When personal computers became publicly available, millions were produced to answer the increasing worldwide need for them. However, with the current rate of technological innovations today, millions of personal computers become obsolete each year, posing a major disposal problem.
Computers are one of the main contributors to the world's increasing electronic waste, and their disposal has become a major issue because they contain certain components that are proven to be hazardous to the environment. Today, it is estimated that 75% of obsolete computers in the United States are placed in storage, 15% are in landfills, and only a meager 10% becomes recycled. These figures present a major disposal problem not only for the United States, but also for the world when the need for their removal becomes imminent. Due to this problem, various companies
and organizations around the world began to formulate programs geared towards a responsible scheme of disposing electronic waste. Current trends and innovations in technology offer different opportunities to recycle old computers, reducing the number that end up in storage and landfills.
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One way or reducing electronic waste is through computer recycling. It is the process of saving the usable components or parts from obsolete electronic devices such as personal computers. Recycling personal computers and other electronic gadgets is a young industry and to some countries, still remains a far-fetched idea. However, as more obsolete computers become unusable, and the problem of disposal looms, more people welcome the idea of recycling computers.
Obsolete and outdated computers should not be thrown away. They contain hazardous substances like lead, known to be a potential risk to the environment and to public health. Computer CPUs and monitors are also known to contain recoverable materials and substances that include glass, plastic, steel, silica, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, copper, gold, silver, and lead. This is another reason and benefit of the importance of computer monitor recycling
Recycling computers can be done in several ways. Here are some computer recycling methods that are currently practiced all over the United States of America, and in some parts of the world. These tips are helpful hints for those who are torn between keeping or dumping their old personal computers.
Donate old personal computers and peripherals. In the United States, used and old personal computers can be donated to schools, charities, and churches, or to different organizations that receive donations and handle their distribution later on. Most of these organizations accept donations for free, though some of them might require a minimal fee. Other computer peripherals like printers, scanners, keyboards, and webcams can be also be accepted as donations. Many groups and individuals will take these peripherals as replacements for broken or non-functional units.
Reuse parts of old personal computers that are still functional. If there is a need to upgrade to a new personal computer unit, users might consider retaining some of the parts or components that went with the previous one, like keyboards, mice, monitors, or printers.
Refurbish old computer units to make them usable again. Refurbishing personal computers involves both recycling and reusing. If the computer unit is still usable, but needs improvements or upgrades, then the necessary upgrades are done before it is used again. However, if the unit is not functional, then it will be reworked, meaning, it will be fixed, repaired, or updated to make sure that it works and will not fail.
Lease personal computer units instead of buying them as this method allow more chances of recycling, reuse, and refurbishment. When the computer manufacturer or seller gets the units back, they can upgrade the system for reuse.
There are a lot of ways to recycle computers and other electronic devices, most of them for free. However, implementing them requires determination and belief in the importance of keeping the environment safe from the hazards of improperly disposed waste materials.
It is for the reasons above that computer recycling centers are increasing in numbers and are helping people towards the safe disposal of computers.
