Why should you recycle your old computers?

Desktop computers, which most business can't do without, are built with materials that contain toxic chemicals and are regarded as hazardous waste.  It is illegal for businesses to put hazardous wasted in the trash.  In spite of this fact, many computers, televisions and other electronics still find their way to our state's landfills.

Currently, about 2 million computers are used by Colorado's governments, businesses and  industries.  When these become obsolete, business should plan to recycle, donate, or otherwise ensure they are not put in the trash.  If those 2 million computers were land filled, nearly 7,000 tons of lead could enter our environment.  Lead, commonly found in the monitor, is one of the most toxic materials to enter the environment.  It is a potential liability for businesses to put such equipment in the trash. 

Is the confidential material contained on your old computers going to be destroyed?

Will your old electronics contribute to human and economic strife overseas?

Visit ban.org to learn more about the hidden costs associated with obsolete electronics.

Voluntary Environmental Management Systems/ISO 14001 - Publications

Packaging Instructions For Electronics Recyclers

For large shipments pallets are generally the most useful. Gaylord boxes can also be used for lighter items such as keyboards, mice, cables, wire, etc. When using pallets please make sure that all items are seated securely on the pallet and shrink-wrapped tightly from bottom up. Materials can be stacked up to 6 feet high.

For small shipments boxes are useful. Make sure that the boxes you are using are sturdy enough to carry and protect the equipment along with packing supplies such as bubble wrap. Boxes can be easily transported on pallets.

Monitors are very important items to consider when planning shipments. When you have a large amount of monitors, they can be placed on pallets with a sheet of cardboard between each layer and then shrink-wrapped tightly from the bottom up. In this way you can get 4 or 5 layers with 9 or 12 units per layer.

If you just have a small amount of monitors, they can be put in boxes with enough care to insure no breakage during transport.  Please place the monitor on its side so you can place other items around it, such as keyboards, CPU's, etc.