Now that spring is in the air we often stumble upon old computers we have stashed into our closets, attics, and garages.
The EPA has estimated that 29.9 million desktops and 12 million laptops were discarded in 2007. That's over 112,000 computers discarded per day! The EPA also estimated that 31.9 million computer monitors were discarded in 2007. (Both flat panel and CRTs.)
If you are unsure what to do with this old equipment there are many options out there today. I would like to first point out that if you do recycle a computer make sure you have copied or backed up the data off the hard drive and have the hard drive properly wiped clean. I actually recommend the hard drive be carefully removed from the computer and stored away in case any important files were not moved over to your new computer. It's very typical that people overlook copying last year's electronic tax returns. The actual physical hard drive is smaller than the size of a VHS tape and located inside your tower, desktop, or notebook.
Computers, or at least some of their parts, can be put back into good use if we all try hard enough to save them from landfills. If they are in working condition they can be donated to senior centers or less fortunate families.
Did you know that Need Computer Help? Inc. offers free pick up and proper disposal of old computer equipment? This is computer recycling at its finest! We realize it's hard to find convenient drop off locations for computer recycling so we will come to you. We can recycle, reuse, donate or properly dispose of most computer equipment and parts.
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