subject: Three Tips For Electronic Recycling [print this page] Electronic recycling is very important because of how quickly technology is changing. Everyone wants to have the next big thing, but this is very damaging for the environment. The average mobile phone user gets a new phone every year and a half, so thats a lot of electronics! Computer technology changes rapidly too, just as other types of technology do as well. All of these changes mean we have got to come up with a way to reuse everything, and electronic recycling is the answer. But electronic recycling is not as simple as just throwing it out the door and letting the recycling truck pick it up. There are several things you should do to do it properly and also protect yourself.
Here are three tips for electronic recycling:
Often organizations or other people may be more than happy to take your used computer off your hands, but have a professional wipe the hard drive so that your personal information wont be out there. Many people who recycle computers forget how much personal data is stored and accessed on their computers, so you need a professional to wipe it clean so that youre not giving someone else access to your records.
Sometimes complete electronic recycling is the only way. In some cases, the device may be so old that no one will find it to be useful anymore. In other cases, the equipment held such sensitive information that it is best dismantled. Whatever the case, a company that provides secure electronic recycling services will completely take the device apart and recycle the individual components, which are usually made of metal, plastic, and other recyclable materials.
Avoid throwing electronics in the trash. Tossing small appliances or other electronic items right into the trash can be very tempting, but you are actually releasing toxic metals and chemicals into the environment by doing that. Its true that if these materials go into the landfill, they will seep into the ground and can cause damage to a nearby water table or stream. Electronic recycling exists as a way to not only reuse these materials, but also prevent them from entering our environment in a damaging way.
Electronic recycling is something small that has a big impact, and its a simple thing we all can do with very little effort. Starting a program at work can even save your employer money and situate your business above your competition or a leader in your industry.
