Recycling old computers is an overlooked aspect of keeping your business safe and operating at peak performance. Completing the process right is a bit more complicated than it first appears.
It is critical to recycle your computers in a safe and proper manner when they are no longer functional. When your computers are past their prime you need to dispose of them while meeting local, state, and national regulatory standards.
This guide has all the information you need to tackle your organization’s computer recycling project. Electronic recycling plays an important part in maintaining your company’s bottom line. It also plays a role in its environmental stewardship.
Data Backup
The sensitive data that is housed on the hard drives of the computers to be recycled should be your primary concern. Properly backing your data up should be the first step in any successful CPU recycling operation.
You can use an external hard drive, an existing computer system/network, or the cloud to archive your data. You can use one, or a mixture of these options to implement a strategy that works best for your specific situation.
Not backing up your data is one of the many electronics recycling mistakes that one can make when undertaking a computer recycling mission.
There is nothing worse than realizing that there was crucial data housed on the hard drive of the computer you just recycled. Don’t let yourself or your business find itself stuck in this situation, a preemptive backup is always worth it.
Erase Your Hard Drives
Wiping your computer’s hard drives before recycling them is of the utmost importance. This keeps your company’s data secure and confidential. Nothing says “data breach” than a box full of old computers with their hard drives intact.
The first step is to delete all of your files from the hard drive itself, not the computer’s recycling or trash. Next, you need to unlink all online cloud backups or auto sync programs. This will ensure your hard drives are fully wiped.
At this point, you can clear all stored data in your browser, restore the computer to factory settings, and wipe all the data using a hard drive erase program. This program will overwrite all of your old files from the hard drive permanently.
Computer Recycling
Once your data is backed up and your hard drives have been erased it is time to recycle your computers. Because of all the toxic components, throwing your computers away is not an option.
If they are in good working order you can consider donating them to a charitable organization that specializes in providing old computers to schools or families in need.
Some computer stores offer a trade-in value for old computers that can be put towards a new purchase. Some computer manufactures will also buy back old computers for a fraction of the cost.
If your computers are beyond functional use, or you simply have too large of a volume of electronics to donate or resell, your best bet is to call a computer recycling specialist. Only they can dispose of your computers properly and legally.
Recycle the Right Way
Disposing of old computers the right way is worthwhile for not only your company but also the environment. Computer recycling helps stop harmful toxic waste from destroying our planet and keeps your business moving smoothly.
If you need a reliable computer or electronics recycling service, make sure to contact us for an estimate today!