Computer Recycling

Computers aren’t just thrown away after they’re no longer used; they go through a rigorous recycling process to be reused in newer devices. The benefits of computer recycling are immense, helping to preserve natural resources as well as cutting down on energy consumption and the amount of raw materials needed to make new devices.

When computers and other electronic equipment arrive at recycling plants, they’re broken down manually into groups of recyclables and nonreusables. The reusable parts are sold to manufacturing companies to be made into new devices. The nonreusable pieces are shredded and discarded. The reusable components of computers and laptops are separated by their material composition, such as plastic or metal. This information is recorded for disposition reports and the parts are sorted, shredded and recycled.

After the nonreusable pieces are shredded, valuable metals and materials are extracted from them. The copper in wires, which are typically found in the interior of computer monitors and phone charger cables is considered scrap metal, and can be melted down to be repurposed into other electronics or electrical wiring. The glass from a computer monitor can also be recycled, as can the plastic from the computer recycling.

Computer Recycling | How Computers Are Recycled

Many of the computer’s inner components are repurposed as well, such as its motherboard and processor. These can be sent back to computer factories and refurbished, or sold as spare parts for individuals to purchase or use in their own computers. This is similar to the new trend of upcycling, in which individuals take old or damaged items and remake them into something useful.

Another benefit of computer recycling is avoiding the accumulation of hazardous waste in landfills. This is especially important because computers contain dangerous substances like brominated flame retardants, which aren’t allowed in landfills and can leach into the soil and water supply if they seep out of an overfilled landfill. Computer recycling helps to keep these toxic chemicals out of the environment and saves landfill space.

If the used computers and other electronic products are in good condition, they’re often donated to local communities. In some cases, they’re used by schools and low-income families to help them get access to technology that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.

The recycling process of computers and other electronics reduces the amount of raw materials needed to make new gadgets, which cuts down on the demand for mining and other methods of obtaining new raw materials. The fact that old parts can be reused reduces the overall cost of the manufacturing process as well, saving energy and money. It also preserves natural resources and conserves energy by avoiding the need to produce new materials from raw ore.