Martin Köpp

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.

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.

Technology is causing computers to become obsolete at a very quick pace. Prices have decreased as well, allowing users to replace the old technology with the latest and greatest available. With the stockpile of old computers growing, why is it vital that we recycle? As computers decompose, dangerous chemicals find their way to the water supply and into the air.

Computers contain many resources that can be removed during the recycling process and eventually reused. These elements include tin, silicon, and plastic. Some reclaimed minerals, such as copper and gold, are too valuable to be left in a landfill.

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.

Companies may also exchange your old computer for a new one. If the computer is still in good working condition, the manufacturer will refurbish the old machine and offer it for sale at a discounted rate. These typically come with some sort of warranty for the new owner. This program is helpful to those that may otherwise not be able to afford a computer.

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.

While most people recycle their household waste, they forget about recycling their e-waste. This waste is just as harmful to the environment and must be disposed of properly as well. There are many options for both consumers and researchers to dispose of their old computers in a way that is painless for them and the environment.