PCs don't run forever. And, even if they're still running, they become outdated. Which is why computer recycling and e-waste disposal services are critical.
And although today's desktops and laptops are smaller, thinner, and more compact, that doesn't make them any less of a proper disposal challenge. So, what do you do with them?
A Long Time Ago, In a Computer Galaxy Far, Far Away
Okay, so you're looking at that old gaming PC you've had since the release of Call of Duty and you're thinking, "The Force is still strong in this one. "
Perhaps. But not likely.
It's an unfortunate fact of technology reality: some devices, such as computers, have a relative usable lifespan.
For example, according to one tech source,
"According to Computer Hope, you should expect to replace your computer once every four years. That's based on a cost analysis, plus the average time it takes to wear out the internal parts of the computer."
Another IT servicer states that,
"On average, a desktop computer will live at peak performance for 3-5 years. Though if you ask most I.T. professionals and tech experts they will say 3 years."
And Business News Daily notes,
"For most desktop PCs, you can expect a minimum three-year lifespan. However, most computers survive five to eight years, depending on the upgrading components."
Bottom line? If your beloved PC or other desktop computer is ready for Kindergarten, then it's probably ready to be replaced. Oh! And according the last article, it's the same story for laptops. Most experts estimate a laptop's lifespan to be three to five years.
While it may still function years longer than that, its utility will be limited as the components become less capable of running advanced applications.
Now, you may be thinking that this is all a sales scam cooked up by some high tech conspiracy between ITs and computer makers. But the reality is that tech evolves quickly, and computer hardware eventually wears out.
So, perhaps it's time to bit the bullet and get a new computer. But what do you do with the old equipment?
The Dark Side of E-Waste
If you didn't already know, computers - desktops, laptops, tablets, and so on - are all part of the municipal solid waste (MSW) category tagged as e-waste, or electronic waste.
According to information from one Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, electronic waste or e-waste refers to electronic products that have finished their useful life. Consumer electronic products include televisions and monitors, computers, computer peripherals, audio and stereo equipment, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, fax and copying machines, cellular phones, wireless devices, and video game consoles.
“The use of electronic products has grown substantially over the past two decades. Simple acts like donating used electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products. Recycling electronics also prevents valuable materials from going into the waste stream.”
And therein lies the problem with e-waste products such as old computers (and monitors and other hardware.) Far too much of it still ends up into the nation's municipal solid waste stream and, eventually, into landfills.
In fact, in the US, the average rate of recycling e-waste is about 25 percent, which is not bad on a global scale. But that means most of our electronic waste still ends up in landfills or goes to waste incinerators. And this not only wastes valuable resources, but lead to the release of toxic chemicals and other pollutants such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the soil, groundwater, and atmosphere - all to the detriment of our environment.
Avoiding a Disturbance in the Force - Computer and E-Waste Recycling
The good news is that computer and other e-waste materials are not difficult to dispose of properly so that they can be reused or recycled.
How can you do this?
In response to that question, the EPA offers the following information:
EPA’s Electronics Donation and Recycling website provides information on companies and drop off locations for donating and recycling your old PC, television, or mobile device.
The following non-EPA resources provide information such as recycling/donation programs by state Exit:
State Electronics Laws
Twenty-five U.S. states currently have electronics recycling laws:
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- The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) has developed an interactive map that helps to find out detailed information on state regulations, including a brief summary and link to the laws as well as key dates.
- Visit NCERs website to find out more about state electronics laws. Exit
Check with your state environmental agency as there also may be state regulations regarding the disposal of computer equipment.
But if you prefer a "Done For You" service as opposed to a more "Do It Yourself" process, you can also contact Junk King, your local e-waste disposal and junk removal experts.
Computer Recycling, E-Waste, and Junk King
At Junk King, we specialize in efficient, safe, and eco-friendly computer and other e-waste disposal services.
Even if you only have a few pieces of old computer equipment to get rid of, or if you're looking to offload an entire office suite of workstations filled with computer equipment, we've got your covered.
Just one call to Junk King and you won't need to worry about the loading up or disposing of those old e-waste items.
Not only that, but we guarantee that your old computers and other electronics end up in the right place:. That could be at a nonprofit for your electronics that are still functioning, or off to a local recycling facility to ensure your e-waste is disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
We remove almost all types of e-waste, including:
- Computers
- Monitors
- Printers
- Copy Machines
- Shredders
- Televisions
