A Comprehensive Guide To Copper Recycling

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copper recycling

Copper is an element and mineral, important for your everyday life. Copper is considered a key industrial metal due to the malleability, resistance to corrosion, high ductility, and electrical and thermal conductivity. When metals used in the United States are considered, copper ranks third, right behind iron and aluminum. If you are asking the question can you recycle copper, the answer is yes. Copper recycling is extremely important and valuable.

History of Copper

The use of copper dates back more than 10,000 years. The question of can you recycle copper was answered during the early days when the discovery was made that no degradation occurs during recycling. Both recycling businesses and collectors value scrap metal. The only metal capable of conducting electricity better than copper is silver. The attributes of copper have ensured it is one of the most valuable metals in the industry.

Copper was first used in roughly 87000 BC. In 8000 BC, copper became a viable replacement for stone. Egyptians began heating and shaping copper in 4000 BC. As technology improved, the discovery of smelting ores was the very beginning of the Bronze Age. Ancient Romans used copper from Cypress in the Mediterranean. During this time, copper was referred to as Cyprus, or the metal of Cyprus. Eventually, copper was called coprum, which means copper in English.

Recycling copper is an excellent way to save energy, and help the environment. You can recycle almost any metal. Copper accounts for 34.6 percent of the solid waste currently recycled. Due to the urgency of recycling copper throughout the world, you may be wondering can you recycle copper?

Why is Recycling Copper Difficult?

There are several different answers to the question, why is recycling copper difficult? The most common answer is the complexity of the recycling process. There are numerous important steps for copper recycling. Once you understand how the process works, you may realize the importance of your recycling efforts. The process begins when you begin gathering copper scraps and items containing copper at home.

Once your scrap copper has been collected, the next step is sorting the copper. There are different machines used for copper recycling including the copper granulator and copper stripping machine. The correct machine for processing is dependent on the type of copper such as single wires and copper cables. The copper is then sent to a smelting facility for melting.

The copper is heated in a furnace until the metal becomes molten, then formed into the items required. Once the copper has hardened, a machine is used for rolling the metal into smooth sheets. This is the beginning of making new materials. Another answer to why is recycling copper difficult is the process requires training and experience to be performed correctly.

Recycled copper does not lose its basic characteristics such as strength and malleability. This means the recycled product is as good as new copper. Copper recycling is an important resource for numerous countries, but the process begins with consumers and businesses understanding the importance of recycling.

Environmental and Economic Importance of Copper Recycling

Copper recycling offers significant benefits to the environment including the reduction in energy required for processing, conserving natural resources, and decreasing the amount of solid waste sent to landfills. In regards to recycling copper, the following statistics must be considered.

  • 85 to 90 percent less energy is required for recycling copper than new processing.
  • As a resource, copper is non-renewable.
  • The known copper reserves in the United States are about 1.6 billion metric tons.
  • 12 percent of all copper reserves have already been consumed.
  • 90 percent of the production of domestic copper comes from just 20 mines.
  • Copper in the United States is mined in Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Another answer to the question of why is recycling copper difficult is the environmental challenges. As the production of electrical products increases, low recycling rates result due to the confusion regarding how much energy is actually required. You may realize copper recycling efforts are gaining momentum because people are learning recycling is kinder to the environment than mining, and processing copper ore.

Approximately eight percent of the copper used throughout the world is produced in the United States. The number one producer of copper is Chile. Roughly 50 percent of all copper currently produced in the United States is derived from recycled copper. A little more than 50 percent of recycled copper is derived from machine and chip turnings. The rest comes from electrical cables, plumbing tubes, and radiators.

Copper Grades

Prior to understanding the value of recycled copper, you need to know the different grades. These grades directly correlate to the value. You can learn more about the different grades and markets here.

Bare Bright Copper

Bare Bright Copper is the most valuable grade. The name is derived from the bright and bare appearance. Copper wiring in this category must be a minimum of 16 gauge. You may have heard this grade called Bright and Shiny Copper. This grade must not be mixed or combined with any other metal including zinc or tin. To qualify, the copper must not have any tarnish.

#1 Copper

#1 Copper is the second most valuable. This grade must be unalloyed and clean. The difference is clean copper tubing is included in #1 Copper. The tubing must not have any materials decreasing the quality of the metal, paint, solder marks or insulation. Even if your copper tubing has minimal oxidation, it can be classified as #1 Copper provided there is no corrosion.

#2 Copper

#2 Copper is the third most valuable for copper recycling. This type of copper is generally dirtier than the other two grades. Copper with various imperfections, solder marks, and paint still qualify. The copper can have a higher oxidation level than #1 Copper. Most of the copper obtained from businesses for copper recycling is #2 Copper. This grade is different from the ones above because copper fittings and ends are included.

#1 Insulated Wire

#1 Insulated Wire is the fourth most valuable for copper recycling. This grade includes all clean copper cables and wires a minimum of 16 gauge. Your copper must be in fairly good condition, unalloyed and clean. You do not have to remove the insulation to qualify for this grade. Doing so is recommended to qualify as Bare Bright Copper. This will increase the price you receive for your copper recycling.

