Release Dates

Recycling items has become ever-more popular in the last few decades. With new break-through technologies emerging at a fast-paced rate, there is a surplus of outdated electronics and computers. Often customers do not use a product to its fullest capacity before running out to the local computer store to purchase the newest, latest and greatest item on the market. This means many computers and electronics are cluttering up garbage bins, storage units, or even landfills when they could be put to better use.

Properly recycling computers is not only helpful to the environment, but can make full use of the reusable materials that compose a computer. Computer parts are composed of such materials as tin, aluminum, a wide array of plastics, iron, and silicon. All of these materials can be recovered for reuse in other products and can help keep the costs down for reconstruction. Computers also have lead, copper and gold in them. The value of these materials alone is enough to make it worth it to recycle.

It is dangerous to opt for throwing computers away since it can really hurt the environment. Computers left in landfills can release lead, mercury, and cadmium into the soil, water, and air. These wastes can have a large impact on the atmosphere as well as individuals’ health. This can mean contaminated water, soil full of toxins, and the air being inhaled is less than clean. The toxins and carcinogens released from old electronics and computers are a huge hindrance.

It would seem the problem is far from going away though. The United States Safety Council estimates that 75% of all computers ever sold are now considered surplus. These surplus computers have to go somewhere. Other well-developed nations also have similar problems. Unless recycling out-dated computers takes priority, the world will have a huge problem on its hands. The environment will be at risk and individuals will be affected world-wide.

It seems like almost everyone has one sitting on a shelf forgotten — an old computer or laptop that might have been a top model a few years ago but is now as obsolete as the old Walkman portable cassette player. While it might be an eyesore, keeping it around might not be a terrible idea.

Unless there is a crunch for space or a good reason to get rid of it, the old laptop serves as a safety net in case your current computer fails. Laptops are susceptible to a number of ailments including Trojan horses, viruses and bug-filled editions of Windows, and those are jut the bad things that can occur while using the computer. Laptops are not the sturdiest of technologies. Dropping it or having someone spill a drink on it while picking music during a party are other common ailments. It is always handy to have another laptop sitting around in case an emergency hits. Notebooks that fail the cutting-edge test can be used as a backup hard drive or file server even if never required to go back into active duty.

If you decide to sell an old computer still in good working order, the first thing you must do is to make sure that no personal data is still lurking on it. Identity theft remains a common and growing crime, and simply deleting files in the Recycle Bin does not ensure protection. Those files still exist on the hard drive. A program such as Detto Technologies’ PrivacyExpert works as a paper shredder for electronic files. For people still concerned with security issues consider removing the hard drive and selling the old computer for parts. The amount of money made in any transaction depends on age, condition, memory and hard drive space. Computers do not age well, and like cars they lose value quickly, which means it might be more valuable as a backup.

The basics of the computer printer have been updated and changed several times over the last 20 to 30 years. These days computer printers are becoming less and less necessary. So much is staying online today. Emails are being exchanged as the new form of home junk mail. People receive fewer pieces of snail mail and instead receive emails. There are documents that need to be signed online that can now be done through the use of an electronic signature. The need for papers and printers is slowly dwindling.

That’s why printers are becoming fully evolved as the standard. These days companies simply don’t make printers that only print. The trend in the world of printing and paper is to create machines that do all the office needs in one place. That means printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. It’s the best way to keep printers relevant, as well as meet the needs of today’s consumer who wants a gizmo that can perform multiple functions.

The truth is that right now there is a need for the other functions. Many people are emerging into the digital age of video cameras, but are still swamped with old photos from a different age of photography. The scanning feature of these all-in-one printers comes in handy. It can upload onto the computer and be stored there.

While faxes are not as popular as they once were, they are still used often. Most of the printers are able to send faxes and only require a phone jack. Another added feature of these printers is that most of them are wi-fi enabled. They don’t need a wire into the laptop. The printer will never completely be dead, but they are dwindling in need. These all-in-one printers are an effort to keep themselves relevant. The advancement of these printers should grow in the coming years.

