Tips for computer recycling and reuse25 August 2005
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations will become law in the UK in June 2006. Their introduction is expected to lead to a huge rise in demand for electrical goods recycling services by making businesses dispose of their waste electrical goods responsibly.
The Regulations will force firms to consider the option of recycling or reconditioning old computers and IT equipment, as well as other electronics items such as refrigerators, televisions and mobile phones.
The Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling works with manufacturers, retailers, recycling businesses and local authorities to promote responsible management of WEEE and provides further explanation about the Regulations.
Donating a computer for recycling
There are many reasons why businesses may need to discard old computers, including upgrading their existing equipment and moving premises.
If your computer is less than five years old, one option is to donate it to a specialised recycling firm, who will recondition the machine and usually make it available at a low cost to organisations that need, but can't afford, IT equipment - like social enterprises, charities or schools.
Even if your computer is older, there may be parts of it that can be recycled. Computer Aid International has a checklist of components that can be reused or reconditioned to encourage people thinking of chucking out their PC to consider other options.
Here are some other tips and issues to bear in mind when donating your computer:
- Before donating your computer, use disk cleaning software to delete your web browser's cache, cookies and history, your e-mail contacts and messages, your documents, files and spreadsheets, your recycling bin or trash folder, and any non-transferable software. Examples of disk cleaning software include Windows Disk Cleaner, Sure Delete and BCWipe - Check out Shareware.com for more information, reviews and access to free downloads of these programs.
- Try to include the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, packaged software, and any other accessories when you donate your PC. Some recycling services will only accept complete systems where all these peripheral parts are present and intact.
- Remember to hang on to the original media and documentation that goes with your PC. Particularly important is the proof of software licence, which will help your operating system to be legally transferred to another user.
- Many of the leading PC manufacturers are also offering a low-cost recycling service for older models made by them. See IBM's Recycling Service and the Planet Partners service offered by HP as examples.
Selling your old computer equipment
Newer computer equipment (less than three years old) can also be sold second-hand, through local classified ads or through online auction sites like eBay and Ubid.
Finding recycled IT equipment for your own use
Using second-hand IT equipment can be a cost-effective option for new start ups and small businesses with limited budgets who only need to use a PC for basics such as record keeping and correspondence.
- Again, auction sites like the ones listed above can be great resources for finding low-cost second-hand office equipment - but remember to check the software licensing details carefully to ensure the deal is legitimate.
- Electronics Recycling.org is a portal of information about the IT equipment that can be recycled, and has a useful directory of reconditioning firms.
- You also need to remember that many organisations wipe the hard disk and remove all software prior to donating a PC for recycling or selling it online - so even though you've got a cheap computer, you may still need to invest in some software programs.
