Computers were a novelty and a luxury less than twenty years ago. Computers were often used in schools as a means of teaching, with one computer per class and a few more in libraries. The Internet was new and not everyone had an address. Computers are now an integral part of daily life. It is imperative that there is proper computer disposal.
Are Computers Worth Recycling?
Computers make excellent candidates for recycling. Computers are a great candidate for recycling because they come in large quantities and have an increasing supply of non-renewable resources such as copper, zinc and nickel. They also contain hazardous, toxic materials such as lead, arsenic and mercury.
Proper computer disposal has become more important due to the increasing number of computers and accessories that are being discarded. The growing number of unneeded computers and accessories must be dealt with worldwide, as computer prices are falling and new technology is rapidly making them obsolete.
According to the United Nations, 65.4 million tonnes of computer-waste would be produced each year by 2022. This number will only rise and experts in Computer disposal, as well as more top programs for recycling, will be needed to help solve the problem.
Recycle Computers to Help You Get Rid of Hazardous Materials
Older computers can contain dangerous and hazardous substances. These toxic substances can leak into the soil and water, contaminating the soil and putting the food chain at risk.
Computers can contain toxic substances such as:
- Lead. Older-style cathode radiation tube computer monitors can contain 4-8 pounds of this element
- Mercury can be found on some LCD monitors
- Cadmium, which is found in batteries, has been shown to cause cancer.
- Beryllium is a component of motherboards that can cause lung diseases.
- Chromium is known to cause liver and kidney damage.
- Arsenic is a well-known carcinogen
- Antimony is known to cause stomach problems
- PVC is used in connectors, casings, and other applications.
- Brominated flame retardants are used in plastic casings and cables as well as circuit boards.
It is essential to make every effort to recycle computers in order to prevent toxic chemicals from leaching into the water supply around the world and causing irreparable damage to the environment and human health.
According to the EPA, recycling computers has a positive effect on energy consumption. For every one million computers that are recycled, 3,500 homes will use less electricity for a year.
Refurbishment & Reuse
A computer that has been thrown away does not necessarily mean it is inoperable. The computer could have been replaced with a newer model or one of its components may not be in working order.
Computers in good condition can be restored and made available for low-income families and community organizations.
eCycle Florida believes that doing good is our goal. We are eager to refurbish computers and repackage them whenever possible.
The following steps are part of our refurbishment and reuse program:
- The computer you are referring to is checked and evaluated for suitability.
- Your data is deleted, usually by destroying the hard drive.
- The computer is repaired and all missing or broken parts replaced.
- The computer is cleaned and tested before being returned to you.
- The computer is promoted to the community and made available to those most in need.
An audit trail and an asset management register are always available to verify the items that we have recycled. To prove that all your confidential information was destroyed by certified electronic recycling, a Certificate of Destruction will be provided.
eCycle Florida is an R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to when looking for an electronic recycling center in Florida. Check out the services in the multitude of industries that we offer:
We are happy to service areas all throughout Florida including:
Contact eCycle Today to get more information on all your eCycle needs and check out our 5-star reviews!