What are the benefits of recycling IT equipment?
benefits of recycling IT equipment
As technology continues to develop at an astounding rate, it is no surprise that older devices are becoming obsolete. Rather than throwing away old computers, which are likely worthless to the end-user, it is highly recommended that they are recycled. This process has numerous benefits to the environment and community.
The most obvious benefit of it recycling equipment is that it reduces e-waste. This type of waste is considered toxic to the environment, as it contains hazardous substances such as carcinogens, lead and mercury. When thrown in landfills, these materials can leak into the soil and waterways, damaging plants and animals. When computer recycling is carried out, however, these harmful chemicals are separated from the rest of the machine and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
In addition, when a computer is disassembled for recycling purposes, the majority of components can be reused or recycled in some way. For example, the plastic casing of a laptop can be repurposed in different ways, while the metals removed from the circuit board can be recycled as part of another piece of electronic equipment. This method of recycling also helps to avoid the need to mine finite resources.
What are the benefits of recycling IT equipment?
Additionally, a great number of recycled computers are refurbished and donated to local schools, charities or low-income families who may otherwise be unable to afford a working computer system. This can be a significant help to these communities and is an excellent way to contribute to the development of our economy and workforce, while at the same time providing people with access to vital computing capabilities.
Furthermore, some older computer systems are disassembled and used in scientific experiments to help develop new technology. This can be a cost effective way to complete such studies, as it is cheaper than purchasing brand-new and current technology.
Another major benefit of computer recycling is that it helps to conserve the earth’s resources. When computer parts are recycled, they are broken down and converted into raw materials that can then be reused in the manufacturing of other electronics, reducing the need to use finite natural resources.
It is important to choose a reputable and well-established IT recycling company for your electronics. Look for one that is R2 certified, which means they follow strict guidelines regarding data destruction, reuse and recycling and maintain a system of environmental management and occupational health and safety. This will ensure that your computers are recycled in the most responsible manner possible, protecting both the environment and the workers at the recycling plant.
If you are looking for a place to recycle your old IT equipment, be sure to contact us today. We can provide you with information on the best way to dispose of your unused computers, and we also offer a variety of other services, such as IT asset disposition and mobile device recycling. We look forward to hearing from you!