When it comes to electronics, we always need the latest upgrades and devices on the market. The production of these electronics takes a lot of labor and resources. All electronic devices contain chemicals and metals that can be harmful when introduced to the environment. Because of this, e-cycling electronics is important when they are no longer of use to us and are ready to serve their next purpose.

Many people choose to switch to electronic devices to conserve energy and waste. For example, using a smartphone to access a bank statement eliminates the need for several sheets of paper. While electronics do cut down on some waste, they are responsible for a different kind of waste. The electronics we love are starting to fill garbage dumps, and it is beginning to have an effect on the environment.

Unlike regular trash, waste from electronics needs to be disposed of properly and recycled. This helps to reduce environmental hazards, identity theft, and other issues. There are E-Cycling events that are offered so that you, and your community, can go to one location and recycle all of your old electronics that need specialized disposal.

How Much E-Waste Is There?

From computer scrap to old smartphones, the amount of e-waste people make is growing each year. According to this article, about 41.8 million tons of e-waste was generated worldwide, and that number grows annually by about 5-percent. Only 15 to 20-percent of that is recycled. While these numbers may seem small at first, remember that this includes a lot of bulky metal devices, such as washing machines, and small items, such as batteries, and each one impacts the environment.

The growing problem of e-waste can be addressed in a few different ways. First of all, computer scrap e-waste recycling should be a priority for both individuals and businesses. Recycling electronics is easier than ever before.

If you aren’t in a position to e-cycle electronics, there are still several things you can do to make a difference. The EPA encourages sustainable electronics management practices. No matter how often you or your business purchases electronics, you should consider:

• Reusing working electronics

• Donating older devices

• Buying electronics from “green” companies

Recycling your electronic devices is the best option for businesses and individuals. Technology grows at a rapid rate, so it cannot always be reused or repaired. It is often more cost-effective to e-cycle electronics than to fix them.

E-Cycle Electronics to Reduce Hazardous Waste

The environment is very sensitive. Computer scrap contains hazardous waste and heavy metals that are released into the air, dust, plants, and soil near the site it was dumped. This can have several long-lasting effects on the area. Remember, every electronic device contributes to the hazardous waste problem, and it adds up. There are several studies about the environmental impact of heavy metals in heavy-manufacturing areas, such as China.

While a lot of electronic waste does end up in foreign countries, there is always a chance that you could be hurting your community. Many garbage collection services take your bags of trash to a local dump, rather than sorting it out. This means that your old laptop could be leaking battery acid and other chemicals into your backyard.

Because of the effects, e-waste has on the environment, and many states require businesses to recycle electronics. City ordinances often exist for recycling glass, plastics, cans, and cardboard, so it is already a habit most people are aware of and abiding by. Some areas will have a recycling strategy in place for your electronics already.

Even if your city doesn’t have an electronics recycling program, you should still check out the local laws before dumping your electronic devices in the bin. Throwing away computer scrap, dead laptops, old smartphones, and drained batteries could be illegal depending on your area. Remember, businesses may be affected by different laws than individuals; even if you aren’t fined for dumping batteries at home, it does not mean that your business won’t be.

Contacting an experienced computer scrap e-waste recycling service can help clear up any questions you may have about your responsibilities when discarding electronic devices. They can also walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your electronics are properly disposed of and the environment is protected.

E-Cycle Electronics and Conserve Resources

All electronics contain multiple components that can be reused. Many of these components actually take a great deal of energy to produce. For example, the small amount of gold in your smartphone had to be mined at some point. Recycling these materials doesn’t just protect the natural habitats the components were sourced from; it saves energy from the harvesting and manufacturing processes.

A typical laptop contains a combination of ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastic, electronic boards, glass, copper, gold, silver, aluminum, and lead. These components can all be recycled, but not as a whole. The laptop needs to be correctly deconstructed and scrapped, allowing specific elements to be reused. Cables, for example, are stripped down to the copper so that the metal can be appropriately recycled.

While the process seems complex, computer scrap e-waste recycling centers are well-equipped to handle the job. By working quickly to disassemble and sort the components, they are able to save a great deal of energy and resources. This helps preserve the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Your Electronics Contain Sensitive Information

Your computer scrap may no longer be functional, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of all data. Even if you completely wipe your hard drive before discarding it, there are still some ways people can recover all or part of the data. This makes you incredibly susceptible to identity theft, especially if you toss your old electronics in a garbage can or dumpster that strangers are able to access.

