Why is it Important to Recycle Old Computer Parts?

It’s vital to recycle old computer parts and we can explain why you shouldn’t simply throw your old electrical items in ordinary household rubbish. It’s really bad for the environment and contributes to pollution. Your security is put at risk, as your sensitive information can easily be stolen from an old device if it isn’t cleared properly. It causes E-Waste, contributes to raw material wastage, and is negative on the economy with waste jobs being reduced without computer part recycling.

What Exactly is E-Waste?

It includes things like old computers, stereos, mobile phones and TV’s. While it’s possible to recycle and refurbish some items, a large percentage is unnecessarily sent to landfill. The latest figures tell us that this accounts for as much as 80% of all e-waste. Based on these figures, something clearly needs to change. 

Why is E-Waste so Bad?

The most significant impact of e-waste is on the environment. However, it can also affect things like employment and data security. Read on to find out more.

Harms the Environment. E-Waste contains chemicals that are bad for the environment, which is why it’s illegal in many places to put it in regular garbage. Back in 2011, the American retailer Target was fined for $22.5 million for illegally dumping e-waste. Save yourself the hassle – dispose of it properly!

Pollutes Water and Air. Chemicals leaking from recycled computers/old electrical waste (e.g. circuit boards) can get into the water supply, poisoning livestock and wildlife. Similarly, if old components are burned to recover precious metals, this contributes to harmful air pollution. 

Wastes Raw Materials. Despite being able to recover as much as 15% of precious metals from e-waste, many of us still opt to put it in the regular trash. Yet the metals found in e-waste are up to fifty times richer than ones mined from the Earth. At least, that’s what the UN tells us. 

Promotes Identity Theft. No matter how thorough you were in removing your old files and personal data from your old PC or laptop, you’d be surprised at just how good criminals are at recovering it. If someone got hold of your bank details or confidential prescription from your computer equipment, what would you do? Proper data destruction is incredibly vital.

Eliminates Job Roles. With e-cycling comes the need to fill job roles within this area. However, if people continue to throw their e-waste in the trash, there would be less a demand for these jobs, and fewer roles available.

How Can I Get Rid of My Old Gadgets?

There are several different waste recycling options at your disposal – including weee recycling (quite literally!). You could take the item to an authorised electronics recycler in your local area. A lot of retailers offer this service. Another option is to donate your item to somewhere like a charity who tend to be grateful for some used electronics.

There are also many waste management programs available for the recycling of batteries and mobile phones.