Sometimes, it feels like we are constantly upgrading to the latest electronic gadgets, be it a laptop, phone, or printer. This is by design, as manufacturers want us to continue buying their products and upgrade consistently to ensure we will. Even the most conservative fiscal minds are forced to upgrade when their electronics become obsolete and unusable. We must ask ourselves, “How does this affect my environment and the earth as a whole? How does my recycling help?
What is Electronic Recycling (E-recycling)?
Electronics recycling or “E-recycling” is the environmentally responsible disposal of anything with a PCB or Printed Circuit Board installed as a component; computers, servers, phones, or essentially anything that relies on electricity falls into this category. These can be repurposed and resold, broken down for parts, or each material responsibly recycled. Here are some essential things you should know about E-recycling:
Saving from a Landfill
Tighter recycling laws have forced Western nations to export large amounts of e-recycling to developing nations where environmental laws are far more lax, thus causing an ecological emergency in countries such as Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia. E-recycling has become the fastest-growing waste stream in recent years; however, only 15-20% of all electronic devices sold in a calendar year are correctly recycled. These percentages would be much higher if more businesses contracted with companies like Tri-Star Recycling.
Hire a Company That Specializes in E-Recycling
Paying a company to handle your business’ electronic recycling needs may be an unplanned expense, but it will pay off in the long run. Find a recycler who offers services for not only responsible recycling of the physical components, keeping them out of a landfill, but also peace of mind that their asset disposal method is secure. TSR offers secure e-recycling with full services – from remote pick-up to delivery to our facilities to asset recovery and physical recycling or downstream resale.
Secure the Data Before Recycling
An important step in the recycling process is secure data recovery and destruction. Equipment such as computers and phones hold private data, so make sure whichever company you use to recycle offers both wiping and shredding capabilities.
What Happens to Components?
All computers and electronics are manufactured using gold, copper, and silver. Still, they can also contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which harm people, fish, and wildlife. These chemicals can leach into our drinking water and soil, causing a significant risk of improper disposal. The components from old machines are harvested and used in new devices and applications whenever possible, and only licensed and certified companies like TSR should be handling your company’s IT Assets, thus making sure these hazardous materials are being recycled downstream properly.
Start Recycling Your Electronics Now
The basic steps of electronic recycling can be an easy 1, 2, 3 if you find the right company to hire.
- Identify your electronics that are no longer needed and can be recycled: computers, smartphones, monitors, printers, etc.
- Find a reliable, professional electronic recycling company like TSR in Nashville.
- Make the phone call and let them take care of the rest!
Recycling your electronics to keep them out of the landfill is easy. So what are you waiting for? Contact Tri-Star Electronic Recycling today and find out how we can help you.