Computer Recycling for the Future: What Dell and Others are Doing

As a company offering computer recycling, we encourage both consumers and businesses to recycle their old electronics in order to keep them out of landfills.  This is extremely important because our world depends on technology and as we upgrade products; our earth can become toxic due to the sheer amount of e-waste that we dispose of.  Recycling is the only solution that makes sense if we are going to help the earth to become and stay healthy. 

When you are done using an old computer, appliance, cell phone, or television you should recycle it with a reputable company to make sure that it doesn’t end up buried somewhere.  We have several methods for recycling, work with charities when possible, and keep e-waste out of the ground and our waterways. 

Some companies are improving their practices to make computer recycling easier than ever.  We provide pick up services for certain businesses in addition to holding collection events.  Companies like Dell are becoming more sustainable by incorporating recycled parts into the new computers that they sell. In July of this year, Dell released the OptiPlex 3030 all-in-one computer that is made out of recycled plastic derived from old electronics. This is their first attempt at using closed-loop recycling for manufacturing an actual computer.  The concept of closed-loop recycling is interesting because by using the same quality plastic from old devices it reduces the amount of new or virgin material that must be used.  This is a pilot program so we are watching to see how it catches on and if they can apply the process to all of their devices. 

Other companies have implemented a similar concept by using closed-loop recycling for printer cartridges and other small items.  HP, for example, has been leading the charge on this type of recycling with over 75 percent of their ink cartridges containing the recycled plastic. The company estimates that by using this process, plastic could be recycled five to seven times – an amazing feat. Figuring out this process has been more difficult when it comes to computers and at this time Dell is the only one really using the closed-loop process for new products. We assume this is due to a more difficult engineering and manufacturing process.

When buying a new computer consider looking at the Dell model as a way to promote computer recycling at the purchasing level.  Simultaneously, you can recycle your old device by dropping it off at one of our collection events or contacting our office.  When we take in a computer, we evaluate whether or not it can be fixed and repurposed.  Oftentimes, old computers can have a second life with charities, schools, and even local kids that don’t need a high-speed device to type up their homework.  By keeping them operational, we keep them out of landfills.  When this isn’t possible, we look for parts that can be reused in another capacity.  With any leftover parts, we use responsible computer recycling methods that keep them out of the landfill. 

Electronic Waste: A Study Conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association

In February, the Consumer Electronics Association conducted a study about electronic waste, specifically to measure what U.S. households were doing with their CRT televisions and computer monitors.  For those that aren’t familiar with CRT – those are your old school televisions and computer screens.  With new and improved technology available at such low prices, these are commonly being replaced in homes throughout the country.  All it takes is one trip down the aisles of Walmart or Best Buy to see that you can get a big screen television for $500 which makes keeping an old one, less appealing.

The challenge has been what to do with these old units and how to keep them out of landfills. Before people became educated as to the dangers that throwing out electronic could pose, most people simply tossed them in the trash.  In fact, many electronic recycling programs that send electronics to Asia are still ending up in the trash or burned in local villages.  As a result, the rate of cancer in these areas has increased.  

Fortunately, educational programs in the U.S. have raised awareness, and more people are finding ways to recycle old devices that are not toxic to themselves or others.  This particular study demonstrates how far we have come from the days where electronic waste was more common than recycling.  They interviewed 1,023 adults to find out if they had any CRT glass in their home currently or if they had disposed of any within the past five years.  

They found that 44 percent of households disposed of a CRT television within the past five years and here is how they disposed of it.

• 45 percent gave it away
• 41 percent recycled it 
• The rest threw it away

The Consumer Electronics Association estimates that there are still 77 million CRT televisions in the United States and 30 million CRT computer monitors.  Combined, they could equal 7 billion pounds of CRT glass.  That is a staggering number, and if 20 percent of households threw their units away, that would represent 1.4 billion pounds of CRT glass ending up in landfills across the U.S. or overseas.  Additional education and programs need to be implemented in order to prevent this electronic waste from building up. 

