| What devices can you take in for recycling? | | | | environmental damages. Also check out any |
| Many of the recyclers don't accept computers | | | | violations that it might have received in the past. |
| from individual households, in fact they only | | | | Companies that have a good track record and |
| accept devices from companies or corporations. | | | | standing should obviously be preferred. |
| Many only accept certain devices, not all of them. | | | | What percentage of computer materials do you |
| Many may just accept laptops but not printers. | | | | recycle? |
| What are your policies regarding data destruction? | | | | Those companies that recycle nearly 90% of |
| Many computer recyclers will wipe all data several | | | | their goods are preferable to companies that |
| times, thereby destroying it completely. The | | | | recycle a lower percentage. Many things may not |
| storage media can also be physically destroyed by | | | | be recycled given the current state of technology |
| shredding, crushing, breaking, cutting etc. | | | | available in the recycling industry. Look for |
| Computer owners should back-up their data | | | | companies that avoid landfills and safely dispose |
| before sending outdated computers for recycling. | | | | of toxic items such as mercury lamps, lead |
| Ensure that all storage media like hard disks have | | | | batteries etc. |
| been wiped cleaned of any sensitive data. | | | | How do you handle hazardous elements such as |
| What are the management's practices regarding | | | | mercury lamps? |
| computer recycling | | | | The companies that accept hazardous elements |
| Ask the recycler about what environmental | | | | such as mercury and lead for recycling from |
| management certification he has in place. For | | | | computer components use various processes to |
| computer recycling, there are various certification | | | | extract these elements. They should also have |
| programs such as ISO 14001 Environmental | | | | written practices detailing the extraction |
| management certification and certification by | | | | processes of that they utilize. Hazardous elements |
| organizations such as International Association of | | | | need to be removed from laptops and computers |
| Electronics Recyclers (IAER) or the Institute of | | | | before they are further processed. |
| Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). | | | | Conclusion |
| If the recycler isn't certified, then it's important to | | | | Don't always go for price when choosing a |
| ask whether the company follows any recognized | | | | recyclers. Instead, look at the environmental |
| environmental management guideline such as | | | | damage that can be caused if recycling doesn't |
| EPA's Plug-in to E-Cycling Guidelines. | | | | take place. A responsible company should be able |
| Have you had any safety violations or been sued | | | | to leave the environment clean during and after |
| for environmental damages | | | | computer recycling, rather than polluting it. |
| Check whether the company has been sued for | | | | |