Some of the Notable Reasons to Recycle Your Old Computer
The concept of remote work has become more prevalent in this decade and beyond. As a result of staff members updating their work-from-home infrastructure, there has been an increase in sales of new computers and laptops. In such a case, what about your outdated computer that has been gathering dust at home?
Here are several compelling arguments for recycling your old computer by bringing it to a recycling facility, even if it could be tempting just to throw it in the garbage.
1. You Could Reduce the Amount of Electronic Waste Dumped in Landfills
Flame retardants, lead, chromium, mercury, and cadmium are just a few of the materials used in the production of computers. Recycling waste is always beneficial when it comes to reducing landfill space. However, in the case of computers, it becomes even more crucial to avoid landfilling in order to prevent some of these harmful components from seeping into the groundwater or soil.
2. You Would Aid in Recovering Priceless Materials
Several priceless materials, including silver, gold, copper, aluminum, platinum, iron, silicon, tin, palladium, and plastic, are used in the production of computers. Nearly all of these materials may be recycled multiple times without losing any of their original qualities. These materials are salvaged and put to different uses throughout the recycling process. In short, they would end up in a landfill if they weren’t recycled.
Apple stated in its 2016 environmental report that it recovered 2,204 pounds of gold from their recycled units, valued at more than $40 million at the time, to measure the economic impact of this recycling.
3. You Would Be Preserving Natural Resources
Metals, plastic, and glass, among other materials, can all be reused when computers are recycled. Since these recycled materials are readily available, there is less need for newly mined virgin material. This preserves these natural resources and lessens the demand for new material extraction and production.
4. You Would Be Saving Energy
Reducing reliance on recently produced or virgin materials also produces less energy. Recycling materials uses a lot less energy than producing new materials from ores or feedstock. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that recycling one million computers will save the energy required to power more than 3,500 houses for an entire year.
5. You Would Be Obeying the Law
Depending on where you reside, it can be illegal not to recycle your computer. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the District of Columbia and 25 other states have laws establishing statewide electronic trash recycling programs. As of 2017, 17 of those states, including Colorado, prohibited the disposal of electronic devices, including computers and cell phones. According to the legislation, the manufacturer is often required to assume financial responsibility for product collection and recycling.
In certain circumstances, notably in California, customers pay businesses a fee to create a statewide e-waste recycling fund at the time of purchase. More cities and counties will contribute to the creation of systems to guarantee that computers and other e-waste are properly recycled as more regulations are implemented.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many notable reasons to recycle your old computer. By recycling your old computer, you can help reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. You can also help conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, recycling your old computer can help you save money on a new computer, well enough to afford the latest model in the market today.
Please take note of all our pointers above and help clean up the environment by recycling your older units.
If you want to recycle your computers, then feel free to donate them to us here at Beyond Surplus. We offer Data Destruction, Electronics Recycling & IT Equipment Disposal To Businesses, Schools, Medical Facilities & Residential Customers. Visit our nearest drop-off point today, and let us handle all your old and pre-loved computers with care.
To get started recycling your old electronics, give us a call at (404) 999-4758 or complete the schedule a pickup form for businesses.
