Sustainable Planet Today

Today’s technology, including computers, computer accessories, and cell phones, is no longer allowed in landfills. Computers and other components consist of certain metals that can cause harm to the environment. A new branch of recycling focused on the proper disposal of these products has emerged.

How exactly is technology recycled? One way is to provide older computers to community organizations that can make use of the materials. One such organization is the GCF Community Foundation® in Eastern North Carolina. Below is a message from the GCF Community Foundation® website describing their program.

The GCF Community Foundation®, through its computer-recycling program, has enabled numerous community service organizations and educational establishments to pursue their automation projects using computers donated by the Foundation. With these donations, the Angier County Head Start program can now offer computer time to its preschoolers and their parents; more freshmen can get computer time in college at North Carolina Central University; high school students can learn to build and repair both servers and computers; a community arts center can keep better records and box office information. There is a long list of the recipients who are enjoying the over 1600 computers donated since 1999.

All of the computers that were distributed by the GCF Community Foundation®, without any cost to the recipients, were donated by companies that had upgraded their computer capabilities and needed a suitable method of disposing of their old computers. There are many reasons a company should consider donating used computers to the GCF Community Foundation®. Some of the most compelling are:

These computers employ older technology. Out-of-date computers are quickly becoming the bane of the cutting-edge corporation’s life. Computer technology is developing so fast that a computer can be outdated in less than a year. For many businesses, this can be a serious problem. The Research Triangle area of North Carolina is a high-technological area, which means that the competitive businesses located here must constantly update their technology and face the problem of what to do with their older equipment.

Another way to recycle technology is accomplished by companies such as Technology Recycling. Technology Recycling takes old computers and disassembles them into the various components. These parts are separated and recycled according to best practices. Here is a statement from Technology Recycling’s website.

As the premier electronics destruction firm, we destroy old computer hardware, software and the data contained on them, as well as servers, mainframes, copiers, FAX machines, phone systems and more.

Our methodology is unique because we:

Disassemble old computer hardware and then re-process all materials (glass, plastic and metal) for re-use so that no high-tech junk is dumped into landfills.

Permanently destroy hardware, software and data from electronics, which fosters compliance with new federal privacy laws.

Provide a high degree of security in the pick-up, storage and processing of old computer equipment for privacy law compliance.

Provide a complete audit trail to certify the destruction of the data, software and hardware for privacy law compliance.

With the rapid pace that technology is advancing, today’s equipment quickly becomes tomorrow’s junk. Technology recycling has improved greatly to meet the demand.

If you have outdated computer or cell phone equipment you would like to recycle, please check your yellow pages under the topic of recycling. Call around and inquire about the best places to dispose of your technology. In addition, you can also ask local charities and organizations if they accept outdated equipment. You’ll be helping others and the environment at the same time.

Do you have a comment or thought on technology recycling? Please share your ideas using the comment form below.