Computer Disposal
All good things must come to an end. Or, if you and your computer have not been exactly "buddy-buddy" over the last few years, you may feel somewhat differently. Either way, give your old friend/enemy a green final send-off. Here are some questions you should think about first.
Are you sure?
The amount of energy required to produce a new computer and the energy costs of shipments before it even gets to your desk are extremely high. When you buy a computer, you will be using a lot of energy and adversely impacting the environment.
So ask yourself, do I really need a new computer? Is there a way I can fix the problems I have without getting a new computer? A broken part replacement or hardware upgrade are much greener solutions that going out and buying a new computer. Ask someone you know or a computer technician for help.
Is there something else you could have your old computer doing? Old laptops make great media/download/storage servers and use less energy then most desktops if you want to leave them running all the time.
Donate!
Find someone to give your old computer to. There might be someone you know that could use a functioning computer. Just be sure to let them know of any problems with the computer beforehand.
If that fails, donate your computer to a charity. Don't be scared to ask where your computer will end up. Research, if you can, to make sure that your old computer reaches someone that can use it.
Recycle!
Recycling a computer should be considered a last resort. This should only be reserved for the computer that is beyond repair or too old to be used anymore. Most larger centers have depots where you can take old computers and electronics for recycling.
Even when you are recycling your old computer, you should still feel responsible for what happens to it next. Try to research, when you can. Many computer recycling companies, even those certified by some governments, may use some very ungreen tactics to make money from your old parts. There have been reports of such companies shipping these old parts overseas to third world countries to have raw materials extracted using unsafe methods.
Never throw your old computer in the trash! They require a great deal of energy to produce and contain harmful toxins that will harm the environment!
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