When Tech Has to Go: Recycling Computers in San Diego

Computers, like television sets, are nearly impossible to give away nowadays. Many resale stores (like Goodwill) won’t take computers because the amount they receive is simply too high, and frankly, most are obsolete or of little value to consumers who can find something cheap online. So what are you to do when you need an upgrade but want to get rid of your old system?

Watch Out for E-Waste

What is e-waste? The components inside a computer constitute electronic waste that typically ends up in a landfill. This is unfortunate, since many of those components can actually be reused or recycled to make new products, such as the tin, aluminum, copper and PVC plastics. Additionally, many of the waste products inside a computer range from fairly to highly toxic, most coming from the circuit board, which contains gold, silver, platinum as well as mercury, lead and other toxic substances. These substances can find their way into our water supply and surrounding land, causing sickness and polluting the area. While other forms of e-waste like cell phones and other tech equipment also have toxic parts, a computer contains more than most.

Some of it is Reusable

Unfortunately, some people throw out computers that are still usable and in working condition – something a nonprofit of local community member might love to have – because they do not know how to connect their resources with others. Recycling computers in San Diego allows us to make use of the plastic and glass in other ways or refurbish items that can be utilized by schools, low income families and charitable organizations who couldn’t otherwise afford an upgrade.

We Lead the Way!

Did you know that California leads the country in the strictest e-waste recycling regulations? This is great news for the surrounding communities, as it means less toxic byproducts leaching into the earth and water tables. San Diego in particular has taken the lead in recycling programs, reusing materials for new products, shredding hard drives to protect sensitive data, and providing other innovative services to keep recycling at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness.

Computer Recycling in San Diego

The sad fact is there aren’t enough recyclers in the world to handle all the electronics we are throwing away. But recycling is far preferable to the alternative of dumping your technology into a landfill! Why not check out one of our SES recycling centers in San Diego and drop off your broken and outdated monitors and computers?