#2 Insulated Wire

#2 Insulated Wire is the fifth, and last grade for copper recycling. This grade includes a mixture of copper with plastic insulation and unalloyed copper wire. If your copper wires are not a minimum of 16 gauge, your copper will not qualify as #2 Insulated Wire. The difference is, you can recycle copper coated with other metals such as tin or nickel provided your coating is not extreme.

Every copper recycling center has slightly different specifications. The final answer to the question of why is recycling copper difficult is the confusion regarding which types of copper qualify for each grade. When asking can you recycle copper, despite the answer being yes, you must consider the different grade.

Benefits of Copper Recycling

Copper is 100 percent recyclable with numerous benefits. The top three benefits are defined below.

  • Copper recycling decreases the cost of landfills. When your copper is not recycled, it takes up space in landfills.
  • Copper recycling decreases the energy necessary to produce copper by up to 85 percent. Copper is finite, meaning recycling conserves copper ore.
  • The more copper you recycle the more you protect the environment by decreasing the need for refining and mining copper. Mining requires energy, fossil fuels and time. Refining copper releases toxic gases including dust and sulphur dioxide into the environment. To learn more about recycling copper scraps, visit Your text to link….

Most Common Questions Regarding Copper

Q: Can You Recycle Copper?

A: The answer is a definite yes.

Q: Why is Recycling Copper Preferable to Extracting?

A: Recycling copper is less expensive than mining and extracting. Only 15 percent of the energy required to mine and extract copper is necessary to recycle a ton of copper. You can help conserve the copper supply available, while decreasing emissions of carbon dioxide by recycling.

Q: Is There a Shortage of Copper?

A: Although there is currently no shortage of copper, the demand is consistently increasing. Unless technology enables economic copper mining, there is a possibility of a copper shortage in the future.

Q: Where is the Most Copper Mined?

A: The majority of copper comes from open-pit mines located in Chile, New Mexico and Utah. Chile is responsible for exporting almost 33 percent of the copper used worldwide. Copper is also obtained in Peru and Indonesia.

Q: What Happens After Copper is Recycled?

A: Old materials made from copper are melted down prior to being formed into new products.

Q: Is There A Lot of Copper Remaining?

A: There are approximately 5.8 trillion pounds of copper known throughout the world. Throughout history, 12 percent or 0.7 trillion pounds have already been mined. Due to the high rate of copper recycling, the majority of this copper is still in use.

Q: Can Copper be Recycled More Than Once?

A: Since copper can be recycled an infinite number of times, the answer is yes. Many experts believe some pennies contain copper dating back to the Egyptian pharaohs. This is the reason copper is referred to as the most reusable resource on the planet.

Copper Fun Facts

Fact 1

The first metal ever worked by humans was copper in addition to meteoritic iron and gold. These are among the few existing in a natural state. This means a fairly pure form of the metal was obtainable through nature. Copper has been used for over 10,000 years. An ax was made in 3300 BCE for Otzi the Iceman.

When the ax was found, the head was made of almost pure copper. High levels of arsenic were detected in the hair of the iceman. This may be an indication he was directly involved with the process of smelting copper.

Fact 2

Alloys are formed with copper and other metals. The two you may have heard about are bronze created with tin and copper, or brass created with zine and copper. There are currently hundreds of copper alloys in existence.

Fact 3

The metallic-reddish coloring of copper is unique. The only other metal listed on the periodic table as a non-silvery metal is gold. When copper is added to gold, the result is rose gold or red gold.

Fact 4

Copper is used as a natural antibacterial agent. Brass is often used for door handles located in public buildings to help prevent the transmission of disease. Copper is not toxic for invertebrates, which is the reason shop hulls often contain copper for preventing algae, and the attachment of barnacles and mussels.

Fact 5

The three most common metals for industrial use are iron, aluminum and copper. Approximately 60 percent of all copper is used for wiring, electronics, cookware, plumbing, building construction, coins, and various other products. You most likely believe chlorine is what makes hair in swimming pools turn green, but it is actually copper.

Fact 6

Simple binary compounds are easily formed with copper. These compounds have just two elements including copper chloride, copper sulfide and copper oxide.

Fact 7

Copper is essential for human nutrition. The majority of water supplies and foods contain this critical mineral for the formation of blood cells. The foods with the highest amount of copper include grains, beans, leafy greens and potatoes. You would have to ingest a tremendous amount of copper to receive too much. This can cause anemia, jaundice and diarrhea.

Fact 8

Copper contains many of the characteristics, and properties of desirable transition metals. Copper is a great conductor of electricity and heat, is soft, ductile and malleable and resists corrosion. Eventually, copper will oxidize, resulting in the formation of copper oxide. This oxidation is why the Statue of Liberty is green as opposed to an orangish-red.

