Do you know that many toxins live in your computer, monitor,
and printer? These toxic substances should never be introduced
into your local landfill. When you are finished with your computer
it is imperative that you find a way to dispose of it which will
not harm the environment. You can dispose of your unwanted computer
in many different ways to keep it out of the landfill. Whatever
you choose computer recycling is a very important thing for you
to do.
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You have a few options open to you
when it comes to your home computer recycling needs. Computer recycling is
often done at your local landfill, recycling center or through your local
electronics recyclers. At any of these locations you can take them your old
computer, monitor, and printers and they will recycle them for you. However,
they will generally charge you a nominal fee for
the service. The fee can range from about $5 up to about $20 in
most areas, depending on the items you want to dispose of; computer
recycling will be the most expensive while printer recycling will
be less expensive. Many areas now offer you a special day once or twice per year
where you can take all of your electronics to be recycled for
free. They will allow you to bring your unwanted computer and
printer equipment. You will generally find announcements for computer
recycling events in your local newspaper.
Recycling computer monitors is
very important. Computer monitors contain both toxic substances as
well as a toxic gas, similar to the ones in your home television
set.
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Because of this, monitor
disposal requires that you take it somewhere to allow for the
toxic gas to be removed in a safe way where the gas will not be
released into the earth's atmosphere.
Printer recycling is another consideration. Recycling printers
themselves is important as is recycling ink cartridges and laser
supplies. You can refill your own ink cartridges at home with
a simple kit purchased at your local computer supply store or
retailer such as Wal*Mart or Target. If you are not up to the
task of trying to refill your ink cartridges yourself you can
donate them to organizations that make money by sending the ink
cartridges off to be refilled and then resold to consumers. Often
local schools and church groups have collection baskets for your
used ink cartridges.
Laser printer cartridges generally come with a postage-paid label
in their box which allows you to mail back the spent cartridge
to the manufacture for recycling.
PC disposal is a big problem for both individuals and corporations.
IT asset disposal regulations require that companies dispose of
their unwanted technology items in a way which is friendly to
the environment. Because of the costs associated with PC disposal
many corporations rid themselves of unwanted technology by using
computer donating services. These services match up non-profit
organizations looking for computers with the corporations looking
to dispose of their unwanted computers. It ends up being a win-win
situation for both sides and keeps the computers out of the landfills
as well.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is very important to
recycle your old computer and keep it out of the landfill. Computer
recycling is one of the best things you can do to help the environment.
