Computer Disposal: Recycling 101
by Jessica Scott
Computer equipment has become a standard part of everyday life for many people. Some even have multiple computers in their homes, including desktops and laptops. So, what are you supposed to do when one of those computers fails? You might be tempted to just throw it in the trash, but you should actually be a little bit more strategic about it. Here's a look at what you need to know about recycling your old computers.
It Requires A Little Preparation
Before you recycle any computer, you need to be sure that your personal information is secure. Remember that computers tend to hold a lot of personal data, including financial and account information, logins and passwords, and more. If you just delete and reformat the drive, you run the risk that someone with a high-quality recovery tool might be able to restore your data and gain access to it. That's why it's important that you use a data scrubber to ensure that your hard drive's data is not only deleted, but overwritten so that it cannot be restored.
You Might Be Able To Harvest Parts
If there are parts in the old computer that are still usable, like the memory chips, video card, or other components, you might want to remove those before you recycle the computer. Store them in an anti-static bag and consider selling them yourself to recoup some of your money. Many people buy used computer parts when they're looking to upgrade something without breaking the bank.
It Might Be The Law
Many states have specific legislation in place mandating the recycling of computer equipment. In those states, you are legally bound to take your old computers to a recycling facility instead of disposing of them in a landfill. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with your state's regulations—if there are any—so that you know what your options are as far as disposal.
Certification Is An Important Consideration
Before you take your used computer anywhere for recycling, make sure that they are certified for e-waste recycling and handling. If the recycling facility you choose isn't properly certified, they may not handle the equipment properly. Choosing someone who is properly licensed and certified in e-waste disposal and recycling will ensure that your computer equipment is handled the way that it should be and doesn't contribute to landfills.
These are some of the things that you should understand when you're dealing with old computer disposal. Don't just throw it in the trash if you have the opportunity or legal obligation to recycle it. For more information, contact a computer recycling service in your area.
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About Me
We only have one earth to leave for our grandchildren, so we need to do everything in our power to ensure that it is a healthy environment for them to raise their children in. Do you recycle? If so, do you recycle everything that you could be recycling? Many Americans think that they are doing everything that they can to keep trash out of landfills, but many of them are missing several materials that could be eliminated from the landfill. Visit my site to learn more about those missed or forgotten materials so that you can improve the recycling efforts in your home.