In honor of America Recycles Day, Earth911 (@Earth911) gathered a group of experts on Twitter to discuss computer recycling, including Beth Johnson from Dell (@BethAtDell), Lorie Marrero from the Clutter Diet (@clutterdiet), and Tim Murray from Goodwill San Francisco (@SFGoodwill).
We invited the public to weigh in as well on the benefits and challenges of recycling electronics. Here are the highlights from the hour-long conversation. (More of a visual person? Check out the conversation on Storify.)
Question 1: First things first: Why is computer recycling important?
@BethAtDell A1: Recycling your computer helps protect our environment by keeping them out of landfills
@laurenllawson A1: Donating one working computer to @Dell4Good creates 6.8 hours of job training. @GoodwillIntl
@sfgoodwill A1: Responsible computer recycling @Goodwill helps ensure that heavy metals won’t end up in our landfill (and drinking water)
Question 2: What are the biggest hurdles in recycling computers?
@clutterdiet A2: Big hurdle is knowing how to delete data before donating. This holds a lot of ppl back from taking action.
@BethAtDell A2: Search ‘data removal from computers’ to find free software to remove personal info from a computer.
@smallactscount A2: Awareness. Some people don’t even know that computers SHOULD be recycled.
@SarahAtDell A2: Ppl are also skeptical about recyclers being honest and trustworthy in #recycling #ewaste responsibly.
Question 3: How can you keep your computer accessories organized for later recycling?
@clutterdiet A3: A few tips on organizing your gadgets: 1) Write the last date of return on the box.
@clutterdiet A3: Tip 2: Label the cords and cables. Use the “feed” button on label mkr to wrap extra tape around cords.
@clutterdiet A3: Tip 3: After return period expires, recycle manuals & such after finding them electronically online. No need to file them.
Question 4: In what ways does recycling a computer benefit consumers and communities?
@JayyH Recycling #tech can increase access to technology for all. Refurbished products are more accessible!
@Earth911 A4. Recycling creates green jobs for cool people. http://www.earth911.com/eco-tech/green-job-spotlight/
@sfgoodwill A4: In Cal. it’s also in their self-int. since ppl pay an enviro fee at purchase. Recycl’ng ensures they get money’s worth.
@SarahAtDell Refurbished #tech is generally 25% lower than retail prices. Good for the earth, great for the wallet!
Question 5: How can we get more people to recycle computers?
@BethAtDell A5: @Dell we have found that making recycling free, easy and convenient increases recycling rates
@laurenllawson A5: Motivate companies to adopt responsible electronic recycling measures for the good of the planet.
@ReworxRecycling By creating more drop locations so recycling is more accessible
Question 6: Think you’ve got a dinosaur of a computer? Tweet us a pic!
Check out hashtag #Earth911Chat to see some of these gems — anyone remember the Apple Lisa 2?
Featured image courtesy of Shutterstock