Why you should recycle your old computers

Has your computer stopped working? Or is it a bit slow and bulky on your desktop? Maybe you have your sights set on a newer model? No matter what applies, if your computer is no longer beneficial to you, don’t simply chuck it in the bin! Instead, you should recycle it, enable someone else to re-use it or dispose of it ethically in a way that won't harm the environment. And here are the reasons why.

• Stop landfill pollution – You only need to think of how fast technology progresses, and how quickly we upgrade our gadgets, to see how e-waste could potentially become a big problem if we do not act. E-waste takes up a huge amount of space in landfills, as electronic items take a considerable amount of time to degrade.
• Health benefits – When these products are dumped, they can leak dangerous chemicals into the soil and water, and this can cause severe damage. Examples include the likes of lead, chromium, mercury, and cadmium. In fact, a lot of e-waste is shipped to developing nations, where people dismantle them to make a minute sum of money; all the while they are putting their health at serious risk.
• Conserve resources – There are many components in your computer that can be used again when creating a new one, and thus by simply chucking away your computer you are throwing away valuable resources, and you are limiting the amount that is available to create new items. A prime example of this is the glass and plastic that is used in computer screens.
• Secure data destruction – One of the main reasons why you should recycle your old computers using the services of professionals is because it is likely that they will offer a data disposal service as well. This is imperative, as your personal information can easily be stolen if you dump your computer or sell it on the Internet without destroying it. When you ‘delete’ your files, they still remain on your hard drive, and it is easy for cyber criminals to get their hands on this, which is why a professional service is the best approach to take.
• You will be creating jobs – Through recycling

waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), you are creating jobs in specialist WEEE recycling companies. In fact, it is believed that this will create 100,000 jobs by 2020. Thus, you can help the economy too, and give unemployed people a job.

• You could be helping someone else / supporting the community – Your old computer may be of no use to you, but if it still functions there are bound to be plenty of people that would love to have it. You can always donate your computer to a low-income family, not-for-profit organisation, or a school. What we take for granted, is a luxury others can only dream of, and your computer is much better off in their hands as opposed to a landfill.

To conclude, there are many reasons why you should recycle your old computer, and the points mentioned in this post aptly display the sheer diversity of benefits that are associated with this.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.