What is Computer and Hardware Disposal?
Computer parts disposal, electronic recycling or e-waste recycling is the disassembly and separation of components and raw materials of waste electronics. This would typically include PCBs such as motherboards, power supplies, graphics cards, memory RAM sticks and harddrives. Although the procedures of re-use, donation and repair are not strictly recycling, they are other common sustainable ways to dispose of IT waste.
Electronic recycling occurs when disposing of computer parts in order to recover valuable rare earth metals and precious metals, which are in short supply, as well as plastics and metals. These are resold or used in new devices after purification, in effect creating a circular economy.
Why should you recycle your old computers and hardware?
Recycling and the disposal of computer hardware is considered environmentally friendly because it prevents hazardous waste, including heavy metals and carcinogens, from entering the atmosphere, landfill or waterways. While electronics consist a small fraction of total waste generated, they are far more dangerous. If you want to dispose of computer parts, there is stringent legislation that must be adhered to and is designed to enforce and encourage the sustainable disposal of electronic devices and appliances, the most notable being the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive of the European Union.
Computers are valuable sources for secondary raw materials
Obsolete computers and old electronics are valuable sources for secondary raw materials if recycled; otherwise, these devices are a source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of computers and other electronic components around the globe. To dispose computer parts effectively, there are technical solutions are available, but in most cases a legal framework, collection system, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before applying a technical solution.
Why recycle your computers and hardware with Concept Management?
To help companies adhere to these legislation Concept offer a secure, robust collection service that encompasses the Environment Agency requirements such as ATF, AATF, duty of care compliance, hazardous waste and WEEE waste – Broker, Carrier and Storage licences along with ISO14001 and can offer a completely compliant service.
Many materials used in computer hardware can be recovered by recycling for use in future production. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminium, and a variety of plastics that are present in bulk in computers or other electronics can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. Components frequently contain lead, copper, gold and other valuable materials suitable for reclamation.
Export of waste to countries with lower environmental standards is a real concern. Companies may find it cost-effective in the short term to sell outdated computers to less developed countries with lax regulations. It is commonly believed that a majority of surplus laptops are routed to developing nations as dumping grounds for e-waste. The laws governing the exportation of waste electronics are put in place to stop “recycling companies” in developed countries from shipping their waste to third world countries as working devices; Concept Management audit all their downstream partners, as part of our licensing requirements, to maintain best practices and to ensure compliance to these regulations
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in disposing and recycling your old computer parts or e-waste with Concept Management then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. You can call us on 01204 363184 or email via justask@conceptmanagement.co.uk.