Fact 9

Almost 80 percent of all copper mined throughout history is still being used. The metal is 100 percent recyclable. The copper located in the crust of the Earth has a concentration composed of 50 parts per million.

Fact 10

The two most common states of copper oxidation have their own properties. You can tell the difference by heating the ion in a flame to observe the emission spectrum colors. The flame from Copper II is green, while Copper I results in a blue flame.

Why Do We Recycle Computers? And Other Answers to Your E-Cycling Questions

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Why do we recycle old computers?

Why Do We Recycle Computers, Anyway?

Why do we recycle computers? It’s a question that deserves an answer. It’s a question that has many good answers, too. Recycling, in general, can be a wonderful thing. The many diverse advantages of recycling include but are not limited to the following:

  • Minimizing the degree of waste that gets taken to incinerators and landfills alike
  • Conserving precious energy
  • Safeguarding natural resources including minerals, H20, and timber.
  • Keeping pollution at bay through minimizing raw mineral gathering requirements considerably
  • Decreasing carbon emissions that can affect the environment
  • Establishing new positions for job seekers

There’s no disputing that recycling paper and plastic is beneficial. But they aren’t the only things that you should be recycling. It can be a terrific idea to recycle electronic goods, like computers. Why do we recycle computers all over the world? Answers to that question cover electronic scrap prices and a host of similar and pertinent topics.

Why Do We Recycle Computers: The Advantages

Don’t assume that the advantages of computer recycling are few and far between. There are many positive advantages to breathing new life into your tired and broken electronic devices, believe it or not. There are plentiful local online resources that can help you figure out where to sell computer scrap pieces. Figuring out where to sell computer scrap pieces can get your recycling efforts off to a promising start.

Here are some of the biggest advantages of recycling old computers:

Saving Resources That Are Natural

Computer recycling is another way to save the earth’s natural resources. You should resist the temptation to simply dispose of your computer. Recycle it, instead. If you make the choice to recycle, you can restrict the number of supplies that are necessary to manufacture fresh electronic goods. Older computers are equipped with an abundance of parts that manufacturers can use in the future. That’s precisely why disposing of them can be highly wasteful. Monitors have glass and plastic that can come in handy for the construction of new devices.

Doing Good Deeds in the Neighborhood

People recycle many older computers that are actually still in pretty good condition. Looking after computers can keep them in rock-solid shape for many years. If you recycle a computer that’s relatively reliable, then you may be doing the people in your neighborhood a favor. Professionals can restore old computers. Once they do that, they can donate them to nearby charity groups, educational institutions, and libraries. Computers that are used can even be helpful to households that do not have much money. Computer recycling and donation activities can give people in your area access to technology that may have been out of reach for them otherwise. Computer access can open young children up to the thrilling possibilities of education.

Making Way for Job Openings in Your Area

Recycling electronic devices can actually help people who are on the lookout for jobs. There are many computers that aren’t suitable fits for restoration work. People often bring these kinds of computers to the nearest electronic recycling facilities. If many people make the decision to do this, it can be a boon to the economy. It can pave the way for the demand for people to work for the previously mentioned electronic recycling processing facilities. If you love the idea of helping people who are searching high and low for career openings, then you may want to recycle any electronic devices that you have no plans to use again.

Helping the Environment and the Planet

There’s no arguing that human beings only have one planet. That’s exactly why we should do anything in our capacity to keep it safe from destruction. If you take the time to recycle an old computer, then the environment and the planet may benefit from your kind gesture. 

Waste that comes from older electronic devices can do a number on the planet. Don’t forget that significant amounts of waste emerge all of the time. People throw electronic waste into landfills everywhere without thinking twice about it. This waste slowly but surely gives off detrimental toxins, too. People who want to breathe in air that’s pure and clean often have many complaints that relate to these unpleasant and persistent emissions. Pollution is no laughing matter. 

Electronic waste items that linger inside of landfills can give off all kinds of chemicals that are categorized as “toxic.” They frequently emit lead and mercury. Lead and mercury both are infamous for wreaking havoc onto the environment. Their chemicals blend with groundwater. This combination can bring on substantial H20 quality deterioration. There are detrimental chemicals that combine with the air. This type of air pollution can pose a problem to the environment and to human beings in general. People who want to do their parts to keep their fellow human beings safe and comfortable frequently make the decision to recycle computers they no longer use or need.

Health Advantages

Why do we recycle computers? People frequently do so for health purposes. Thoughtlessly getting rid of computers can bring on the emission of detrimental toxins. Putting these toxins into the environment can be a huge mistake. It can negatively affect health in humans and animals of all sorts. Organisms can soak up these toxins via water. They can take them in through the air that surrounds them as well. Lead and mercury aren’t the only two danger factors, either. There are various others. Lead can interfere with the development of the brain. It’s poisonous to the reproductive system, the nervous system and even the kidneys.

Mercury is in no way beneficial for human health. It can be destructive to fetuses that are still in their mothers’ wombs. It can bring on significant damage that involves the kidney and the brain, too.

