Saturday, 22 June 2013

A Guide To Computers Recycling In Austin

By Lana Bray


Electronic rubbish, particularly computer equipment, is a rapidly developing stream of Austin waste. Consumers are able to replace their electronic gadgets often due to the low prices, while advances in technology means there are always better, newer, and more powerful equipment in the market. This results in a burgeoning mountain of computer waste. In the United States alone, about 20 million obsolete computers are discarded every year. It is important for residents to be guided on computers recycling in Austin.

Also known as e-waste, computer accessories that have been discarded consists of circuit boards, printers, hard drives and monitors. Such items should be seen as hazardous waste since they contain toxic substances, and hence should not be thrown away together with other household rubbish.

Most of the times, e-waste finds its way to developing countries, and it is quite alarming to see the large amount of electronic appliances being improperly discarded overseas. The pollution that results from hazardous chemicals and heavy metals is drawing a lot of concern in parts of Africa, South America and Asia.

One personal computer unit can have roughly two kilograms of lead and the complex mixture of materials make recycling them an uphill task. Residents of Austin can get rid of their computer waste through several ways. They can take the appliances to a professional facility dealing with waste disposal, return them to their original manufacturers, or donate them to non-profit organizations.

Manufacturers of electronic appliances are increasingly incorporating management of e-waste into their environmental policies. They also operate schemes for computer recycling whereby the items are dismantled and sorted in accordance to the material or type. Materials like aluminum and steel are then recycled to manufacture new products, from plastic toys to car parts. Afterwards, substances that are non- reusable are disposed off in a manner that is environmental friendly.

The recycling plans assists in reducing the amount of waste that is dumped into landfills. Also, once they have been recycled, they decrease the volume of raw materials needed to make new products, while at the same time making it possible for residents of Austin to conveniently recycle them. The process of disposing waste professionally does not differ much from that done by manufacturers, only that the residents have to part with money for the disposal. There are quite a number of companies dealing with waste disposal, but one should confirm if they comply with the necessary legislations.

When it comes to donating to charity, several non-profit organizations collect electronic equipment either to de-manufacture and recycle, or for reuse. The equipment they collect includes computers and printers, and recipients do not pay for such equipment or purchase them at a rate that is heavily discounted. It is developing countries that benefit most from such schemes.

Should Austin residents feel like donating their obsolete computers to charity, it is vital to check out if adequate security measures are in place. The measures are aimed at preventing unlawful access, alteration or accidental loss or destruction of personal information. Just because a hard drive has been formatted does not mean all data in it is destroyed permanently.

When in the process of computers recycling in Austin, non-profit organizations should ensure they have a waste management strategy for when the PC becomes obsolete. What is meant here is how to deal with recycled items that have become of no use.




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