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3 Recycling Ideas for your Used Computer
Now that we’re all working from our home office we use our home computers a lot more and if your computer model is on its last legs then it may be advisable to consider replacement options. The question that then arises is: What options are there for disposing of your old computer in a safe and environmentally friendly way?
40 million unused electronic devices such as computers go to waste every year in the UK in our consumerist society. And with them dangerous chemicals such as lead and mercury find their way into our eco-system after our household clearances.
Knowing how to avoid e-waste is key to living a greener and more sustainable life also in our home office and at Quick Wasters we want to help everyone make greener choices.
Advantages of Recycling Your Computer
Recycling your computer or digital device responsibly carries many benefits such as:
- working with a responsible recycler or rubbish removal company, you rest assured that your personal information is completely and safely removed from the device.
- you protect the environment by keeping the toxins that are in your computer out of the landfills and away from the water supply. Additionally, the precious metals and materials used in these electronics must be mined, which takes a tremendous toll on the environment. By recycling your computer, you ensure that these materials are reused, reducing the amount of e-waste.
- other components of your computer can be used to rebuild other computers. This can provide an affordable computer for an individual or organization that otherwise would not be able to access one perhaps in a third world country.
- computers can be donated to charitable organizations, helping the community simply by recycling your used computer. Quick Wasters work closely with charitable organizations and will pass on items that can be reused.
Ways to Recycle your Computer to Avoid the Landfill
Computers and other electronic items make up around two percent of all of the rubbish materials in todays landfills.
Besides the environmental issues, your computer also contains personal information that you may want to completely remove before disposing of it. This can give someone the opportunity of identity theft and a lifetime of issues.
1. Choose a Certified e-waste Recycler
When you decide to get rid of your computer, search for a certified e-waste recycler by the Basel Action Network (BAN) on the on the ban.org/find-recyclers website, who will dispose of it in an eco-friendly way, following all the national and international laws relevant to e-waste recycling. Compliance is ensured through third-party audits who certify the recycler’s practices. Quick Wasters work with such e-waste recyclers and can do this for you for your convenience.
2. Return your Computer to its Manufacturer
Most established manufacturers of electronic devices like Apple run their own free recycling schemes, where they may recycle or reuse parts of your old computer in an environmentally friendly way. Apple will send you a gift card with the value of the amount they estimate for your old device.
3. Sell your Computer
One of the quickest ways to exchange your old gadgets for cash is by selling them online on e-commerce sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. You may be responsible for the packaging and posting, as well as managing the returns, missing items and refunds. For more convenience you can use trade-in sites such as Musicmagie, because you can send your electronic devices for free or arrange for a courier to pick them up from your home. You should receive your payment after they have listed your old electronics.
Leave your Computer Professional Hands
Today, only 18 percent of all old computers and other e-waste items are recycled. Consequently, around 1.84 million tons of electronic waste end up in landfills. By recycling your old and used computer in a professional manner or with the help of certified commercial waste removal services like Quick Wasters, you can ensure that you do not add to this sad statistic.