Plastic burning isn’t the most innocuous thing. It’s a process that can give off cadmium. Cadmium is a pale metal that can wreak havoc onto the human body. It can hurt the kidneys. It can even weaken bones over time.

Beryllium, last but not least, is another metal. It’s accessible inside of both motherboards and connectors. It’s a chemical that’s hazardous to human health. People often refer to it as being a carcinogen.

There are countless humans who have to live beside landfills. That’s the reason that minimizing the waste that’s associated with old computers can be helpful. Doing so can protect these people from all kinds of medical risks.

Keeping Misuse of Resources at Bay

Electronic waste is in most cases delivered to third world countries. These countries often give manufacturers access to cheap labor. Electronic waste can be problematic for employees who have no option but to handle it. That’s because they have to deal with the detrimental toxins that are associated with electronic waste items. If you recycle your old and unwanted computer in the right manner, then you can help safeguard employees in distant nations from the dangers of chemicals that come from electronic waste.

Electronic Scrap Prices and Other Factors

Electronic scrap prices often differ. If you want to learn all about electronic scrap prices, then you should reach out to the team members who represent CJD E-Cycling. CJD E-Cycling’s representatives can talk to you about electronic scrap prices. If you want to know where to sell computer scrap pieces, then your best bet is to reach to the professionals who are behind CJD E-Cycling. Electronic scrap prices always depend on the individual item. If you’re researching where to sell computer scrap items, you should look into places that buy things beyond just full devices. Look for places that regularly buy wires for computers, hard drives, circuit boards, transformers, insulated wires, monitors and mainframes.

Learning About Electronic Scrap

Learning about electronic scrap prices calls for a lot of diligence. Computer board prices often run the gamut. If you sell a P3 motherboard, then you may be able to get $2.30 a pound. If you sell a silver memory computer board, then you may be able to get a little more at $3.00 a pound. Gold memory computer board price tags tend to be substantially higher. They tend to sell for $8.00 a pound.

People who want to comprehend electronic scrap prices should learn all about internal parts. Hard drives that do not have any boards may demand just 10 cents a pound. Hard drives that do have them may be able to score 30 cents a pound.

You can learn more about electronic scrap prices by assessing items that are miscellaneous in nature. A couple examples of these kinds of items are gold-plated connectors and AC adaptors. These connectors may go for 35 cents a pound. AC adaptors may go for a nickel or so a pound.

There are no specific rules for electronic scrap prices. If you’re interested in doing away with confusion, then you can review prices that are typically associated with everything from mixed ceramic processors and whole servers to digital satellite receivers and P4 motherboards.

Where to Sell Computer Scrap Pieces? CJD E-Cycling Is the Intelligent Answer

Finding a suitable place to sell old pieces of your computer can be a headache for people who do not know where to begin. CJD E-Cycling is a family-run business that handles electronic scrap recycling and all of its pathways. The professionals who work for this Illinois company strive to make the vast planet a lot more eco-friendly. They strive to do so by providing people with facilities that can help them safely and efficiently do away with metals and electronic devices of all varieties. The CJD E-Cycling team wants nothing more than for landfills to remain as clear as possible.

CJD E-Cycling can be a rock-solid choice for people who want to say farewell to all kinds of electronic devices. If you’re keen on recycling a computer that you haven’t used in years, the CJD E-Cycling team can come through for you 100 percent. They often say that they will take anything with a cord. They just as frequently say that they embrace metals of all varieties.

Why do we recycle computers? We do so because it can pave the way for many advantages. Companies like CJD E-Cycling make electronic scrap recycling a piece of cake. Recycling electronic scraps doesn’t have to be frustrating for people who work with the CJD E-Cycling team. CJD E-Cycling buys printers, keyboards, monitors, consoles, CRTs and digital music players that are portable. If you have any questions that involve materials that the CJD E-Cycling crew may take, then visit the business website. You can check out a document that highlights any and all appropriate options.

Conclusion

Why do we recycle computers? We recycle computers because CJD E-Cycling streamlines the concept of buying e-scraps. Why do we recycle computers? We do so because the company can help you score cash. If you have an old and seemingly useless computer that’s simply gathering dust inside of your living space, then nothing can make more sense than seeking guidance from the CJD E-Cycling crew.

You don’t have to go into panic mode if you have any questions that relate to the CJD E-Cycling team and all of your recycling options. CJD E-Cycling is headquartered in pleasant Edwardsville, Illinois. It has the cooperation of team members who are detail-oriented and knowledgeable regarding all sorts of electronic waste management techniques. You can find out more from the company by filling out a basic form that’s on hand on its official website. Just fill out the fields for your name, email address and subject. If you have questions about price points or anything else, a CJD E-Cycling employee will get back to you rapidly.

You don’t have to restrict yourself to contact through email. You can also call the company’s office on the telephone. Be sure to ask its staff members questions about electronic waste recycling opportunities. Call the staff at CJD E-Cycling as soon as you can to find out more about the perks of old computer recycling. Why do we recycle computers? They can tell you.

