Recycling old computers and electronics is good for the environment. But did you know that you could also save money on taxes and energy bills when you recycle?
If your computer is more than four years old or has a broken screen, you can get help from a computer recycling service. The specialists at ATECH Recyclers explain how they recycle 200 computers per week plus other e-waste such as iPads, servers, and monitors. Many organizations reuse these items in Australia – and anything that can’t be recycled here is shipped overseas and put to good use in schools or recycled for precious metals. You can rest assured that your e-waste will benefit others, especially those less fortunate!
Why recycle old computers and iPads
There are many good reasons why you should recycle your old computer and iPad. For starters, recycling computers saves you money on taxes and energy bills.
According to the EPA, recycling one million computers conserves enough energy to power 30,000 homes for a year. That is pretty impressive! And if that isn’t incentive enough, computer recycling is also good for the environment. When you recycle an electronic device like a computer or iPad, it helps reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
ATECH Recyclers are committed to helping preserve our planet by safely recycling your e-waste. The company works with certified recyclers who use state-of-the-art processes to recycle everything from computers to servers and monitors.
What to do with your computer or iPad
How can you recycle your old computer, tablet, or other electronic devices? First, find a local computer recycling service like ATECH Recyclers.
The company also provides a buy-back option. It purchases bulk quantities of computers that meet its criteria. So if you have multiple old computers you would like to get rid of, get in touch with them! They would love to help!
Benefits of recycling old computers and electronics
Here are three benefits of recycling old computers and other electronic equipment:
- It helps the environment by reducing the amount of electronic waste that goes into landfills each year.
- Reusing and recycling computer components saves energy and natural resources. For example, it takes 95% less energy to recycle a computer than to produce a new one from scratch.
- Recycled computers can help people in developing countries access educational resources and information. Many schools in Africa and Asia are now using recycled laptops!
How to get a tax deduction for donated electronics
If you run a business, you may be eligible for a tax deduction for donated computers and electronic equipment. If the item is in working order, you can claim a tax deduction for its fair market value. To find out more about how to get a tax deduction for your donated electronics, contact your accountant or the ATO.
What happens to recycled e-waste?
There are several benefits of recycling e-waste. For starters, manufacturers can use recycled materials to make new products, which reduces the need for virgin resources. Recycling also conserves energy and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Almost everything on a computer can be recycled, including the plastic and metal parts. For example, copper and lithium from computer batteries are recyclable, and gold and silver can be recovered from circuit boards. Other electronic components and materials which are ideal for recycling include:
- Glass from computer monitors and screens
- Plastic from computer cases, keyboards, mice and other peripherals
- Metal from computer towers, power supplies, connectors and cables
How does e-waste recycling work?
E-waste recycling works by breaking down materials into their component parts. The most valuable materials are then extracted and recycled. For example, circuit boards are often disassembled to remove precious metals such as gold and silver. Glass is melted down and reused in new computer monitors or screens. Plastics are shredded into small pieces before being melted down and reformed into new products.
How much energy can I save by replacing an old computer with a new one?
That’s a great question. In Australia, computer use accounts for around two per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. If you replace an old computer with a new one, you can save up to 700 kilograms of CO² over its lifetime.
Choose to recycle!
We’ve covered the basics of what to do with an old laptop or desktop computer in this post. Wherever you decide to take your technology for recycling, keep these three things in mind:
- Choose a recycler who is environmentally responsible. Look for certified recyclers to ensure that your computer will not go to a landfill.
- Remove all data from your device before recycling it. Delete all personal information, passwords and any other sensitive data.
- Consider donating your old computer to a charity or school in need. Many organizations could use an extra computer or two. And you will feel good knowing that your old computer or electronic device is benefitting others!
