Eventually, every computer reaches the end of its usable life. An aging computer may become obsolete, unmaintainable or too costly to run. Overheating, stress, electrical surges and other issues can damage a computer beyond repair. However, a dead computer still has some value. Once, broken computers were destined to be buried in landfills. Now, computer recyclers process unusable computer components to create raw materials for manufacturing.
Purpose
Computer and electronics recycling allows non-renewable resources, such as metals and petroleum-based plastics, to be recovered and reused as raw materials in manufacturing. Computers equipment may contain valuable materials such as iron, aluminum, gold, silver and copper. Recycling also allows toxic materials to be safely recovered. Toxic materials found in some computer components include lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.
Triage
Computer recyclers first analyze computers for reusable components. Usable components are refurbished, if possible, and tested to ensure that they still meet specifications. Components that cannot be reused are broken down and recycled.
Separation
Computers, monitors and related equipment are constructed from a variety of materials. In some recycling processes, each computer is manually disassembled and the parts sorted by type. In automated processes, the computer is shredded, and the materials are sorted using automatic screening techniques, such as magnets to pull iron out of the shredded materials. Smelters are used to further separate materials.
Safety
Shredding, smelting and other parts of the recycling process produce fumes and dust which may contain toxic or carcinogenic materials. Reputable recyclers capture the fumes and dust, preventing these materials from polluting the air and endangering workers. This also allows additional recyclable materials, which may otherwise be lost, to be recovered.
Security
Computer storage components such as disk drives present a potential security risk. Storage devices may contain sensitive data, which could fall into the wrong hands if not processed correctly. Many recycling companies offer data wiping services or ensure that storage devices are destroyed before leaving their facility, preventing sensitive data from being recovered from the device.
Benefits
All the materials used to manufacture computers and their components currently come from non-renewable resources. Non-renewable resources, such as gold and petroleum, are available in limited quantities. Recycling these materials reduces the need to locate, extract and transport new materials, which is more expensive than recycling and has a negative impact on the environment. Improper disposal of toxic materials found in many computer components may lead to contamination of the ground water or air. Recycling computers drastically reduces the amount of waste put into landfills.
Considerations
Computers and electronics are often exported for recycling to developing countries. Unfortunately, many of these processing facilities do not have adequate safety protocols. Improper recycling and disposal processes in these countries may lead to pollution and dangerous conditions for workers. Reputable recycling companies provide details about how and where their recycling processes are performed.
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