Sometimes it feels as if we are constantly upgrading to the latest electronic gadgets, be it a laptop or 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 important 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 environmental 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 recycled properly. If more business contracted with companies like Tri-Star Recycling these percentages would be much higher.
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 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.
R2 Certifications for Electronics Recycling
An important attribute to seek in an electronics recycler is a company that meets one of the USA’s standards of recycling. TSR is certified for meeting Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices. R2 certification is granted when a company fulfills a common set of criteria for responsible reuse and recycling practices, which are in place for the end of a device’s lifecycle.
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 but can also contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium which are harmful to people, fish and wildlife. These chemicals can leach into our drinking water and soil thereby causing a major risk in improper disposal. The components from old machines are harvested and used in new machines 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, smart phones, 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.