By Lana Bray


Electronic rubbish, particularly computer equipment, is a rapidly developing stream of Austin waste. Consumers are able to replace their electronic gadgets often due to the low prices, while advances in technology means there are always better, newer, and more powerful equipment in the market. This results in a burgeoning mountain of computer waste. In the United States alone, about 20 million obsolete computers are discarded every year. It is important for residents to be guided on computers recycling in Austin.

Also known as e-waste, computer accessories that have been discarded consists of circuit boards, printers, hard drives and monitors. Such items should be seen as hazardous waste since they contain toxic substances, and hence should not be thrown away together with other household rubbish.

In most cases, e-waste ends up in developing countries, with the amount of electronic equipments being disposed off overseas improperly quite alarming. This is drawing concern about the pollution resulting from heavy metals and hazardous chemicals in Asia, Africa and South America.

One personal computer unit can have roughly two kilograms of lead and the complex mixture of materials make recycling them an uphill task. Residents of Austin can get rid of their computer waste through several ways. They can take the appliances to a professional facility dealing with waste disposal, return them to their original manufacturers, or donate them to non-profit organizations.

Companies that make electronics are now embracing the management of e-waste in their policies for environment protection. They also organize for the used appliances to be ripped apart and then sorted according to the materials they are made of. Steel, aluminum and other elements can be recycled to manufacture more products such as accessories for cars or toys. The elements that have no use at all can then be disposed off properly.

These schemes assist in reducing the volume of waste that ends up landfill areas. They also reduce the amount of raw materials necessary for manufacturing new products, while making recycling convenient for Austin residents. The process of professional waste disposal is similar to that of a manufacturer scheme, the only difference being that residents have to pay for the waste collection and disposal. There are a few e-waste disposal cowboys in Austin, but residents should check if the company complies with relevant legislations.

When it comes to donating to charity, several non-profit organizations collect electronic equipment either to de-manufacture and recycle, or for reuse. The equipment they collect includes computers and printers, and recipients do not pay for such equipment or purchase them at a rate that is heavily discounted. It is developing countries that benefit most from such schemes.

Should Austin residents feel like donating their obsolete computers to charity, it is vital to check out if adequate security measures are in place. The measures are aimed at preventing unlawful access, alteration or accidental loss or destruction of personal information. Just because a hard drive has been formatted does not mean all data in it is destroyed permanently.

When going about computers recycling in Austin, it is vital to ensure the non-profit organization has a waste management strategy as soon as the personal computer becomes obsolete. This involves what would happen if the recycled items are no longer usable.




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