Are Computers Recyclable?

There are two main ways where old computers can be used. First of all, they can serve as donation to charity. Moreover, there are methods when constituent materials can be extracted safely in order to reuse in other products.

Let’s define, what are the reasons for computer recycling? Out-dated computers can be used for secondary raw materials. But they should be treated in a special way so that not to become a source of carcinogens and toxins. It is considered that nearly 75% of all PCs that have ever been sold are already surplus materials. There is 40 million hazardous household waste. According to official sources 15% of all electronic equipments and devices in the USA are used for reclamation. Computer hardware that is transmitted to recycling can be recovered and used for future devices. Computers consist of such plastics as iron, silicon, aluminum and oftin. When plastics are recycled computers become not less efficient but the cost for constructing a new system is lower. Moreover, some components of electronics consist of gold and copper that are very valuable and can be well used in future constructions. Besides good and useful elements computers contain toxic substances. For example, cadmium, mercury, dioxins, radioactive isotopes and chromium are very harmful and should be paid special attention to. During some processes when precious substances are reclaimed, at the same time toxic byproducts are also released.

It is crucial to mention that a great part of all recycled products is exported to those countries where environmental standards are much lower than in developed countries. Many companies try to find places where they could sell their recycling in a short period of time and for an advantageous price. Countries with lax regulations are not so strict in all ways.

Speaking about recycling methods it is pertinent to say that there are some good options. First of all, many companies and just ordinary people prefer to donate their computers to people and organizations in need. Moreover, some people prefer to send their devices back to their original manufacturers or separate their computer into pieces and divide them according to recyclers and refurbishment.

Another good thing to do is to check whether the company who sold you your computer provides recycling services. The majority of companies have this service. Some recycling processes are free, others are paid.

There is one more method of recycling. It is called an exchange. When somebody is buying a new personal computer some companies such as Apple Inc. and Dell Computers can propose a free replacement of an old model. Every new PC has a guarantee for one year. And then, if you wish, you can perform another replacement. This is an excellent opportunity!

If somebody wants to sell his or her model of a computer he can also go to eBay and gain some money in a competitive and self-managed environment.

There are certain enterprises (private businesses) that collect large amounts of computer elements and gain money on recycling them or changing outdated elements and data to new ones and have a valuable product one again without particular efforts.

Therefore, if you have an old PC that you are not going to use any more – choose your way of recycling!