One of the easiest ways to prevent identity theft is to completely destroy the device and strip it down to its essential components. This goes beyond separating the hard drive from the rest of the computer. Once the computer scrap e-waste recycling process has begun, your old device is nothing like it once was. Every valuable component is separated from the original device and then processed.

You can easily ensure that every basic element of your device is reused in a completely different way or destroyed when you e-cycle electronics. This makes it impossible for others to piece it back together or recover any data.

A reputable company will provide you with a Certificate of Destruction that itemizes everything that will be destroyed during the process. This helps to give you peace of mind knowing that your information, data, and history are safe.

If you are worried about the process and want to track your hard drive every step of the way, you can. A reputable e-cycling company will understand the importance of showing your hard drive is entirely destroyed. CDJ E-cycling offers data destruction and serial tracking services, so you know your information is adequately protected.

Almost All Electronics Can Be Recycled

You would be surprised by how many things have electrical components. While it is essential to send more significant items, such as television sets, computers, and video game consoles to a recycling center, you can’t forget the little things.

CJD E-Cycling has a full list of different electronics that should be recycled. Some of the more surprising things on the list include:

• Toasters, blenders, and other household appliances

• Holiday lights

• Cable and satellite receivers

• Rechargeable batteries

• Portable music players

• Lamps and light bulbs

Because the modern home has several different electronic devices, a good rule of thumb is to bring anything with a cord to the recycling center. Every little bit helps the environment. If you bring devices that are unable to be recycled, we can take care of the disposal of those items as well.

The metal components of more significant components can also be harmful to the environment. Some of these items include:

• Air conditioners

• Lawn equipment and tools

• Car batteries

• Medical equipment

• Metal furniture

Keep in mind that items that contain radioactive or hazardous materials, such as oil or antifreeze, require a different disposal process. Household smoke detectors, for example, have electronic components but aren’t accepted by a computer scrap e-waste recycling facility. Handguns and other fire hazards are also not allowed.

If you have any questions about whether or not something can be recycled, don’t hesitate to ask. In many cases, devices and appliances can have their components separated for recycling.

Some E-Waste Components are Valuable

Did you know that Americans throw away about $60 million worth of gold and silver each year? In one ton of cell phones, you can expect to find about 350 grams of gold. This might not seem like a lot, but it definitely adds up!

While the average person isn’t dumping a ton of mobile phones, the e-waste that they do produce still has a decent amount of value. Electronic waste is full of various precious metals. Even metals that seem very commonplace, such as iron, aluminum, and copper have value to them.

Taking your electronics to a proper recycling center ensures that these metals are being extracted and reused. In most cases, you can recycle these metals over and over again. This makes them more valuable than plastic.

When you e-cycle electronics, you are ensuring that these valuable assets are not going to waste.

Computer Scrap E-Waste Recycling Feels Good

Some people feel bad about using several different devices within a short time period. Often times, it can’t be helped. Technology becomes outdated or easily breaks, and it needs to be replaced right away. When you e-cycle electronics, it allows you to enjoy your brand new device, and you can feel a little better knowing that your old device isn’t ending up in some landfill. 

E-Cycle Electronics and Get the Most Out of Each Device

No matter how many devices you use, it is essential to get the most out of each one. E-cycling electronics extends the life of your devices. While the components are separated, they can be reused in a wide range of items.

Copper is an excellent example of how components can be reused. According to Copper.org, it is the most reused metal. The copper in your old electronics can go on to become automobile parts, currency, jewelry, or other cables. Computer scrap e-waste recycling helps to make that possible.

Computer Scrap E-Waste Recycling Has Never Been Easier

It’s no fun to think of all the extra steps you might have to take by recycling. When you e-cycle electronics, the process is relatively easy. In the past, you would have separated your electronics and driven them to a local recycling plant. If you had a large appliance, this could be a real hassle. Now, companies offer tailored pickup services that make the e-cycle recycling process as worry-free as possible.

The computer scrap e-waste recycling center will know the best ways to transport your electronics and appliances. They can help you secure your electronics prior to disposal and walk you through any additional steps you may need to take in order to recycle your devices properly. This means you will not have to worry about whether or not you deleted your hard drive correctly; the experts do it for you. You’ll save a lot of time just by working with an e-waste recycling company.

When you e-cycle electronics, you can also arrange for a company to pick up your recyclables at your home or business. You won’t have to lift your old refrigerator onto the back of a pick up truck or find a crew to move every outdated computer in your office to the center. Talk to an expert today and see how easy recycling your electronics can be.