We all know that we love the convenience that has been given to us with the advent of low-cost home printers. These home printers usually use ink-jet technology and those ink cartridges are just part of the printing process. However, few of us realize that these cartridges can be extremely toxic to the environment. We can do a lot to reduce this impact by recycling those cartridges as well as saving money in the long run.

In order to manufacture a single cartridge, about three and a half ounces of petroleum and more than three pounds of raw materials are required. That’s a lot of material for something so small. Approximately 375 billion of these cartridges end up in landfills each year throughout the United States. It will take more than one thousand years for one single cartridge to decompose.

How To Recycle Your Cartridges

There are several options for print cartridge recycling. These options include refilling the cartridges and recycling programs. Any printer cartridge — laser, ribbon, and inkjet — that bears the label OEM can be sent or mailed to a recycling facility. Ink refill kits are also available at your local office supply store so that you can reuse your cartridges. Large warehouse stores, such as Costco, also offer ink cartridge refill services as well.

Recycling and reusing all of those print cartridges — and we all know how many cartridges we use — will definitely help the state of our environment. In addition, you will find yourself saving time and money. You can earn money through those recycling programs — you can earn between a penny up to $15 per cartridge depending upon its type. Those refill kits and services are cheap and you can fill them at your convenience.

There are no excuses now as to recycling your ink or laser cartridges.

With the advancement of technology comes the problem of what to do with old equipment. As computers get smaller and smaller, the larger ones are being “scrapped” because they are no longer needed.

If you aren’t technologically inclined or are having difficulties installing your printer, there are a few steps that you should take. Normally installing your printer is pretty straightforward, but every once in a while problems arise in the simplest of hardware installations. Here are the most common steps you should take to fix printer problems.

First, read through your printer’s instruction manual. Every type/brand of printer can have a different setup process. For instance, you may need to install software from the manufacturer of your printer. This is a common occurrence, as the maker of your printer may require you use their software to adjust settings or to use the printer in some instances.

In addition to the software for the printer, you will want to make sure you have the latest drivers. The simplest way to do this is to go to the manufacturer’s (of the printer) website, and search for your printer’s model.  There you will find the latest manual and other items for your printer, including updated drivers (if applicable). Simply download and install them.

Depending on your printer, you will need to connect it to your computer and/or network. If it operates on a network and/or computer connection, simply follow the instructions that come with the printer. Otherwise a wired printer will simply need to be connected to your computer, likely via a USB connection.

Troubleshooting the installation process should lead you to the printer’s manual. Read through the manual, noting all installation steps. Always make sure you have the latest drivers, and double-check whether the printer is compatible with your computer/network. If all else fails, contact the manufacturer directly before thinking of returning the printer. By this time whatever issue is present should be worked out; if not, locate the receipt and return it to the store.

The downside to trends is that they come and go pretty quickly. It’s only a matter of time before your products are completely outdated. This leaves people wondering what happens to their used technology products when they become outdated. Did you know that most products would just end up in a landfill, which could cause many dangerous chemicals and gases to get in the air?

People are looking to stop this by trying to take outdated products and recycle them. Recycling technology parts is pretty simple and can be done by going to certain retailers who offer a recycling program and donate your used parts.

If you have a few electronics you want to recycle, it’s good to go through the manufacturer of those products to see if they can be recycled. Most companies offer programs to their customers that allow people to recycle their used parts. The first place to begin is to look at the buyer’s guide that was included with your product. If you don’t have the guide, check with the websites. Most retailers will offer really great recycling programs so take advantage of them.

If not, contact them about offering a recycling program. If enough people comment on it, the company could see it as a sign that they should be offering a program to recycle their technology products.

Be on the look out for different donation sites. The Environmental Protection Agency has all the detailed information about recycling programs and where to drop off your parts. The drop-off donation centers are pretty small, so try and be on the lookout for them.

