computer recycling

Few subjects can be more newsworthy than environmental damage and rightly so, we only have one planet to choose from. New study groups are appearing in many countries, a politician has won a Nobel prize for publicising the issue. Recycling computers is a major consideration within this field, hundreds of millions are dumped every year and hazardous materials are involved in their manufacture. Governments are taking notice but this is not always backed up by action, beyond that needed for electoral purposes. Of course some politicians do care but we must increase the resolve of their colleagues. They are more likely to give this subject serious attention, if we do the same.

The scene on the right occurs at many third world ports. At least this consignment reached a port, ship loads of similar waste have been dumped at sea, often in the territorial waters of countries in chaos. Our recent Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) legislation was meant to ensure the EU contribution to this pile was eliminated. The focus of this act lay in a domestic solution, we will see partial improvement and a reduction in landfill pollution but the problem has not gone away. Much material will simply arrive overseas in a different guise.

The ultimate desination is unsafe, dirt workshops, similar to the one on the left. A father and son sorting our cast offs, for a few pence an hour. The boy need not worry about his children doing the same, he'll be sterile in a couple of years. The components contain lead, barium, chromium, mercury and phosphorous, their processing releases further toxins. Whatever you feel about the price the workers pay, the effects will not remain localised. We all need to make change, or share the impact of poor practice on our economy and environment. This truly is a situation where we will reap what we sow.

An alternative is shown in the picture to the right. We could regard the old whitebox laptop as dated but to a schoolroom with no computers, this is a miracle. Employing every single item in that way is not possible but in our society, a vast amount of waste can be used again. There are organisations who will ensure that still serviceable parts are put to a good use, often saving you the cost of disposal. Equally, a friend or neighbour may be happy to give items you no longer need a good home. Please look at the options outlined below:

• Computer Aid a non profit organisation reusing equipment in the third world.
• Donate a PC a matchmaking service for donations to charities and educational bodies.
• Digibridge slightly more commercial but do provide valuable support to the non-profit sector.
• Remploy recycling IT equipment to overseas shools and valuable employment in the UK.
• Swap it Surrey where you can ensure local use and receive an item or service in exchange.
• Free 2 Collect if you would like to simply give your old equipment away locally.

Please feel free to contact us at any time. As an organisation, we firmly believe in the benefits of recycling IT equipment and will do all we can to help you share in this aim.

At the foot of this page, there is a list of helpful organisations who deal with computer recycling, often on a local basis. We would be delighted if you use any of them but will help practically if we can. Requests do come in for PCs to be used in non profit organisations, or in households where the cost is a problem.

We were contacted recently by Guildford Grammar School, as they were disposing of an entire language lab. This included 14 PCs, 42 screens, even 2 safes. The kind offer was too much for us, although we did find an agency who would take all the equipment and put this to good use. We are happy to help but can only place one or two PCs at a time. Others listed on this page will do the same and you may prefer to choose the end user. Our aim is simply to see good equipment find a home.

On recycling issues, we work closely with Surrey PC Support and ensure all data is fully deleted. Reputable organisations will do the same but if you prefer to see this happen, there is free software. Eraser is a good choice, or contact the PC repair unit if you need help.