Concept Management’s skills are in data security and asset disposal but more importantly maximising revenue and profit from retired or non-working equipment and this is why we can offer a completely free of charge service but more importantly offer a rebate on computer equipment such as PCs, laptops and monitors, although this is determined by equipment value and volume.
Why you should safely dispose of an old computer?
When your old PC or laptop has reached the end of its useful life it’s never a good idea to throw it in the rubbish. Our computers contain vast amounts of personal data. Passwords, login details, browsing histories, photographs and important documents could all potentially be accessed again. As more of our lives are lived online the potential for data theft is likely to increase.
It’s not just issues around data that have to be considered when it comes to the disposing of old computers. They also contain toxic materials. A typical piece of electronic equipment can contain beryllium, lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Add to that a family of flame-retardant substances and you have a potentially toxic mix.
Despite the data threat and the environmental consequences, thousands of computers and laptops end up in landfill every year. Increasingly, UK computers are ending up overseas, passing our problem on to developing countries.
The best way to dispose of a computer is by recycling it. The more computers that can be recycled the less need there will be for the extraction and processing of precious materials.
Things to do before you recycle your computer
1. Back up all your personal data
It should go without saying but every year computers are disposed of without important data being saved. This can cause countless headaches going forward so ensure you save important files to an external hard drive, USBs or cloud storage. If in doubt save the file. You can always delete them later.
2. Clean the hard drive
Deleted files can still be recovered from a computer’s hard drive using un-erase software until it’s overwritten. Before you send your computer for recycling make sure you’ve run the hard drive through a couple of data shredding programmes such as Eraser or BitKiller.
3. Take your computer back to factory settings
This turns your computer into a blank slate and is usually straightforward. Different operating systems have different methods of doing this, but a quick search online should tell you how to proceed.
What is the process behind safely disposing of an old computer?
Once your computer is at the recycling centre it will go through a number of different stages. It may initially be tested for re-use. If it’s still relatively new it could be passed on to charity. It will then be manually taken apart into its component parts such as the hard drive, sound cards, speakers and modem. Functioning components could then be re-used. Hazardous materials and components will be removed and disposed of correctly. What remains are then broken down by material composition and recyclable materials are removed. As well as re-usable metals, the glass and plastic can be repurposed into new products.
In fact, there are very few materials in a computer that can’t be recycled.
If you’re looking for a safe and responsible way to dispose of your old computer then get in touch with Concept Management today. We would be happy to help.