Recycling old and outdated electronics or technological parts is a great way to help the environment. Instead of just throwing those items in the garbage, take advantage of all the great recycling programs that electronic stores are offering. The environment will thank you for this.

In a world of exploding populations and global industrialization, electronic waste has become a serious threat to the environment and a leading contender among the most serious of pollutions. Unfortunately, however, electronic waste hasn’t garnered as much attention as other forms of environmental concerns, but proper recycling of computer and computer parts and other electronic devices is integral to the health of our planet.

E-waste can directly affect and threaten both humans and our environment. E-waste in landfills degrades and leaks dangerous chemicals that can contaminate soil, groundwater and even the air. If these cast-off products are incinerated, then noxious fumes are released into the atmosphere creating greenhouse gasses and toxins that can cause cancer.

The proper handling of electronic waste is a matter of educating the population enough that the demand for proper recycling of these products results in processes that are as easy as collecting glass and cardboard for recycling.

Recycling centers do exist for the proper recycling and handling of these products, but they are still far too inaccessible. No better message could be sent to the manufacturers of these products then to return to them the discarded products. They have the power to quickly enact more recycling centers and better handling of e-waste. Some product manufacturers already have recycling programs in place. Computers, for example, can be returned for a modest or free shipping cost where they’ll then be disposed of properly.

It is the responsibility of every consumer and purchaser to ensure that all waste, be it electronic or otherwise, be handled safely and properly. Images of third world children climbing stacks of discarded computers searching for valuable bits are all too common. Consumers must take the lead and demand that producers provide viable recycling measures or refuse to purchase their product. It’s just that simple.

Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Recycling
Research Report
Earlier this year REALISE undertook research into UK recyclers, their capacity to recycle Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and their perceptions of how the implementation of the EU’s WEEE Directive will affect their business.

An executive summary and the a report of the findings are available for download by clicking the links on the right.

These documents are in Adobe Acrobat format. A free Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from their web-site, which can be accessed by following the link on the right.
Key Findings
Perceptions on how the WEEE Directive is likely to affect the industry vary considerably among recyclers

The majority agreed that the supply of WEEE is likely to increase over the next twelve months

Of the recyclers who responded the total amount of WEEE processed last year was approximately 27,552,780 KGs

The majority of organisations said that all components could either be recycled or reused, suggesting that potentially high levels of recycling can be achieved

Lack of capital was a major issue for recyclers. Many would like more money to market their services better or rent more storage space

The impact of the WEEE Directive on the recycling industry is difficult to predict even for recycling experts

Thanks goes to London Community Recycling Network (London CRN) for their assistance in questionnaire design and technical advice.

The London CRN acts as a consultant on sustainable waste management issues (specifically community-based) and aims to provide information on London’s community recycling activities.

Low Cost Computers
On a budget_ Need a computer_
The REALISE IT Network can help. We can put you in touch with suppliers of refurbished computers to suit your pocket and your needs.
For IT Equipment supply options in your area ring or e-mail
Refurbished computers offer a low-cost alternative to purchasing new PCs at High Street prices.

Frequently new machines come with unnecessary extras and software that add to the price but are not used, and have high specifications unnecessary for the computer’s purpose.

* Choose from a network of independent suppliers operating to agreed service standards

* Equipment ranging from individual components to fully operational networks

* Information and advice to help with your purchase decisions

* A low-cost, environmentally responsible way to buy computer equipment

We can also offer FREE equipment to people with disabilities in the project area through our Connecting U programme.
Disclaimer: Any information given about companies and other organisations and their services has been provided by the companies and organisations themselves and is provided in good faith and for general information purposes only. At present the REALISE IT Network does not endorse specific organisations, whether commercial or non-profit – references above to specific organisations should not be interpreted as endorsements. The REALISE IT Network accepts no responsibility for any misleading or inaccurate information given or for any adverse consequences or loss arising from such information.