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. 

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.

Electronic Recycling and Why You Should Use it

If you have an old electronic device, electronic recycling is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of it.  With millions of gadgets being purchased every year, people have a decision to make: throw it away, recycle it, or give it to someone else.  Unfortunately, too many consumers are simply tossing their devices into the trash can.  According to a study conducted in 2012 by UN organizations and Solving the E-Waste Problem Initiative, 48.9 million tons of electronics are thrown away every year.  That includes phones, televisions, computers, tablets, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.  There is so much electronic waste that it weighs more than 200 Empire State Buildings.

The numbers are projected to increase to over 60 tons by 2017.  The United States is the second largest contributor to electronic waste, second only to China.  We throw away over 10 million tons of electronics a year.  In fact, so many devices are thrown away that experts say many of these are gifts that were never even opened.

This is a massive problem that is bad for the environment and wastes any resources that are still contained within the device.  Many electronics can be taken apart with various components salvaged while others can be given away to someone in need.  People can also use electronic recycling for devices that are no longer functioning.  This keeps electronics out of landfills and in circulation in some form.  Consider a tree.  When it is cut down everything is used including the pulp.  Over time a piece of wood that becomes flooring can be cleaned up and repurposed by someone else.  The same tree, the same material, can be used by multiple people in multiple ways.  Electronics can function the same way.  While they may no longer be useful in their original capacity, part of the device can have a new life through a recycling program.

Some of the ways that electronic devices are being repurposed are:

• Businesses giving old computers to schools and non-profit organizations.  While they may not function with the speed necessary for today’s business climate, they may work splendidly for a third grader typing their first report.
• Old appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, and dryers can be given to half way homes, shelters, and people in need.  The cost of fixing the item may be significantly less than purchasing it brand new, and there is a constant need for these devices.
• Cell phones can be recycled and donated to victims of domestic violence, a current Verizon initiative. 

It may be difficult to know which items are directly useful to other organizations and which ones need to be recycled by salvaging parts or components of the device.  Fortunately, Recycling Green Tree can handle it for you.  They are a local, California company that holds regular electronic recycling events and works directly with businesses with recycling needs.  They collect the device, find the best use for it, and ensure that it stays out of the landfill for years to come.  This is a simple way to help the environment and potentially someone in need.