Managing Computer Recycling For Large-Scale Departments

Posted on: 19 January 2016

If your business has hundreds of computers per department, that's a lot of parts and recyclable materials that could go to waste. You'll need a plan to get everything out of the building (and new computers in if you're upgrading) without completely tossing out systems, and there may be some parts that your Information Technology (IT) department could use. Before tossing everything aside, take a look at the recyclable materials and efficient ways to perform the removal.

What Recyclable Materials Are Worth Removing?

The easiest way to recycle computers would be to simply take the computers to a recycling center. That can be managed by a commercial trash service like E.L. Harvey & Sons, but you'll still need an efficient way of taking the systems out of the building. 

You may be passing up on a lot of valuables and even your own selling options by just giving the entire computer over. Don't take the average price of a computer when you can maximize profits by selling specific parts and materials at their best prices.

Aluminum, copper, steel and gold are a few notable materials inside computers, but it's up to you and your IT team to decide whether removal is worth your time. Aluminum is probably the easiest material to scrap at a high yield, as major components such as the computer case, frame and the heat sinks are made of aluminum. Copper is another easily removed material, as many of the wires inside the system can be pulled out individually.

There are even copper and aluminum inside a quite heavy component called the power supply unit, but you may want to recycle this part in tact rather than taking it apart. Unless you have an electrician on hand, it's dangerous to open a power supply, as lethal charges of electricity are stored for long periods of time in the power supply. There's no single amount of time that power supplies can be dangerous, as every brand is different, but it's better to leave the power supply unopened.

Getting Recyclable Materials To Their Proper Place

As your team prepares to remove computers, it's best to do more than throw everything into a dumpster. If your team is removing specific components for recycling or reuse, make sure to have specific bins for specific materials.

Aluminum, copper, steel and gold should have their own storage bins. For larger materials such as computer cases, you may want to simply stack the chassis in a storage room or deposit area near the exit of the building. With each material in a coordinated bin, it'll be easier for trash recycling professionals to get the materials to the right place at the right price.

If you want to wait for a better recycling rate for a specific part, you can keep the specific bin until you're ready. Contact a commercial trash removal professional to discuss pickup schedule, recycling bin, storage and recycling rates.

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