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If your small business has any old computers lying around, you might be at a loss about how to dispose of them properly. Recycling tech isn’t always as easy as recycling things like paper and aluminum. But it’s just as important.
Computers, including desktops, monitors, laptops and other components, contain materials that can be extremely harmful to the environment. And there are plenty of potential benefits for businesses that choose to recycle. Here’s more on how and why your small business should recycle its computers.
Savings on New Purchases
There are a few different ways you can recycle computers. But one of the most attractive options for businesses is to trade in old devices with the manufacturer or a retail store when purchasing new ones.
In this case, you can potentially even save some money on your new computer purchases if the old computers are in decent shape. For example, Staples allows you to trade in old tech devices in stores or even send them in by mail. Apple, Dell, Best Buy and more also have similar programs.
The price you get back depends on the condition and type of each device. But in most cases, getting some money back is better than nothing, especially for businesses making expensive new tech purchases.
Access to Refurbished Goods
There are so many tech innovations and improvements making their way into computers on a regular basis. But a lot of the main components used in building those computers remain roughly the same.
So when you recycle computers, you provide raw materials that manufacturers can then use to make refurbished models or even new devices that just use some of those rough materials or recycled components. This can lead to some more affordable options on the market.
Reduced Harmful Waste
When you dispose of computers instead of recycling them, it can do a lot of harm to the environment. Electronic waste is generally dumped into landfills or incinerated. And since computers contain heavy metals like lead and carcinogens, those materials can be extremely detrimental to the air, land, waterways and the environment as a whole.
How to Recycle Computers
Aside from taking your computers to a retail trade-in program or sending them into a manufacturer, you have a few options for recycling computers. You can check with your local recycling center to make sure they accept devices like computers. You can also contact other local computer shops or refurbishing centers to see if they accept devices, even if you don’t plan on making new purchases.
Whichever route you decide to take, your computers can do a lot of good when you choose to recycle them. And the materials in them can do a lot of harm to the environment if you just throw them away. So taking the time to trade in or recycle your old computers and other tech devices can be a win-win for your business and the planet.
Old Laptops Photo via Shutterstock
Aira Bongco
I have talked with an IT expert and he said that computers are something that can only be replaced. Of course, you can look for ways to recycle the computer parts but to use it again is impossible.
Thank you for the great post, Annie! Awesome. It really explains how and why every business entity must recycle their old electronics. You mentioned however that “aside from taking your computers to a retail trade-in program or sending them into a manufacturer, you have a few options for recycling computers.” For me considering the present situation, there are already companies that are equipped with the right knowledge on how to recycle old computers and equipment the right way. They are known as electronics recycling companies.