Electronic rubbish, also known as e-waste, and computer hardware in particular, is a quickly becoming an increasing portion of UK’s waste. The low costs on one hand and the rapid technological change on the other, allow consumers to replace electronics more often. Dumped computer equipment includes monitors, hard drives. printers and circuit boards. Such items should be disposed of separately from the general household rubbish, as they contain harmful components, and are classed as hazardous waste by the law.
How Do I Recycle My Old PC?
According to the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive suppliers and vendors have to provide the end users with information on the available options for recycling old electronic equipment for free. However, it’s up to you to take steps and dispose of your old equipment in an environment-friendly waste disposal manner. Considering the strict regulation and legal sanctions, each individual citizen is responsible for educating themselves about the proper disposal of e-waste.
One way to properly dispose of e-waste is to take your old computer to a recycling bank. You can locate the nearest hazardous waste disposal point by doing a simple search on the Internet using your postcode. A few manufacturers, like Dell, collect old computer equipment for recycling free of charge if you opt to purchase your new machine from them. As part of the Dell Recycling programme, all Dell-branded equipment can be collected for recycling at any time.
E-waste should be handled with care and transported to the designated disposal points in order to prevent environmental hazard. Old computers and equipment contain harmful components that can’t be mixed with general household waste or be in contact with ground waters and soil. There are businesses that buy off old equipment and computers, so disposing of your machinery the right way may as well get you some money. If your old computer is just outdated but still operational, you should consider donating it to a charity or a school. Don’t forget that what’s garbage to one, might be a treasure for other.
It’s important to know that recycling your old equipment should be free of charge, but you might be charged for the collection. Many companies, such as Tom’s Junk Collectors, could collect and dispose of your old computer in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Disposing of old equipment in an environment-friendly way plays an important role to protecting the nature. Careless disposal of e-waste is illegal and anyone responsible for it could be prosecuted and fined. According to official data, nearly one million tonne of electronic waste is produced in the UK each year. In today’s fast paced world, technology develops fast and many people change their equipment at least once every two years. In order to reduce e-waste, we all must recycle, because environment protection is an individual obligation, more than it is a collective task.
