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Posts Tagged ‘computer recycling’

If you’ve recently upgraded your computer or cell phone, don’t just throw it away! Electronics waste is a growing problem. Millions of computers and cell phones are thrown away each year, and it’s causing a big problem in our landfills.

Quickly and efficiently get rid of your old electronics with the help of the following tips.

Tips for Recycling Computers
Before you recycle your old computer, be sure to delete all of your sensitive information. Don’t just delete the items and leave them in your recycle bin. You should make sure they are completely removed from your hard drive. Use a program to help you completely remove the data from your hard drive

Call your local schools or churches to see if they need a computer. This can be a great way to get rid of your computer and help someone out at the same time. You can also call around and find a donation center in your area. There are many organizations that will take computer and refurbish them for resale.

In addition to donating, you can also use one of the many recycling programs available for computers and other electronics like printers.  Many manufacturers have their own recycling programs, so be sure to contact your computer’s manufacturer first to be sure you aren’t missing out on their program.

If you can’t find a program for your particular model of computer, use one of the many community and national programs for recycling computer parts. For a comprehensive list of resources, please visit http://pages.ebay.com/rethink/.

Before you give your computer to an electronics recycler, be sure to ask where the final destination for your goods will be. Many recyclers send their items to China where they fill landfills there. Get details on exactly where your computer will be going so you can donate with a clear conscience.

Tips for Cell Phones
Cell phones go out of style all the time, so these are much more likely to fill up the landfills. When you get ready to upgrade your cell phone, look for opportunities to either donate it to someone in need or send it to a recycling center. Again, make sure all of your personal data is removed from the phone before you find it a new home.

Many different types of people in need could use a cell phone for free. Donate your cell phone to a member of the armed forces. Our men and women overseas need ways to contact their loved ones back home. You can find out more information about this type of program at http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/.

You can also donate your cell phone to women and children in need. Victims of domestic violence can benefit from your donation of you cell phone. Get the details on how to donate to this program at the Shelter Alliance website: http://www.shelteralliance.net/index.cfm

Follow these suggestions, and make sure that your previously owned electronics are put to good use.

Find the latest discounts and coupons on new computers as well as discount office supplies.

Most of us don’t think about recycling much past when the driver picks it up or we drop it off at the local recycling center.  Of course, the process of making new material from used items is important, but in the course of everyday life it just doesn’t make it through all of the other concerns in the day.You could schedule a visit to the closest recycling plant and see the recycling process for paper looks like up close and personal.  Most companies are more than willing to share the process and information behind taking scrap paper and making it usable again.The best way to really show people that their efforts matter.  However, it’s a little faster to learn about the recycling paper process by reading about it.

Nothing can happen in the recycling paper process without one very important element.  People willing to take the time and save their paper products are vital to the success of any recycling effort.  The entire process starts with you, the consumer, in other words.Whether you drop your stuff off at the recycling bin or have it picked up, the process can’t start until you become a part of it.

Once the paper makes it to the center, the first step is pulping.  In the recycling process for paper, this means that water is added to large amounts of used paper and agitated to produce pulp.After the paper is sufficiently broken down, the pulp is pushed through a series of screens to separate the larger pieces of contaminants from the useable paper pulp.The somewhat clean paper is then placed in a machine that uses centrifugal cleaning to spin more of the debris from the paper pulp.

The next step in the recycling process for paper is to remove the ink.The water and paper pulp mixture is brought to a flotation treatment.Surfactant is added to the mix and it forces the ink to release from the paper causing it to float to the surface for easy removal.The pulp is now ready to be kneaded and broken into fibers further.  The final washing is done with clean water to get rid of any contaminants or particles that is still hanging on.If the paper is intended to be white, a bleaching process is started by the workers.

The recycling process for paper is then completed with presses to form the new, recycled paper into its proper shape and size.  As you know, recycled paper and paper products usually bear the famous recycling logo so you can pick products that were made with environmentally safe techniques.