The Importance Of Recycling Computers
recycling computers is necessary to avoid e-waste going into the landfills. Reusable materials are separated from the computers during the recycling process. If your computer has stopped working, first you should try to repair it. If it is too old, cannot be upgraded, cannot be repaired, or cannot be given away to someone in need, then you should consider sending it to a recycling centre. Do not dispose it with the common waste. It is illegal and there is no need to do it when free recycling service is available.
Learn more about recycling computers
The Recycling Process
Once you have decided to send a computer to the recycling centre, it will be collected from you and taken to that centre. Two options are used to recycle an e-waste like a computer. The first option is to de-manufacture it. This process involves extracting usable parts from the computer for use in other products. The other option is to shred the device and use its materials like plastics and metals. The decision to select a particular recycling method depends on the condition and model of the computer.
The Steps Involved in computer recycling
In the first step, recyclable computers are collected from the owners and taken to the recycling centre. The devices are separated manually based on reusable, non-reusable and recyclable items. The ones selected under the reusable section are tested to confirm if they are really reusable. These devices are donated, resold after refurbishment, or sent to the manufacturing companies that resell them or use their parts. These companies may use only the reusable parts. Parts that are collected under the recyclable section are manually dismantled. These parts are separated and sold individually. Non-reusable parts are shredded and materials like plastic and metal are extracted.
The De Manufacturing Process
In this manual recycling process, a computer's usable parts are separated. It improves the efficiency of the recycling process and minimises waste. Metals extracted from the motherboard can be reused as raw material to make other products.
The Shredding ProcessComputers and their parts that cannot be reused or recycled are sent to the shredding unit. All such items are put through a heavy-duty shredding machine. It shreds the computer and extracts plastics and metals. These separated materials can be reused to make other products. A conveyor belt used in this process removes materials using magnets, eddy currents, air jets and infrared camera. Once the metal has been removed from the shredded waste, the remaining plastic items are separated further based on the plastic type, such as polystyrene or ABS plastic. The separated plastic is sent again to more advanced metal removing unit where any residual metal particles are removed. It ensures high quality pure plastic and prevents mixing of metal with the plastic.
Before the computer can be put through the recycling process, all hazardous parts and materials are removed from it. These items contain toxic and hazardous materials like batteries, mercury bulbs, toner, ink, cathode ray tubes of monitors, and lead. This efficient recycling process prevents e-waste going to the common landfills. It also reduces the demand for completely new parts, components and materials. Manufacturers receive reusable parts at cheaper costs. These advantages have made recycling a worthwhile effort for all stakeholders.