Technology is currently one of the fasting developing fields around the world. New technologies enter the market every 18 months, leaving much technology obsolete and most often then not, on a large waste dump. It is precisely for this reason why recycling plays such a large role in the electronic and technological industry. However, it is said that only 21% of consumers recycle their electronic products, which leaves a total of 79% of consumers holding onto equipment that could be valuable to reuse or toxic. As most homes possess at least one computer, recycling of computers is essentially the most important from of electronic recycling.

Different levels of computer recycling

Due to the exorbitant amount of computers being disposed of by large companies, there are various levels of computer recycling that exist. These levels are in place in order to facilitate various recycling processes. These levels are as follows:

" Primary recyclers: These are usually large facilities that resell various parts of the computer that are still reusable; otherwise the computer is disassembled and recycled.

" Secondary recyclers: They usually will get materials from the primary recyclers and will then work to only get the raw materials from these goods.

" Resellers: There are two groups of resellers when it comes to computer recycling:

" For Profit: these resellers receive large amounts of equipment, refurbish or repair it and then resell it

" Non-Profit: these resellers do less refurbishment and repair and usually donate the equipment to charities.

" Schools and Charities: These are seen as computer recyclers because they accept donation of used computers in working condition and use them to help children and people who are in need of them.

Why recycle your computer?

Recycling computers does not necessarily make much sense when they are sitting on your desk at work or at home. However, just like glass and paper is recycled to reuse in the making of more glass and paper; computers are recycled so the essential parts can be used in the making of more computers. At the same time, the parts that are salvaged in recycling computers reduce the need to mine these raw materials. Materials such as glass and plastic from the recycled computers can be used to make computer monitors, and the metals can be reused on the circuit boards that are vital to any computer.

It is, however, not always possible for a business or an individual to recycle their computers as this could be dangerous if not done carefully. PC Disposal is a disposal company aimed at getting rid of your out-dated electronics in a safe and careful manner while at the same time saving you money. PC Disposal will also offer the services of donating the computers to a charity in need and creating an Employee Purchase Program for your recycled computers.

As with many products, recycling computers is important as it protects the environment and allows for materials to be reused. With the rapid speed at which new products enter the market as well as at the quantity which they are produced, it is vital that computers are recycled in order keep these materials level with the demand for these products.