How to Recycle Old Electronics: Top Tips for Computer Recycling

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Computer recycling plays an important role in the world today.

You’re at a standstill as to what you’ll do with those stacks of boxes in your garage or home office, stuffed to the gills with electronic parts, old computers, and obsolete technology. How do you recycle this mishmash of parts? Where do you take it all? Never fear, there are sources for your current electronic castoffs, and here are some top tips for computer recycling that just may relieve you of your recycling woes. 

Is It Worth Recycling?

You may think those bulky old desktop computers and first and second-generation laptops are unusable, but that isn’t the case. Any older desktops, laptops or their internal or external parts can be worthy of computer recycling or salvaging.

Electronic recycling or repurposing of smaller computer parts and electronics is just as important as recycling larger components. Salvaging, reusing, or reconditioning computer parts in some capacity is always possible.

So, if you want to dispose of your electronic components, you don’t have to find some far distant place to take them. It’s the consensus of technological waste industries that your old computers and electronics will find their way into good hands somewhere. There are city services, recycling centers and charitable organizations out there, from small to large, that know how to handle your computer and electronic waste.

Where to Start

Once you decide to go the disposal route with any of your computer recycling, you’ll want to delete any personal information or other important data from the devices you plan on salvaging, recycling, donating, or selling. Simply follow the steps necessary to remove that kind of information from your computer’s hard drive. Follow similar instructions to wipe any personal data from tablets, cellphones, or any other devices where personal information or critical data has been inputted.

Also, if any of your devices include batteries that are rechargeable, you’ll want to remove them for separate disposal. Rechargeable batteries contain harmful elements, so you’ll want to discard them somewhere other than a garbage dump or landfill.

Creative Uses

Before you definitely go the computer recycling or dumping route and cut the ties with your old technology, think about how you could reuse parts you retrieve from your older computers and electronics. You may find other ways to use them rather than getting rid of them altogether. You could look at what you consider junk in a creative sense. Making artistic pieces or display items is fun, plus you’re preserving a visual history of older computer technology. 

Recycling Options

You have any number of options when it comes to electronic recycling. There are state, local, and nonprofit organizations that solicit and acquire used computers and electronics. There are also local recycling centers that specialize in electronic waste disposal along with other groups like Call2Recycle.org and Earth911 that offer information on recycling solutions throughout the United States. With the many options available, you should be able to find the right one that fits your recycling needs.

City Recycling Services

Often your local city has a recyclables collection service for recyclable items that go along with your refuse collection service. You may have permission to recycle outdated electronics in a specified container for pickup. Always check with your city government sanitation/garbage collection services about curbside pickups for electronic recycling before you discard them. In some cities, you cannot dispose of electronics in this way, because of the dangers of hazardous materials to city dump sites.

Local Hazardous Waste Facilities

When curbside pickup is not available for electronic recycling, you may want to contact your local or county hazardous waste facility that will accept old computers, parts, and related electronics that may contain dangerous materials. A waste facility will usually take apart any component that requires disposal in a safe manner. Go through your city or county’s public works department to find a facility near you or check online for a waste facility in your area.

Electronic Recycling Centers

Besides city and county recycling services, family owned and operated electronic recycling centers are of great benefit and value to those wanting to donate obsolete and newer computers, hardware, and related electronics. Local recycling centers often compensate clients for what they donate. 

Recycling centers are a boon to a community as they offer a myriad of services that you won’t find with other recycling establishments, and they operate under strict guidelines that protect the environment. Many recycling centers have sprung up across the country and offer both electronics and computer recycling that includes recycling of both outdated electronics and newer components. They often recycle almost every computer component and part in existence that includes servers, towers, CPU’s and computer scrap. Many centers such as CJD E-Cycling offer extended services that include

  • Purchase options on E-Scrap
  • Tracking of recycled materials
  • Tailored pickups for customers
  • Drive-thru drop offs
  • Accommodate unique client needs
  • Data destruction
  • In-house processing
  • Exchange of metal for cash
  • E-Waste drive events
  • Collection Center locations for drop-offs
  • Listings of non accepted items for client use
  • Social media access

Community Computer Recycling

When you have many computers and electronic items to dispose of that are still in good shape and working order but you would rather donate them, there are many local education and other facilities that will accept computers and other outdated electronic components, such as

  • Public Schools
  • Private schools
  • Adult education programs
  • Libraries
  • Churches
  • Senior centers
  • Recreation centers
  • Women’s shelters
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Homeless shelters
  • Other education related services

Donation Stipulations

There are several things you’ll want to take into consideration when it comes to donating outdated electronics. You’ll want the devices to be no older than five years and you’ll want them to function properly. You’ll also want them to not require repairs or replacement of parts. It’s only common courtesy to donate items in working order. Always find out ahead of time if the organization your donating to has stipulations on the condition of the electronics you’re giving them.  You don’t want to drop off an older computer only to be told the organization can’t use it. 

