Computers have become an essential part of life today. No matter what niche you work in, there is a high chance you interact with computers and own one as well. At the same time, everyone knows the technology advancements every passing day, offering improved features by the minute.
So what happens when you want to get rid of a computer? The first option that comes into mind is just throwing it away. While this may seem like an easy way out, there are many environmental and monetary consequences attached to it.
You may be surprised to hear that the concept of recycling applies to computers as well! Instead of throwing away a used computer, you can now recycle it and save the environment while making some easy money at the same time.
The protocols of recycling computers may differ from business to business, but the fundamental process of recycling a computer stays the same.
America Recycles Day-November 15th
4 Step Computer Recycling Process
Step 1: Computer Evaluation
In any recycling process, the first step is to evaluate the condition of the material inside a computer. A computer consists of hundreds of tiny electrical components, and it is highly likely that if a new one replaces the improper working component, the computer will be up and running.
On the other hand, if all the components of a computer are exhausted, it is approved for recycling. In such cases, data is completely removed from the computers.
Step 2: Removing Hazardous Material
When making a computer, many different kinds of metals and chemical liquids are used. The whole process of computer recycling is kept safe by removing all hazardous materials in the beginning. Some metallic contents such as silver and lead used inside the computer are reusable.
By disassembling the computer piece by piece, the maximum number of components is extracted safely.
Step 3: Material Sorting
This step is very straight forward. After disassembling everything, the materials are sorted out. For example, all the plastic contents are placed together. Lead contents are piled up together, and so on.
Step 4: Shredding
There are giant machines present in several different industrial areas that perform the shredding process. Shredding of each material is performed as per the rules and regulations of that region.
Computer Recycling Business
Over the last decade, computer recycling business has flourished because electronic gadgets are disposed-off on a regular basis. There are many options out there for people when looking for a computer recycling business.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
This is an official web-portal which serves as a digital phonebook for all the computer recycling business located in the Minnesota region. All of these are registered with the state implying that they follow all the rules and regulations of safe computer recycling.
Contact any of the vendors on this portal and gain your desired computer recycling services within no time!
Recycling Association of Minnesota
Recycling Association of Minnesota is an organization which is very keen on raising awareness about E-waste recycling. Anyone can find multiple sources on their website about the importance of it and how little by little every recycling step can turn the world into a safer space for everyone. Their efficient team can guide you to either destroy or resell (after a few fixes) the computer as per its condition.
Benefits of Recycling E-waste
There are numerous benefits attached to recycling e-waste. The materials used in hundreds of computers, when combined, can generate power and electricity for thousands of homes. Just this fact alone is sufficient to convince people for recycling e-waste, but the following benefits can be kept in mind when deciding to recycle e-waste.
- The material such as chemicals and metallic parts, used in the computers is hard to produce. By reusing the material to develop computers, material demand is reduced, thus minimizing their production and eventually lowering the industrial pollution from the environment.
- By opening different places for recycling a computer, opportunities are provided to the people. Jobs increase in the market that helps the economy of a state.
- If people give their laptops for recycling or reuse, after a few parts replacement, other people who are unable to afford new and latest computers get access to computers.
What can be made from electronic waste?
Once different material from the electronic waste is collected and separated, there are hundreds of places where it can be reused. Some of the most amazing examples of electronic wastes are discussed below:
Jewelry
Trust me, it is quite shocking to find that jewelry is made from electronic waste. But it is no myth and holds a lot of truth to it! Electronic devices are made of silver and gold and in some cases even platinum. By extracting it from the devices, beautiful jewelry ornaments are created.
Furniture
There is a lot of plastic present in every computer. After collecting and refining it, a lot of chairs, desks, and even swings are created from the same plastic.
Wiring
There are many circuits in a computer. Each circuit is connected by one wire or another. By separately collecting each of the copper, zinc, and other metal wirings, new wires are created which are then reused in electric wiring of a house.
Other Electronic Gadgets
Plastic is used in almost every electronic gadget out there. Plastic which comes from different computers is easily applied on different corners of television sets, fans, air conditioners, and many more.
Final Verdict
Recycling a computer is not only important but is also mandatory. If a computer is dumped without any care, thousands of its components go to waste despite having a lot of long-lasting potential in them! Through recycling e-waste pollution can be controlled which is one of the most worrisome phenomena on Earth today. As a responsible person, e-waste must be recycled so that Earth is preserved for the coming generations.
