When your computer reaches the end of its life, you have to get rid of it, and you have to do it the right way. Recycling is one of the best ways to "throw away" old computers without harming the environment. There are a few things to consider before you recycle a computer. There is the packaging, the components of which you might still be able to use, which parts can still be sold or given away to someone who can use them.
How do you recycle a computer properly?
Recycling function
When you recycle a computer, you give it a new purpose. This is better than just throwing it in the bin, as this can lead to toxic components from the computer ending up in the environment. Responsible computer recycling is finding a safe way to get rid of old computers, for example by giving them to recycling centres, sending them back to the manufacturer and donating them to an organisation or charity.
Importance of recycling
It is important to recycle computers to ensure that working parts find a new life in another form. Some parts will certainly find a place in other computers that are missing this or that part. Recycling centres transform unusable parts into recyclable materials, the old computer becomes a raw material.
There are also artists who use old computer parts to make sculptures and similar works of art.
Considerations
Before dropping off a computer to the recycling centre, make sure that it is no longer functional and that the computer could not be made usable again by troubleshooting or upgrading it. Some people prefer to buy a new computer and do not want to put money into upgrading an old one, although this often costs more. Pack the computer properly, especially if any parts are broken or if you suspect liquid is leaking. Call recycling centres in advance for proper disposal and handling, as not all recycling centres are equipped to recycle old computers.
The solution
There are other solutions for recycling electronic waste apart from finding a well-equipped recycling centre. EBay has a programme called the Rethink Program that gives useful information about reusing and recycling old computers. Websites like CompuMentor and eCycling offer advice and useful links for information about e-waste. RetroBox and FreeGeek are examples of companies that use usable parts from old computers to build new computers.
Computer manufacturers also offer a take-back programme. This programme is designed to allow consumers to return their old computers for recycling. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition reports on the effectiveness of these programmes to ensure that components do not end up in landfills.
Warning
Make sure you regularly back up your old hard drive before disposing of it, or even when you are already using it, so that if your computer crashes and is beyond repair, you don't have to worry about losing important data. When disposing of a working computer, make sure that all your personal files are deleted so that no third party can access your data. Use DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) to completely wipe your hard drive. Some recycling centres and organisations offer to wipe your data for you, but it is best that you do this on your own rather than risk your data falling into the wrong hands.
