Personal computers store sensitive data, which makes their secure disposal very important. In addition, improper disposal also poses damage to the environment. The trend of hiring companies that provide shredding services, such as Computer Data Shred Ltd, is rising as they safely destroy and recycle your computers. Discover the purpose and recycling methods in this blog to make the right decision for your shredding needs.

What is Computer Recycling?

 It is a process that involves the authorised disassembly and restoration of malfunctioning or outdated computer components, converting them into functional parts for use in new computer devices.

Computer recycling includes various components like screens, monitors, keyboards, mice, central processors and motherboards. The primary purpose of computer recycling is to reduce landfills and protect the environment and its inhabitants from the hazards of e-waste.

Historical Perspective: When did it all start?

 A decade ago, computer recycling and data shredding emerged as a global environmental initiative. As studies revealed that e-waste is another significant harm to the environment, more and more companies have started to take on early decisions. Professional companies began to provide recycling services for offices and people.

Why choose Computer Recycling?

Following are a few reasons to convince you to go for computer recycling.

• Potential Return on Investment – Few companies promise the highest payment for your old devices. This money can be reinvested in your business. The younger the device, the better is the ROI.

• Prevention of Contamination – Landfills are not always a good option for bundles of e-waste. Some computer components take millions of years to decompose; thus, their presence in landfills contaminates soil and water, which is ultimately toxic for humans. Computer recycling prevents contamination by secure IT disposal.

• Recycle for Others – Out-dated or malfunctioned computers may not serve you, but they can be useful to others at a somewhat discounted price after recycling. It is one way to offer the lowest strata access to tech accessories and connect with others in this digital world.

Two Important ways of Computer Recycling

• De-Manufacturing

The process involves manually disassembling a computer device to make its components usable again. The process aims to make utilisation of every part of the computer while reducing waste to a minimum.  For example, dismantling an LCD screen to use components to manufacture a new one.

• Shredding

This is an automated process of computer recycling designed for the same purpose: extracting valuable resources from old computers. The computer is subjected to a giant machine called a shredder, which breaks the device into flat and small pieces. The pieces are segregated depending on their nature (plastic or metal). These pieces are then shifted to a source where their melting takes place, making them usable again.

The Process of Recycling

Below is a general step-by-step guide to a computer recycling process.

1. Collection and Processing

First of all, outdated computer devices are collected from a client’s location after they book the services of a professional recycling company. Now, there are various deals offered to clients, including computer trading or return on investment. The collection is weighed, each item is scanned, and hazardous materials are eliminated, such as batteries.

2. Sorting items

Items are sorted depending on their type and material and then moved to the advanced recycling stage.

3. Testing 

During this stage, the parts are tested to estimate their current health. If a part is in working condition, it is upgraded or refurbished. These parts are thoroughly checked for previous data, and after ensuring none of the data remains there, and neither can be restored, they are sold at a lower price. The rest is taken to disassembly.

4. Manual dismantling

The parts that cannot be upgraded for use are disassembled manually. Circuit boards, motherboards, keyboards, hard drives and speakers are examples of the parts which are manually disassembled. If they function after disassembling, they are sent to second-hand items sellers. Other parts with lead, cadmium, mercury, etc, are sent to specialise processing units to prevent these hazardous materials from coming into contact with the environment.

5. Data Shredding

All the data storage devices, hard drives and processors are shredded in machines, converting them into pieces. Data shredding ensures clients that data has been made unrecoverable. The parts obtained are then used in the automotive industry.

6. Reuse

All the materials obtained undergo secondary recycling for further processing. Sent to respective locations, they are reused to manufacture new devices and other materials.

Last Word!

Businesses and offices keep planning to dispose of the computers that are getting dusty in storage rooms, but this dream never turns into reality. Instead of giving these computers a lot of storage space and letting them get used against you in future as they contain information, consider the environmentally responsible option for IT recycling. It is a simple process offered by professional service providers. Contact Computer Data Shred Ltd to give your old devices a new life and make them usable again.