What Can Be Reused or Recycled from an Old Computer?

With the current rate of development that is taking place in technologies, a number of citizens and companies in Canada are finding themselves in a situation of constantly shifting to newer computer systems in a way they never have. But what becomes of the obsolete desktops, laptops and parts that become discarded? Putting them in the garbage does not only contribute to electronic wastes but also becomes a threat to the environment, as well as data safety. Luckily, there is a good solution to this in the form of computer recycling that involves the reuse of the parts, and the hazardous elements are dealt with accordingly. One can reuse or recycle parts of an old computer and this knowledge can ensure green energy and decreasing use of landfills.

 

Second Life Potential Re-Useable components

 

The old computers usually have a series of constituents, which may not be working well in the current system, but may still be viable in the other systems or other uses. As an example, the hard drive can just be deleted and be utilized as a portable storage gadget. RAM (Random Access Memory) modules and optical drives may also be salvaged and put to use in systems in which they suit, which is particularly convenient to technicians assembling or repairing the inexpensive computer. Power supplies and cooling fans could as well be reusable depending on condition and specifications. It is a perfect choice when a user is a hobbyist or a technology-savvy person because the computer case can be cleaned and reused during a new build.

 

Valuable materials and metals

 

To most people, a single computer is a mini treasure trove of precious metal. Gold, silver, copper and rare earth elements can be extracted by using adequate recycling of computers in form of circuit boards, processors, etc. Although these materials may be in small amounts on an individual level, they can be sufficiently huge when they are collected in large quantities. To retrieve these elements recycling facilities, apply special techniques making new mining unnecessary and saving the natural resources.

 

Peripherals and Monitors

 

The computer monitors contain leaded glass and other leaded materials especially the older CRT monitors that should be handled with care. LCD and LED monitors may however easily be recycled through their internal wiring, plastic frames and metal frames. Distributing toys and printed artworks, mice and keyboards, printers have components and plastic that can be recovered and recycled. These devices may have a second life as they may be refurbished and donated to schools or non-profits decreasing electronic waste.

 

Recycling of Plastic and Glass

 

Other than metal salvaging, computer recycling also entails salvage of plastics and glass within the computer housing, as well as that within the computer display screen. It is sorted out, cut into pieces and taken to special sites where they are divided into raw material- and recycled into the making of new-products, including consumer electronics, automotive components and even furniture. Through their retrieval, we save on virgin materials and we cause minimal pollution on the environment.

 

The Green and Moral Aspects

 

Responsible recycling of computers does not only reduce the increasing menace of e-waste but also makes certain that mercury, cadmium and lead, are recycled without posing any hazard. Dumping these harmful materials would lead to leaching of these materials to the soil and water. Moreover, the users can guarantee their data to be irretrievably destroyed when they select the certified recycling programs and the process occurs within the regulatory conditions of environmental protection.

 

In short, old computers come loaded with reusable or recyclable parts and materials. By recycling our computers sensibly, we should be able to prolong the shelf life of precious resources, limit impacts on the environment as well as enhance a better future in the digital world.