Computer Recycling Basics
by Tom Gresham
Computers and their components comprise the majority of the electronics equipment recycled each year in the U.S., representing approximately 60 percent of the market by weight (see References 3). Still, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, computers are not recycled at a prolific rate. In 2007, more than 205 million computer products reached the end of their utility, and approximately 48 million, or just 18 percent, were recycled instead of thrown away; a small increase from the 15 percent rate measured between 1999 and 2005. (See References 6)
Reuse or Recycle
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A computer should be recycled only at the end of its life, when it has very limited or no remaining usefulness. An old computer that is still functional can be refurbished and reused by a new owner. Even an obsolete computer that’s still operating and not in need of major repairs is a good candidate for reuse as an alternative to recycling. Reuse, in fact, is better for the environment than recycling because it extends the life of a computer and reduces the need for manufacture of new ones (see References 4).
Materials
Computers that are recycled typically are taken apart and the components are sold as scrap parts or commodities. Computers contain components such as precious metals, base metals, glass and engineered plastics that can be reused in other electronics (see References 4). Computer recyclers must manage the hazardous materials that are contained in most computers, such as the lead present in the cathode ray tubes that are the video displays of computer monitors (see References 5).
Benefits
Computer recycling reduces pollution, manages hazardous waste and limits the energy required to produce new computers. The recycling and reuse of the pieces and materials inside computers reduces the energy required to produce new electronics products because those materials do not need to be either manufactured or mined. For instance, recycling one million laptop computers conserves the same amount of electricity that is used in 3,657 homes in the U.S. in a year, according to the EPA (see References 2).
Programs
You can find computer recyclers in both the private and public spheres. Many public organizations accept computers for recycling, either as part of their routine duties or during special events. More than one thousand municipalities in the U.S. provide some sort of computer recycling service. In addition, many private organizations, such as businesses or nonprofit agencies, also offer computer recycling programs. Typically, computer recycling services come with a fee, but some groups offer the service free. (See References 1) Earth911.com has a national directory of recycling programs, searchable by zip code.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: eCycling — Basic Information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: eCycling — Frequent Questions
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries; “Preliminary Findings From 2011 Electronics Recycling Industry Survey”; April 2011
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Reuse and Recycle — eCycle
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: More Recycling and Reuse Proposed for Electronic Wastes and Mercury-Containing Equipment
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Statistics on the Management of Used and End-of-Life Electronics
Resources
Earth911.com: Find Recycling Centers