As an electronic recycling company, we create easier ways for individuals and businesses to recycle so that they don’t have to throw things away.  We host recycling events in local communities where people can drop off their old devices that they no longer need.  Additionally, we make it easy for businesses to recycle by picking up old devices from their location.  Many of these are given to charities and even placed in local schools. 

 Depending on the type of device, we will fix it and repurpose it so that someone else can use it in their home.  In this way, we can give a new life to devices that would otherwise have no use.  The goal is to continue to educate and inform the general public as to ways they can recycle so that our planet doesn’t become full of electronic waste. 

Electronic Recycling and Keeping Your Information Secure

If you have an old computer, electronic recycling is an excellent way to give it a second life and keep it out of our landfills.  E-waste is a major problem throughout the world, and the parts that make up your computer can actually be fairly toxic.  In areas where they have been burning devices, for example, there is an increased risk of cancer, so it is important to find the proper way to dispose of your computer, rather than simply throwing it in the trash.  

We offer a variety of solutions that make it easy to recycle.  These include community drop off events, and we will even pick up devices from local businesses.  One common concern we hear from the community is whether or not their information will be secure.  There are several things you should do prior to getting rid of a computer that can help to keep your personal information private.

Follow these simple steps prior to making a donation:

• Back up your data.  Anything that you want or need like Word documents, Excel files, and photos needs to be backed up.  We recommend setting up a free Gmail account and uploading everything to Google drive.  This is a simple way to save your data on a regular basis, and you can access it from any computer with an internet connection.  You can also purchase an external hard drive and back everything up, but then you have to spend the money for an additional piece of equipment. 
• Wipe the drive.  You can do this fairly easily by re-installing Windows. Windows 8 users can go to PC Settings>>General>>Remove everything and reinstall Windows. If you have Windows 7 or older, consult your computer manual for the best way to do it.  You can also use a program that is designed to wipe your drive.  Just download it online.  The challenge with the route is that you will have to re-install the operating system if you plan on giving it to a friend or family member. 
• Remove sensitive files.  If you like, you can simply erase personal data using a program like Eraser for Windows.  You can pick and choose what to delete with this program.  The trick is to make sure that you don’t miss anything since whatever you do miss will still be available to view by whoever you give the computer to.
• Kill the hard drive.  If you have ever watched Office Space, you probably remember the scene where they take a hammer and kill the printer.  Many people feel like doing that from time to time with electronics that simply aren’t working like they should. If you have ever wanted to destroy your computer, you can.  It is still wise to delete the data first; then you can remove the hard drive, beat it up and still give away the computer shell at an electronic recycling event.   All you need is a small screwdriver to remove the back panel and the hard drive can be pulled right out. 

Decide which option is right for you based on what you are doing with the device.  If you are giving it away at one of our electronic recycling events, we can provide you with additional tips and information in person. 

Creating a Computer Recycling Program for Your Business

Businesses can help the environment by establishing a computer recycling program.  This will prevent old computers and used electronics from ending up in landfills.  E-waste is incredibly toxic and tossing inoperable or outdated computers into the garbage only contributes to what is becoming a massive global problem. 

As manufacturers release new products at cheaper prices, it frequently becomes easier for a business to buy a new and faster device than repair or upgrade an old one.  This has led many businesses to get rid of computers that are even a few years old in favor of newer, sleeker models.  Imagine the number of companies in the U.S. alone.  If everyone is throwing away old computers that is a lot of toxic waste entering our landfills. 

Fortunately, there is a better way.  Computer recycling is both easy and possible.  Here is how you can establish a program for your company. 

