How to Recycle Your Computer

Computers are not one of the items in our world that can be broken down into recycled materials. Nor are they something that gets buried in our landfills. What is not common knowledge is that computers dropped off at recycling centers are shipped to foreign countries where they are burned and processed which causes harmful toxins to be introduced into the air and water.

Even though America should come first to Americans we can not overlook our fellow man elsewhere on the globe. So to help save the lives of people living in other countries as well as help lift the burden of global warming, the next time you decide to get rid of your computer in lieu of a new one consider one of these eco-friendly methods.

Donate Your Old Computer
It is estimated that in California alone over 5 million families can not afford to purchase a computer. The ACCRC is a group that helps put donated computers to use in various communities. They also assist disadvantaged people learn how to refurbish computers so that they can be dispursed to schools and organizations. The ACCRC is willing to accept just about any kind of old electronics.

Another great organization you can donate your computer to is the Free Geek organization. The cool thing about Free Geek is that not only do they refurbish old computers and give them to those in electro-need but they also have a way for donators to earn a free computer. If you are willing to go down to a Free Geek location and work on some computers you'll get one as a reward. To date Free Geek has put to use 1,500 tons of E-waste and refurbished over 15,000 computers.

Utilize a Disposal Center
You don't necessarily have to recycle your computer to have it recycled. There are electronic and computer disposal centers located through North America that will collect your old computer and have it disposed of for you. What that means in that certain parts are dismantled and sent off to be turned into materials such as plastics, glass, and copper. The other components are then sent off to be de-manufactured.

You can find a list of companies that are registered with the Electronic Recyclers Pledge of True Stewardship by checking the listing on the Basel Action Network website.

eBay also has a program for computer recycling called the Rethink Program. The Rethink Program has a listing of reputable computer recyclers.

Do It Yourself
It is possible for you recycle your computer by yourself If you are able and have the know-how to refurbish it. You can give back to your community by refurbishing your old computer and giving it to someone who who needs it.

Recycle with Care
One of the worst things you can do when getting rid of a computer is to not know how it impacts the world. Without information on properly recycling your electronics you are risking adding to the dumping piles in Asia and Africa where the e-waste is dumped and burned on open fires. According to the Basel Action Network,(a toxic waste coalition group) the rate of cancer among people working the dumps is 40%. These people are being paid a dollar a day to die from the very thing that provides their livelihood.

Armed with that bit of knowledge, recycle your computer the right way. Contact the manufacturer of your computer to see whether or not they will take your old computer back. Many manufacturers like Dell and Toshiba have a program specifically designed for this.

Also check with your local city government to find out what regulations and measures they require for recycling old electronics and computer parts. Discuss with them how they recycle electronics and whether or not they participate in the dumping of electronics in foreign countries. If they have no clear answer for you then they are very likely participating in that practice so you should find an alternative method like those listed above.

You can view photos of the dump sites in Asia and Africa on the Basel Action Network website.

Sources:
Basel Action Network - http://ww.ban.org/index.html
Recycling: No Excuse for Global Environmental Injustice - http://ww.ban.org/Library/whyban.pdf