วันศุกร์ที่ 16 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Computer And Electronics Recycling

Although there has been a recent growing awareness about the importance of caring for our environment, most of our attention is turned toward issues such as alternative fuel sources and global warming. These topics are certainly important and do merit attention, but there are other simple tasks that you can do on a regular basis that will also help to keep our Earth better protected. One of these tasks is to participate in computer and electronics recycling programs.

Why You Should Participate in Computer and Electronics Recycling Programs

There are many reasons for participating in computer and electronics recycling programs. We all know that, in general terms, recycling is beneficial because it reuses materials rather than putting them in landfills or incinerating them. Recycling also reduces pollution and helps save natural resources because materials do not have to be developed from scratch.

When it comes to computer and electronics recycling, however, there are even more benefits. More specifically, failing to recycle computer and electronics equipment unnecessarily releases toxins into our environment.

Looking at Some Frightening Facts

Right now, you may be using a computer to read this article. But, do you know that computers are the number one cause of electronic waste? With all of the different components and with the quick evolution of computer technology, consumers are going through computers rapidly as they try to keep up with the changes.

Unfortunately, many consumers are actually hanging on to their old electronic devices. In fact, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, about 75% of electronics that are now obsolete are actually being stored. This means we will be facing some major disposal issues when consumers finally decide to get rid of these devices.

Safely Disposing of Computers and Electronics

When it comes to computer and electronics recycling, you actually have many options available to you. This is partially because of growing environmental concerns, but also because there are numerous laws regarding recycling. In fact, there are over 500 laws in the United States regarding recycling!

Thankfully, you don't have to know all of the details of each of these laws. All you really need to do is find a company that specializes in computer and electronics recycling. If you are a business owner, participating in a computer and electronics recycling program is even more important because failure to properly recycle can cost your business greatly.

Recycling batteries is particularly important simply because we use so many of them and because they contain so many toxic chemicals. Luckily, it is easy to find companies that will accept batteries for recycling. In fact, many retail stores will recycle batteries. These include:

- Best Buy

- Circuit City

- Office Max

- Office Depot

- Radio Shack

Old computers and computer equipment can also be recycled. So, if your equipment is so old that it is no longer useful or if it is so damaged that it cannot be repaired, turn it into a recycling program. With these programs, the equipment will be dismantled and all of the useable parts and materials will be removed. Another option is to donate your computer if it is still usable.

You can generally get computers recycled by handing them over to major manufacturers. These include:

- Acer

- Apple

- Dell

- Epson

- Gateway

- Hewlett Packard


- Lexmark


Many states and counties also have special government programs for computer and electronics recycling. You can contact your local waste management company or local government officials to find out more about these types of programs. These government sponsored recycling programs may be free or you may have to pay a fee in order to use the program.

By taking advantage of these computer and electronics recycling programs, you can prevent hazardous materials from leaking into the environment and causing harm to our Earth. In addition, you can rest easy in knowing that you are properly following the laws that have been established by your local government as well as by the State and Federal government. That makes computer and electronics recycling a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Total Reclaim Inc is a Seattle computer recycling company dedicated to protecting the environment.

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