What devices can you take in for recycling?
Many of the recyclers don't accept computers from individual households, in fact they only accept devices from companies or corporations. Many only accept certain devices, not all of them. Many may just accept laptops but not printers.
What are your policies regarding data destruction?
Many computer recyclers will wipe all data several times, thereby destroying it completely. The storage media can also be physically destroyed by shredding, crushing, breaking, cutting etc.
Computer owners should back-up their data before sending outdated computers for recycling. Ensure that all storage media like hard disks have been wiped cleaned of any sensitive data.
What are the management's practices regarding computer recycling
Ask the recycler about what environmental management certification he has in place. For computer recycling, there are various certification programs such as ISO 14001 Environmental management certification and certification by organizations such as International Association of Electronics Recyclers (IAER) or the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
If the recycler isn't certified, then it's important to ask whether the company follows any recognized environmental management guideline such as EPA's Plug-in to E-Cycling Guidelines.
Have you had any safety violations or been sued for environmental damages
Check whether the company has been sued for environmental damages. Also check out any violations that it might have received in the past. Companies that have a good track record and standing should obviously be preferred.
What percentage of computer materials do you recycle?
Those companies that recycle nearly 90% of their goods are preferable to companies that recycle a lower percentage. Many things may not be recycled given the current state of technology available in the recycling industry. Look for companies that avoid landfills and safely dispose of toxic items such as mercury lamps, lead batteries etc.
How do you handle hazardous elements such as mercury lamps?
The companies that accept hazardous elements such as mercury and lead for recycling from computer components use various processes to extract these elements. They should also have written practices detailing the extraction processes of that they utilize. Hazardous elements need to be removed from laptops and computers before they are further processed.
Conclusion
Don't always go for price when choosing a recyclers. Instead, look at the environmental damage that can be caused if recycling doesn't take place. A responsible company should be able to leave the environment clean during and after computer recycling, rather than polluting it.
Many of the recyclers don't accept computers from individual households, in fact they only accept devices from companies or corporations. Many only accept certain devices, not all of them. Many may just accept laptops but not printers.
What are your policies regarding data destruction?
Many computer recyclers will wipe all data several times, thereby destroying it completely. The storage media can also be physically destroyed by shredding, crushing, breaking, cutting etc.
Computer owners should back-up their data before sending outdated computers for recycling. Ensure that all storage media like hard disks have been wiped cleaned of any sensitive data.
What are the management's practices regarding computer recycling
Ask the recycler about what environmental management certification he has in place. For computer recycling, there are various certification programs such as ISO 14001 Environmental management certification and certification by organizations such as International Association of Electronics Recyclers (IAER) or the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
If the recycler isn't certified, then it's important to ask whether the company follows any recognized environmental management guideline such as EPA's Plug-in to E-Cycling Guidelines.
Have you had any safety violations or been sued for environmental damages
Check whether the company has been sued for environmental damages. Also check out any violations that it might have received in the past. Companies that have a good track record and standing should obviously be preferred.
What percentage of computer materials do you recycle?
Those companies that recycle nearly 90% of their goods are preferable to companies that recycle a lower percentage. Many things may not be recycled given the current state of technology available in the recycling industry. Look for companies that avoid landfills and safely dispose of toxic items such as mercury lamps, lead batteries etc.
How do you handle hazardous elements such as mercury lamps?
The companies that accept hazardous elements such as mercury and lead for recycling from computer components use various processes to extract these elements. They should also have written practices detailing the extraction processes of that they utilize. Hazardous elements need to be removed from laptops and computers before they are further processed.
Conclusion
Don't always go for price when choosing a recyclers. Instead, look at the environmental damage that can be caused if recycling doesn't take place. A responsible company should be able to leave the environment clean during and after computer recycling, rather than polluting it.
Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?Questions-to-Ask-Before-Computer-Recycling&id=1238384
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