EnvirofairRecycle

Recycle Your Smart Tech

Is your old computer still working, but you now have an upgrade? Stop before you throw the old one out! With a few quick repairs your old machine could make someone else’s life a bit easier.

Not all old computers and electronics are disassembled. Machines that are in working condition may be donated to low-income families, underfunded organisations, or schools. This gives adults and children across the world access to the technology they need, but might not have been able to afford.

Did you know that over 40 million tons of electronic waste are discarded every year? Because of this astounding number, recycling old computers and other electronics is more important than ever. Materials in old computers can be used again, and working machines can be donated to schools and charities.

Computers and other electronics contain hazardous materials, like carcinogens, lead, and mercury. If an old computer is dumped in landfill, these nasty substances can leach into the atmosphere and waterways. Polluting can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans, too.

When recycling old computers, the computers are disassembled. Many of the parts can be broken down into raw materials to be used again in new electronics. This means reducing the need to mine finite resources. The metals removed from an old computer’s circuit board, for example, can be used again in a new computer’s circuit board – so nothing goes to waste.

If you’re looking to buy a new computer, it’s worth checking out any trade-in deals available at computer retailers. Some are willing to give a discount to those who bring in their old device.

Natural resources are not unlimited. We need to reuse resources we already have. When using recycled materials, less resources, energy, and money is needed to manufacture new products.

So what’s happening at this year’s ENVIROFAIR?

Somerset Waste Partnership’s Fixy initiative will be there and will happy to receive any smart tech equipment you are willing to donate. They will accept donations of unwanted laptops, tablets, mobile phones, digital cameras and other smart devices. All data will be securely wiped before items are passed back into the community. If it’s working or repairable it will help bridge the digital divide between the rich and the not so rich.

If you can’t get to the ENVIROFAIR? You can donate your smart tech at one of DonateIT’s collection points across Somerset and other parts of the South West. One such is Langport Library, Whatley, Langport TA10 9RA. Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10am - 4pm. Sat 10am to 4pm

More details at https://donateit.co.uk