• Determine when a device should be replaced.  Create guidelines that define when a computer or other electronic device should be upgraded.  You can tie this to the amount of memory it needs, if it is operating as fast as you want, etc.  Speak with your IT department to identify when it is best to upgrade and create a written policy around it so that employees are not requesting new computers simply because a better quality monitor was released. 
• Establish protocols.  When you are getting rid of a computer, there should be a set of protocols to follow that include wiping the hard drive of any sensitive information.  Assign a person inside your organization with the task of making sure that this is done prior to disposing of the computer.  
• Create a list of recycling options.  There are several ways you can recycle an old computer.  The easiest one is to call Green Tree Recycling because we can work with you and depending on the area, we will even pick up the old computers so that you don’t have to worry about dropping them off yourself.  In our program we donate used devices to schools along with liquidating them. You can also donate old computers to organizations like Goodwill or a local shelter.  You can further engage your employees by creating the list of approved donation spots and letting them decide who they want to work with. 
• Start a donation day.  If your company has a version of spring cleaning where you identify old devices, furniture, supplies, and products that you no longer need – create a donation day and encourage employees to participate.  Ask them to bring items from home that they want to recycle and arrange for all of the electronics to be picked up.  You can also have a charity organization pick up the remaining items so that you know they are going to benefit someone that needs it. 

Establishing a computer recycling program is one way that your company can make a difference.  Recycle items whenever possible and prevent e-waste from entering our landfills and creating additional pollution.

Save Money by Working with Computer Liquidators

Instead of buying new equipment for your home or office, look to liquidators to provide what you need at a reduced price.  This can save your family and your business money.  New versions of computers, appliances, televisions and more are released every year.  With prices at affordable levels, many people upgrade simply to get the next best thing and not necessarily because there is a problem with a particular device. This creates a situation where electronics are dumped into landfills, which creates a massive e-waste problem.

Green Tree Recycling helps keep e-waste out of our landfills by finding ways to recycle and reuse electronics.  We obtain devices from businesses and individuals throughout the area and find ways to repurpose them.  This often includes donating working devices to local schools and charities.  Additionally, we sell units and parts to people who are looking to save money by purchasing a used device.

As a liquidator, we have a lot of computer parts.  If your laptop or computer needs to be repaired or upgraded, we may have what you are looking for.  This can save you money by reducing the need to purchase a new part or a new device altogether.  Additionally, people who want to purchase a new computer, television, or appliance can look through our inventory to determine if anything suits their needs. This can be ideal when purchasing a computer for a child to do homework on or for casual use.  While a work computer may need to run at optimal efficiency, your child doesn't need a high powered machine to type up their book report.  It all depends on what your needs are. 

All of the items that we sell go through an extensive check to ensure that they are working properly and are in good condition. Our goal is to resell items that people can use without having an issue.  This way recycling is promoted by removing something that one person doesn't need and selling it at a reduced price to someone that does. 

Working with Companies

We help with the liquidation process on the other end by picking up unused or unwanted electronics from other companies.  For example, if a company is moving offices and upgrading their equipment, we can pick up their old electronics and keep them out of the trash dump.  At times we will even purchase surplus items from companies that are struggling and looking to liquidate any electronics that they no longer need.  This has become more common as companies look to scale down from large offices and move to more of a work-from-home environment that typically depends on laptops over desktops.

Property managers can also benefit from our services as we provide trash out services after evictions.  This means that if a company or tenant is evicted we can come in and remove all electronics from the property so that there is one less thing for the property manager to worry about before getting the unit ready for the next tenant. 

EWaste: A Global Toxic Waste Dump

Every year anywhere from 20 to 50 million tons of EWaste is disposed of. This number is expected to increase to over 60 million by 2015.  It is extremely toxic and can lead to health problems with the kidneys, bleeding, and lead poisoning among others.  Studies have even shown direct links to problems with the central nervous system. 

 The health risks have only begun to be studied so it is likely that more linkages will be found with additional health issues or diseases. 

The challenge with this type of waste is that it appears to have no end. Consumers throughout the world have developed an appetite for cheap electronics.  There is less of a hassle and sometimes less of a cost associated with buying a new device than repairing the one you have.  This creates a crisis where everything from microwaves to cell phones are being thrown into our landfills. 