Charitable Donations

You may think your computer and electronic parts are unusable, but there are charitable and non-profit organizations that will be happy to take them off your hands. Locate those organizations online that accept computer parts and electronics, or through phone listings. Goodwill is one example. They take donations at their drop-off and drive-up locations and partner with Dell Reconnect to take almost any brand of computer and computer parts. Other organizations in affiliation with charitable donations include:

The World Computer Exchange organization takes part in computer recycling and computer reuse across the world, and they provide used computers and related electronics to developing countries in need. The Exchange has local chapters and a main website in the United States. They accept computer donations and they repair and recycle outdated equipment. 

Salvation Army – Contact your local Salvation Army and ask them whether they are accepting donation for computers, electronics and any related computer hardware. If they are arrange for free-e waste pickup or drop off at your local Salvation Army.

Vietnam Veterans of America – Contact your local facility Contact Vietnam Veterans of America to donate your old computers and electronics. They provide free e-waste pickup for any electronics related items. Always remember to ask about any restrictions on conditions of items to be donated.

Computers with Causes – This organization has a website for computer recycling. You complete their online form that gives instructions how to submit any computers, tablets and related electronics that you’re trying to discard. Any devices for consideration must be no older than three years. They request that all personal information be deleted.

Online Sites and Trade Circulars

Another way to sell your obsolete yet still valuable electronics is through sites like Facebook Marketplace eBay, Craigslist, or through local newspaper ads and buy and trade circulars. You can usually find these publications placed next to newspaper and magazine stands in mini malls and grocery store complexes.

Trade-in/Take-Back Programs

Another way to recycle older computers and parts is through trade-in or take-back programs. Say you have an older model computer that you want to trade in for an upgrade. Contact the manufacturer of your computer or the retailer where you bought your computer and ask either about discounts or trade-in options for a return on an older model. Other companies may offer different choices such as mail-in or take back options in return for gift certificates for tablets and other electronic devices. 

Retail Electronic Recycling Programs

Electronic retailers will often sponsor recycling events at different times of the year. Be sure and contact any electronic retailers ahead of time to assure that your retail location is accepting what you want to drop off for recycling. Often recycle programs will place recycle boxes for drop off at retail locations. Ask your local retailer for drop box times and locations.

Tech Firm Electronic Recycling

Besides recycling programs at the retail level, there are specific manufacturers of electronics, such as HP, that offer computer recycling on different computers and computer hardware. Check with your personal computer brand provider to determine whether they offer a recycling program for disposal of your particular electronics.Your text to link… Those companies that currently offer electronic recycling of old electronics include: 

  • Apple – has a GiveBack program, gift cards, and store credits for specific products. They also accept products for recycling.
  • Best Buy – has electronic recycling options for numerous electronics matter where you bought them.
  • Sprint – also has a Buyback program with account credits
  • Amazon – offers substantial gift cards for almost any electronic device for numerous electronic devices
  • Office supply companies like Office Depot and Staples offer company programs for printer cartridge recycling and other sales and rebate offers.

Public E-Waste Computer Recycling

Cities and towns will often sponsor free e-waste pickup events where citizens can either ask for pickup or attend the event to drop off old computers and electronics. Always check with your public works department of your city or county to confirm whether there is an event near your area. Also, ask what items will be allowed for pick up and drop off for electronic recycling.

Local E-Waste Computer Recycling

There are private e-waste recycling companies that have the necessary facilities to help you recycle your used or obsolete computer parts. They often offer free e-waste pickup and dispose of your used computer parts in an eco-friendly and responsible manner. Many e-waste companies will offer other services that include disposing of large surpluses of IT holdings and added electronic wastes.

Other E-Waste Providers

There are many green waste disposal companies throughout America that offer free e-waste pickup. Many of these businesses will send out trucks to your location for pickup. You simply call an e-waste provider in your local area and a pickup will be arranged. Other organizations that specialize in recycling electronic items will specify exactly what they will accept for e-recycling and will provide a listing of those items. One such e-waste recycling program, eWast4good,Your text to link… works in hand with other organizations in the Central Valley and Bay area of California to help people in those areas recycle most any old electronic components, and they do it all through direct free e-waste pickup at homes and businesses.

Whether you repurpose, donate, recycle, sell, trade or discard your old and obsolete computers and electronics, there are numerous providers that allow you to do just that in an environmentally friendly, productive and lucrative way. With the minute-by-minute advances being made in electronics and computerized devices, there will be an ever increasing accumulation of outmoded components across the globe. You want to be a step ahead in the recycling game and seek the best and most eco-friendly way to dispose of your electronic waste. Most of the top tips for computer recycling given here should be helpful in finding what best fits your recycling needs.

 

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How to Choose E Waste Management Services that are Right for Your Business

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e-waste management company

Broken, surplus, and obsolete electronic items are electronics waste, which we also call e-scrap or e-waste. Every year, millions of tablets, laptops, computers, TVs, and mobile phones approach the end of their useful life and become e-waste. Electronic waste contains toxic chemicals and materials that get into the environment if it accumulates in landfills. Yet, that is exactly where the majority of it ends up. So, what should we do with electronics waste? Take it to a reputable e-waste management company.