How to Recycle Computer Scrap and Other Electronics

The easiest way to get started with computer scrap e-waste recycling is to contact a local professional. Our experienced company will be happy to walk you through the recycling process and answer any questions you may have. To learn more, please contact us today.

The Positive Impact of Computer Recycling

For most people, upgrading your computer is a well thought out event. Major computer enthusiasts can spend months deciding on the right components, purchasing them, and actually building their PC. Casual tech owners may only spend a few moments at their local store selecting their new machine. However, in many cases, we don’t think about what to do with our computers after we no longer have a use for them.

Sometimes, you can resell your old computer for some extra cash. This isn’t always an option though. For instance, if you haven’t upgraded your machine in quite some time, it may be outdated. Furthermore, you could experience technical issues that make it so your machine is no longer salvageable.

However, it is exceptionally important that you properly dispose of your PC when you have deemed it time to do so. There are several companies, such as CJD E-Cycling, that will recycle your unwanted technology for you.

What is E-Waste Recycling? 

E-waste recycling is a form of computer recycling. When disposing of items, there are often restrictions on items such as electronics and batteries, as they can be hazardous to the health and safety of the general public when they begin to decompose. Therefore, proper decomposition and recycling of electronic materials are exceptionally important – especially as technology is becoming more and more an integrated part of our society.

However, despite waste laws and regulations on the disposal of electronic devices, many individuals may feel that they are not doing any lasting harm by simply throwing out their used computers. What these individuals don’t realize, however, is that there are a plethora of benefits to recycling your used computer that many personal and retail technology investors may not be aware of.

What Takes Place During E-Waste Recycling?

In many cases, approximately 90% of all electronics are fully recyclable. This means that the various components of the machinery are broken down. The components are then either reused or properly recycled. Potentially hazardous materials are removed and sent to proper facilities in order to ensure that dangerous chemicals are disposed of without harm to the environment.

Pieces of the machinery that can be recycled are often used in a variety of ways. For instance, the plastic casing of a laptop may be repurposed – it can be recycled like normal, common plastic and used for different projects. It can also be sent back to computer factories and reused if in good condition for refurbished machines. Components of the machine itself, such as the motherboard and processors, may be repaired by professionals and resold as refurbished parts for individuals to purchase, or used to replace broken pieces in other machines.

In some cases, computer recycling means upgrading a computer and donating it to local facilities. Donated computers and other electronics may be used in homeless shelters, schools, libraries, prisons, and adult education centers. Often, this technology is used to support low-income individuals in need, as well as educational programs that assist individuals in instances where they need to rehabilitate themselves after a tragedy, addiction, or other misfortune.

Of course, components submitted for e-waste recycling that cannot be used, for one reason or another, are disposed of by professionals. This process ensures that any unsafe chemicals are broken down into non-toxic components before being deposited in landfills or other waste management facilities.

Benefits of Computer Recycling

Throughout the United States, individuals campaign for more active recycling awareness. Typically, when individuals think of recycling, however, they think of your basic recyclables – plastic, paper, metal, and similar materials. What many don’t realize is that e-waste recycling, though it may seem unnecessary, is an important category of recycling that not only benefits the environment but the safety and overall health of the human population. Furthermore, in some cases, recycled electronics can be used for other projects, making them a valuable asset for many individuals in our society.

There is a slew of benefits that can be derived from computer recycling and other e-waste management that many recycling communities may not consider. Below, we discuss the various benefits that can come from e-waste recycling.

Conservation of the Environment

When you purchase an electronic device, or even something as simple as a package of batteries, you may notice that they contain a disposal warning. Typically, it says something about proper disposal due to toxic waste. What many individuals fail to realize when they purchase an electronic device is the proper disposal process.

Many electronic devices are made of materials that are toxic to the environment, such as flame retardants, zinc, chromium, lead, and barium. These chemicals – especially items such as lead – can be exceptionally harmful to humans and other animals. Individuals who work in landfills and waste management facilities may be exposed to these chemicals, which, if left untreated, can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to ensure that these materials, instead of being deposited in a landfill, are properly disposed of at a computer recycling facility.

Furthermore, these materials are often not decomposable – meaning that they further negatively impact the environment by contributing to the filling of landfills. While, in some cases, the solution to overfilled landfills involves the burning of waste, these materials are often dangerous to burn and can cause chemical reactions, causing long-term issues for the environment and potentially harming individuals who are tasked with these duties.

Depositing of electronics in landfills, furthermore, leads to pollution. As the metals and chemicals included erode in the landfills, they release chemicals into the environment. Some release gases, which contribute to air pollution – a leading factor of global warming in the United States. In other cases, the chemicals are released into the ground, inevitably running into the groundwater. Contaminated groundwater can lead to boil water notices. This is due to the fact contaminated water is deadly, in many cases, and can lead to issues such as lead poisoning and other illnesses.

