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Nothing lasts forever and even the most reliable of computers will need to be replaced some day.
Electronic waste is becoming a major landfill issue as computers contain toxic substances and metals. If you care about the environment, then you really should consider recycling your old computer rather than throwing it away.
In 2007, new legislation was passed which requires users to store, treat, dispose of or recycle electronic goods separately from other waste. Most people do not understand these requirements so it’s easy to feel frustrated.
However, disposing of computers isn’t as difficult as you may believe. Here’s three ways to recycle your devices safely as well as an important step you must take.
Manufacturer disposal
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive states that manufacturers now must contribute to the recycling of goods. Most have counted the cost of collecting goods and recycling them in the price you paid originally for your computer and can easily arrange collection.
Typically, the items are de-manufactured, with materials such as metals being melted down and remoulded for new products and plastic being used in things such as toys.
The schemes help to reduce the amount of computers being sent to landfill sites as well as provide raw materials for new items.
Find a professional waste disposal company
If you do not wish to contact the manufacturer then you should consider using a professional waste disposal company.
There are a number of skipping companies around the country that carry Waste Carriers Licences and can recycle items on your behalf in the same manner as manufacturers. They provide a very convenient and WEEE compliant way of disposing of computers, leaving you to concentrate on more pressing areas of your life.
Make a charitable donation
Just because your computer seems useless to you, doesn’t mean it won’t be good for someone else.
A number of charities now collect old computers so that they can be used again in developing countries. Even machines that are at death’s door are worth donating as the charity may be able de-manufacture them or re-use some of their parts.
Security
Before recycling any computer you must ensure that it no longer contains any of your personal information. The last thing you want is for your credit card and bank details to fall into the wrong hands and merely deleting files isn’t enough as traces will still exist on the hard drive.
Thankfully, there are number of programs out there which can complete this task for you. Software like VCOM SecurErase and Active@Killdisk will work through the drive and erase all the data.
