get Rid Of E-Waste By Reusing, Donating, Or Recycling Computers
Written by Adriana Noton   
Thursday, 10 June 2010 07:17
Have you ever been to the basement of your office building and seen hundreds of obsolete or broken computers sitting in the hallway? What do you do with those CRT monitors you have at home after you replace them with flat screens? What do you do with all of that e-waste? Previously, many people would just toss the computer or monitor in the trash. Thankfully, recycling computers is now easy even for the home user.
by AdrianaNoton


Have you ever been to the basement of your office building and seen hundreds of obsolete or broken computers sitting in the hallway? What do you do with those CRT monitors you have at home after you replace them with flat screens? What do you do with all of that e-waste? Previously, many people would just toss the computer or monitor in the trash. Thankfully, recycling computers is now easy even for the home user.

Why recycle? The rate that computer technology is being upgraded is alarming. With prices of computers much lower than they've been in a decade, users can continually replace old technology with the most modern available. Thus, the number of computers in landfills is increasing at a fast pace. When decomposed, some of the dangerous chemicals, such as mercury and lead, get into the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Some components inside of the computer contain valuable resources that should not be left to sit in a garbage dump. These include tin, iron, and silicon, which can be reused after reclamation.

Consumers now have many options for disposing of their obsolete computers. One of the most common methods is donation to charity. Many charities are in need of computers to assist in their work. Typically, due to budget constraints, a proper computer is the last thing a charitable organization can afford. With your donated computer, these organizations, such as group homes, after school clubs, and senior citizen centers, can continue their programs.

Another choice is to participate in a take back program. These programs are offered by the manufacturer and involve the consumer mailing the old computer to the company. Before purchasing your computer, it is important to do some research. While most major manufacturers offer a computer recycling service, the programs may vary. Some will require a small fee or require you to pay for shipping. Other programs may pay for shipping and even give you a coupon for a discount on your next system purchase.

Consumers can also exchange their old computer for a new one. Manufacturers will take these old machines and fix or revamp to get it ready for resell. These computers are usually sold at a lesser price than new computers because the technology is older. Those who could maybe not afford a computer otherwise can get one of the refurbished models complete with a warranty.

Have you ever been in the basement of your office building and it looks like a computer graveyard? Ever wonder how a business disposes of all of this e-waste? Generally, bulk waste cannot be disposed of using the same methods as consumers. Some computer manufacturers will work with companies to recycle their waste for them. However, manufacturers will typically not take back other brand names. That leaves the business to contract disposal to a third party contractor. These contractors specialize in the proper disposition of e-waste. What is important for businesses to remember is that they are still held liable for the proper disposal of their bulk computers, regardless of what methods they use. Infractions can cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

With the number of methods available for the disposal of both consumer and bulk business computers, recycling is now a painless process. By doing a little bit of research to find out your local options, you will be doing your part to save the environment from its newest danger.

About the Author:

At low prices and with such convenient access, purchasing used computers Toronto is an economically viable option for those seeking quality technology. Another recommended alternative is renting computers, which allows users to conserve money and test the platform first-hand.