Benefits of Recycling Waste

An e-waste management company will take your old electronics hardware and perform electronic recycling and computer board recycling. Recycling electronics waste protects our planet and various resources. It also protects humans. Here are some of the benefits of e-waste recycling:

Recovery of valuable resources

Recycling e-scrap recovers gold, silver, platinum, copper, titanium, lithium, cobalt, aluminum, iron, tin, and fossil fuels from old electronics devices and puts these valuable resources into new electronics products. Even the metals, glass, and plastics in e-waste are reusable.

Saving of electricity

The EPA states that recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to run 3,657 US households for one year.

Pollution reduction

Electronic devices contain toxic heavy metals such as PVC plastic, cadmium and beryllium, mercury, lead, brominated flame retardants, and other hazardous chemicals. These things harm human health, the environment, and contaminate the water supply. This pollution is greatly reduced by e-waste management because recycling does not allow for the dumping of electronics waste into landfills.

Landfill space conservation

One by one, the states in the US are passing laws that demand e-waste management.

Reduced production waste

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition states that it takes 40 pounds of chemicals, 530 pounds of fossil fuel, and 1.5 tons of water to manufacture just one computer and monitor. This means the production process burns 81% of the energy that is associated with each computer – the years spent using them only take 19%.

Job creation

With millions of devices in need of tedious electronic recycling and computer board recycling, there are plenty of e-waste management job openings.

The Valuable Resources Waste Problem

According to blogs.ei.columbia.edu, the value of recoverable materials in global electronics waste in 2016 was estimated to be $64.6 billion. Only about 20% of that was being recycled.

Cell phones are the most frequently discarded electronics item. According to one article, one million cell phones contain 33 pounds of palladium, 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold.

Reclaiming valuable resources from unwanted electronics is much easier than mining for them. This “urban mining” that e-waste management companies do makes sense. According to a recent study done in China, traditional mining costs 13 times as much as the electronic recycling of things like aluminum, gold, and copper contained in e-waste costs.

The world continues to escalate the use of electronics products, which increases the demand for precious metals and other valuable resources that go into making them. Electronics manufacturers are already experiencing shortages in raw materials.

Electronic Recycling Challenges

  • More than half of the world’s collected e-waste is exported to developing nations. The inadequate environmental controls in the recycling companies there allow various kinds of health and environmental problems to form.
  • The quality of e-waste is decreasing. Devices are being made smaller and smaller, so they contain few precious metals in them. This has caused some recycling businesses to close.
  • Electronics are being made to better protect information than in previous generations of the products. This also makes these items hard for recyclers to get into them to recycle, repair, and offer up for reuse.

The Electronics Recycling Process

Recycling electronics can be difficult, depending on the sophistication of the devices. These products are made with different amounts of plastics, metals, and glass. Also, the process of separating the various materials will vary, depending on what is being recycled and what technologies are being used.

Collection

Recyclers put electronics take-back booths or collection bins in particular places such as in Walmart stores.

Transportation

Recyclers collect and transport the e-waste to recycling facilities.

Shredding, sorting, and separation – The various materials that make up electronics must be cleanly separated so they can be used to make new products.

Recyclers shred the collected devices into pieces as small as 100mm. This facilitates the extraction of iron and steel from everything else through the use of a powerful overhead magnet. Next, mechanical processing separates the copper, aluminum, and circuit boards, leaving mostly plastic and some glass. Water separation technology extracts the glass. Metal remnants are the last items to be separated from the plastics.

Preparation for sale

The raw materials are prepared for sale as raw materials that will be used to make new electronic products.

Choosing an E-Waste Management Company

It is important for the health of humans and the environment that your electronics waste is properly disposed of. Because of the many unscrupulous global dumping operations that present themselves as responsible e-waste recycling companies, you’ll need to ask any prospective recycling partners a series of questions. That is the only way you can be assured of their integrity.

  1. Ask the recycling company what their address is
    A responsible recycling business will have facilities where they operate. If the company spokesperson dodges your question regarding the address, his company likely participates in global dumping.

  2. Ask to see the recyclers permit to operate
    A legal recycling business would have a permit and be willing and able to show it to you.
  3. Ask the company for proof of their commitment to the environment
    Recycling companies all claim to be committed to the environment, but you’ll want to know for sure how committed to the environment the company you are considering actually is. Some sort of proof of their commitment would assure you that the business is likely a responsible recycler. Certifications are a good indication of commitment to a cause. The company should be able to show you certification by either the R2 or the e Stewards EPA-endorsed standard programs.
  4. Find recycling companies who educate the public about e-waste
    You want a recycling partner who makes positive impacts on human health and the environment. It would be even better if that partner is part of the solution through education of the public about the proper disposal of electronics waste.
  5. Ask how recycler handles data security
    It is critical that sensitive information is destroyed, whether you are recycling customer electronics or your own electronics. Nobody wants their private information shared with others or misused.