EWaste is a global epidemic caused by several factors.  Developing nations are continuing to increase their purchasing power with the growth of their middle class.  Countries like India have fully entered the technology world, as has China.  Additionally, countries like the United States and Europe are shipping their waste to Asian countries for disposal.  Many of these programs are portrayed as electronic recycling but in all actuality they are being dismantled and burned inappropriately and entire communities are suffering from health issues due to the lead and other toxic materials inside of the waste.  The more waste that we produce globally, the worst this problem will become.  We cannot wait to identify solutions to our EWaste problems.  The time is now, and we must act as a global society to solve the issue. Otherwise people groups and the planet will suffer.  

Like most problems, the solution starts at a hyper-local level.  Reducing EWaste starts at home with a commitment to recycle old electronics, rather than throwing them away.  If you no longer have a need for a particular item, there is a good chance that someone else does. Green Tree Recycling has multiple programs in place for recycling electronics.  This is all done on a local level and is a convenient way for you to get rid of old electronics while keeping them out of the landfill. 

Here are several ways we can dispose of your EWaste responsibly:

Donations.  There are many shelters, non-profits, halfway houses and charitable organizations that need used appliances.  A dated refrigerator may not look good in your newly remodeled kitchen, but it will do wonders for a shelter in need of additional food storage.  We work with many deserving organizations. 

Schools.  The team at Green Tree Recycling is committed to making a difference in our local public schools.  We believe that every child should be able to access and learn on a computer.  By gathering old computers that businesses and individuals no longer need, we can supply schools with the equipment necessary to educate the children in our communities. 

To learn more about the EWaste problem and how you can keep things out of landfills, contact Green Tree Recycling today.

New Trends in Electronic Recycling

People throughout the world are learning more about electronic recycling and the importance of keeping old electronics out of landfills.  Between 20 and 50 million tons of EWaste is disposed of on an annual basis.  This staggering number is set to grow as more and more consumers purchase new electronics and dispose of their old ones.  The cheaper they are to manufacture and sell, the more will be purchased, and as their value decreases they will continually be thrown away. 

The EWaste trend is growing to epidemic proportions when considering how toxic the waste actually is.  While electronic waste only makes up around 2 percent of the trash in America’s landfills, it represents 70 percent of the toxic waste.  This number is also deceiving since many electronics are shipped overseas for disposal.  

The lead inside of electronics like cell phones is so toxic that it has been known to cause damage to a persons’ blood, nervous system, and kidneys. Bad electronic recycling programs in Asia have been known to create health problems for entire population groups after the electronics are improperly disposed of.  In the U.S. we need to be aware of these issues in order to protect ourselves, our families, and impoverished people worldwide.  No one should have to dispose of our toxic waste for us. 

Fortunately, as more people become aware of the problem they are able to do something about it and electronic recycling is growing in popularity. In order for e-recycling to work, people need to work with local companies that they can trust.  Otherwise, your waste may end up in a family’s backyard somewhere in Asia, per the current international trends. 

Here are some tips for electronic recycling, the sustainable way:

Donate to a local shelter.  There are domestic violence and homeless shelters that can use a variety of electronics for their day programs.  Many of these organizations provide assistance beyond a place to sleep, and a used computer can be a way for people to apply for jobs or look for housing. 

School programs. Green Tree Recycling works with local public schools to make sure that children of all socioeconomic standings are able to access and learn on a computer.  This is essential for ensuring that they are in line with their peers when graduating.  The lack of, or limited, computer skills is simply not an option in today’s modern world. 

Goodwill.  The local Goodwill or thrift shop will happily take old electronics to sell.  They make a profit, but the funds are put to good use by supporting their charity work.  Interview different companies to find out how much of the proceeds go back into programs and what is spent on overhead. 

Craigslist.  You can donate your old refrigerator, microwave, washer and more on craigslist or another online forum.  People that are handy may want the unit even if it is not working.  This will keep more household electronic items out of the landfill. 

You can make a difference in how much toxic waste enters our environment. Start your own electronic recycling program at home by making a commitment never to throw an electronic away.  Call Green Tree Recycling to learn more about our local recycling programs.