Did you know that electronic waste accounts for about 70% of the overall toxic waste? Human beings generate nearly 40 million metric tons of e-waste each year globally.
Unfortunately, only 12.5% of electronic waste undergoes recycling.
It’s advisable to visit a computer recycling center to control the electronic waste released into the environment. Your computer recycler will remove the rechargeable batteries for separate electronic recycling.
There are many benefits of recycling electronic waste. Read on to learn the five benefits of going to a computer recycling center.
1. Creating Extra Home Space
Additional and unusable items around your house can be bothersome if you’ve got a small home. Sometimes, your drawer and cabinets can fill up with heaps of old electronics.
This makes your living area look ugly and occupies space that can store more valuable items.
Electronic recycling can help you eliminate these electronic wastes, hence decluttering your home. Organize with your computer recycler to collect all electronics in your house that you can’t use anymore.
2. Helping the Needy
Some people dispose of electronics that are old but not necessarily damaged. Other devices have repairable damages.
The need for online schooling has increased in the recent past. Besides, most job opportunities will need a candidate to have several technology-based skills.
So, some electronic waste recycling centers repair and refurbish redeemable computers. Institutions and other needy programs receive these computers as donations.
3. Promoting Non-renewable Recycling
Most products used in the manufacture of electronics come from mining activities. Going to a computer recycling center can make good use of these finite resources.
Such resources from mining include steel, aluminum, gold, and copper. Huge chunks of plastics can also undergo recycling into new products.
Reusing these products will help preserve the existing ones that are yet to undergo mining. It also protects the environment by reducing many mining activities.
4. Making Extra Cash
You might find various computer recycling centers offering money for particular types of e-waste. Usually, the money offered isn’t much.
Yet, with large piles of electronic junk, you will make good amounts of cash, making it worthwhile.
Computers have plenty of valuable materials inside them used to make different parts. Valuable metals like gold and silver in your computer junk will generate cash for you.
5. Guaranteed Data Safety
It can be highly risky when your company secrets fall into the wrong hands. So, you should remove all your personal information from the device before your electronic disposal.
Even so, simply deleting your data is often not enough. Computer recycling centers can clear data from your device in more effective ways.
These wiping for ITAD techniques help to get rid of your data permanently.
Choosing a Computer Recycling Center
Not all electronic recycling centers will meet your needs. It’s essential to check the credentials of your prospective computer recycling center.
Ensure your electronic waste recycling company has certifications from relevant authorities. Your recycling center should also be willing to collect electronic junk from your home.
It saves you the stress of transporting your large piles of electronic waste to the recycling center.
What are the certifications that a good electronic recycling center should have?
A reputable electronic recycling center should possess several certifications to ensure that they follow environmentally friendly and ethical practices. These certifications not only demonstrate a commitment to responsible e-waste management but also assure customers and regulatory authorities. Here are some essential certifications to look for in a good electronic recycling center:
R2 (Responsible Recycling) Certification:
This certification focuses on responsible recycling practices, data security, and environmental protection. It ensures that the recycling center adheres to strict standards for handling electronic waste.
e-Stewards Certification:
Awarded by the Basel Action Network (BAN), the e-Stewards certification signifies a commitment to environmentally sound and socially responsible electronic waste recycling. It ensures that the center does not export hazardous e-waste to developing countries.
ISO 14001:2015 Certification:
This international standard outlines requirements for an effective environmental management system. An electronic recycling center with ISO 14001:2015 certification is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and continually improving its environmental performance.
ISO 45001:2018 Certification:
Formerly known as OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001:2018 focuses on occupational health and safety management. It ensures that the recycling center maintains a safe and healthy working environment for its employees.
NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) Certification:
For centers handling data-containing devices, NAID certification ensures secure data destruction processes. It establishes that the facility follows industry-leading practices to protect sensitive information.
Certificate of Destruction:
While not a certification per se, a reputable electronic recycling center should provide a Certificate of Destruction for every data-containing device processed. This document guarantees that data has been securely wiped or destroyed.
Waste Carrier License:
Depending on the region, a waste carrier license may be required. It ensures that the recycling center is authorized to transport and handle electronic waste.
Compliance with Local Regulations:
Ensure that the recycling center complies with local and national regulations governing electronic waste disposal. This includes adherence to laws related to hazardous waste management.
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