    Ask whether they shred, degauss, or wipe data. Some recyclers will offer you a certificate of hard drive destruction to verify that your personal information was destroyed. You’ll want to make sure that if you are considering a recycler who refurbishes various electronics gadgets that you specify in the contract that all personal information will be wiped from all devices. Get it in writing in the statement of work or in your final contract.

  6. Know what you need
    The first thing you need to do is to understand in detail what you need the e-waste company to do. That’s because recycling companies will ask you detailed questions about your recycling requirements. Here is how you prepare:

    1. Consider the sources of e-waste in your facilities
    2. Gauge how much e-waste your facilities produce weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
    3. List the kinds of e-waste that your facilities commonly produce. Are they finished products or mostly accessories? Does the company accept and process the kind of scrap you have?

  7. Set up meetings
    Once you have taken a personal inventory, start contacting recyclers. Have local vendors meet with you at your business. If good customer service is important to a company, their spokesperson will want to meet with you and see your facilities. Before they arrive, consider signing a non-disclosure agreement if you think you’ll exchange information with them or give them a tour. Your visitor will ask you what you need, and you’ll have your list prepared.
  8. Choose Recycling Businesses that charge favorably
    You will be able to judge a lot about the recycling company by how they charge you. Any problems in this area may indicate that the company cuts corners in the recycling process, behind the scenes. So, see if the company:

    1. Charges you responsibly, not overly concerned about profiting off you
    2. Has a favorable attitude toward negotiating prices

  9. Negotiate
    Most recyclers will charge for some kinds of items, but compensate for others. If they charge you, the fees are based on the weight of the materials and what you’re recycling. You may be offered money by the pound for hard drives, but then charged a nominal amount for inkjet printers.

    You can expect recyclers to tell you what they charge or pay upfront. Sometimes you can negotiate a little. Check the commodity prices often because they fluctuate, affecting the value of the gold, silver, copper, and other metals in your electronic items. The company may haul off your pile of electronics free of charge, but you’ll need to be sure they will consider shipping costs.

    In the negotiation phase, you may want to ask potential vendors these questions:

    1. Are there items you won’t take?
    2. How much do you pay for laptops, etc.?
    3. How much are your transportation charges?
    4. Would you give me a certificate of destruction or other proof the hard drive was destroyed?
    5. Do you have environmental certifications?
    6. Could you come get individual boxes or pallets or do you only pick up by the truckload?
    7. Do you require a minimum volume?
    8. How often can you come pick up electronics?

About Electronic Recycling and Computer Board Recycling

Telecommunications, electronics, and computer scrap contains the following kinds of circuit boards that recyclers want:

  • Aviation circuit boards
  • Military circuit boards
  • Tablet circuit boards
  • Cell phone boards
  • Telecommunications and networking equipment boards
  • Server and mainframe boards
  • Server and mainframe backplanes (pin boards)
  • Server and mainframe cards
  • Hard drive circuit boards (but no cases or platters)
  • Daughter cards, such as expansion, video, and network cards, etc.
  • Desktop and laptop motherboards

Other kinds of circuit board scrap include:

  • Shredded circuit board scrap
  • Motherboard scrap
  • E waste-scrap
  • Electronic scrap
  • Printed circuit board scrap
  • Circuit board scrap
  • Computer scrap

Recycling companies will likely only take circuit boards that do not have cadmium/beryllium, mercury switches or any batteries. They’ll also won’t want excess metal such as aluminum or copper heat sinks on the items they take in.

Advantage of Using a Recycling Company that Refurbishes Electronics

Some recycling companies may want to specialize in electronic recycling and computer board recycling and not want to deal with whole computers, monitors, hard drives, power supplies, or anything else at all.

But, if you find a company who refurbishes electronic items, you’re in luck because they will want all of the parts. They will not only want your computer CPU, monitor, and keyboard, but they’ll want the power cable, computer mouse, and any other accessories the owner used with it.

They’ll want all of your unwanted technological devices and even some of the batteries used. You can get rid of audio/video equipment, networking equipment, video game consoles, digital converter boxes, cable receivers, satellite receivers. They’ll want CRT, projection, flat screen, plasma, and console TVs too.

Electronics Recycling Laws

As of October of 2019, 25 US states had laws in place that mandated e-waste recycling statewide. Though passed in half of the states, these laws cover 65% of the population. Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, California, and other states have also banned e-waste from landfills. Other states are working toward passing similar laws.

Conclusion

An astonishing 80% of technology items are tossed rather than recycled, even though they contain precious metals. Manufacturers are already running into shortages of the metals they need. Electronics are also filled with harmful toxins, and US states are passing e-waste management laws to correct the problem. Electronic recycling and computer board recycling is part of e-waste management. E waste management companies who also refurbish electronic items accept much more of the unwanted parts and accessories.

Why You Should E-Cycle Electronics

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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.