With this in mind, proper e-waste recycling is exceptionally important. Computer recycling facilities ensure that electronics are properly disposed of and reduce the number of potentially toxic chemicals being released into the environment. Given the rise in water toxicity issues throughout the United States, as well as the overwhelming e-waste issues reported by many public landfills, this is an important aspect of proper waste management that should not be considered as optional, but necessary to maintaining human health and environmental integrity.

Community Development and Support

As previously mentioned, in many cases computer recycling is similar to a new and relatively popular trend known as upcycling, in which individuals take previously used items and turn them into something similar, but new. In many cases, recycled computers may be repaired and reused for different purposes. While this may seem like a relatively simplistic job, in many cases it can be a long term project that requires multiple individuals to successfully complete.

For instance, the initial repairs will need to be done by certified technicians who are familiar with the technology at hand and able to repair it. This may be as simple as the installation of new computer components, or it may mean harddrive and operation system repairs. Furthermore, broken components may be sent to the aforementioned professionals to be repaired and refurbished if they are deemed repairable.

Individuals who are not experienced with technology may be under the impression that work like this is simple, but depending upon the repairs and installations required, skilled engineers may be necessary to properly repair parts alongside individuals how are experienced in PC building and device management. The need for these roles, as created by computer recycling, creates jobs on a local and national level, depending on the type of e-waste recycling taking place.

This job creation is a great asset in boosting our economy and workforce, as every day, individuals are purchasing new electronics and replacing outdated technology. For instance, big businesses often upgrade their computer systems every few years – meaning dozens, if not hundreds of machines have the potential to be recycled every year. These machines are often donated or given away in sales, purchased by local libraries, schools, and community resource officers to provide essential – because, in today’s day and age, computers, and computer skills are essential – workforce training for individuals who may be in need.

Other Benefits

While the primary benefits lie in job creation, the ability to protect the environment and the development of communities through reused electronics, there are other benefits to recycling computers that many individuals may not realize. For instance, some recycled computers are used for scientific purposes, such as research and study of technology.

Old computers can often be disassembled and used to help develop new technology. This is primarily due to the fact that in many cases, it is more affordable to reuse older technology than attempt to purchase new and current technology when attempting to develop and understand technological advances. For instance, experimentation on electric current and energy conservation can often be completed using recycled technology, making it a valuable resource for scientists.

Other benefits include the ability to use the chemical decomposition of old technology to understand how too develop technology moving forward that is more environmentally friendly. Scientists are able to study the chemicals that are dispersed when technology is disposed of, both properly and improperly, and determine the best course of action to ensure that future technology is developed in a way that requires less toxic chemicals to be used.

Research completed on used technology can also help scientists determine the best course of action for the removal of chemicals that are deposited into the environment by technology that has not been disposed of through proper computer recycling methods. This is important, as, despite the growing campaign to encourage individuals to properly dispose of their used technology through e-waste recycling, plenty of technology still finds its way into landfills annually. Understanding the best ways to manage this sort of waste and the hazardous chemicals created by these products when they are disposed of improperly is important to ensuring the integrity of our environment moving forward.

Of course, an additional benefit of computer recycling is the cost factor associated with it. In some cases, if you have a plethora of old technology cluttering your home or office, some e-waste recycling facilities will purchase your used technology from you for a fair price. This is a win-win situation typically speaking – they are able to take your used technology off of your hands, and you gain a profit, no matter how small. Who doesn’t love a little extra cash, anyway? Knowing that the technology you are recycling will be put to good use is a further additional benefit!

Where Can I Recycle My Computer?

With all of the benefits presented for computer recycling, there are few reasons not to recycle your used technology. Many companies will assist you in the proper recycling – and, if necessary, data destruction – of used technology. Companies such as CJD E-Cycling will assist in the proper disposal of your computer at limited to no cost to you, depending on the services you are looking for.

It is important, initially, to ensure that the company you are choosing to use for your computer recycling needs is involved in ethical recycling. Essentially, it is most important to ensure that your computer is being repurposed and recycled properly – make sure you are not providing your technology to a company who will, for instance, use any data left on your machine. Furthermore, make sure that the company you are choosing is going to ensure no hazardous materials make their way to public landfills. Companies such as CJD are committed to ensuring that all machines in our care are disposed of in responsible ways, as we feel that maintaining our community and environment is of the utmost importance.