Where to Recycle Computer Equipment & Accessories
The average lifespan of a computer varies! Often times, households will replace a desktop PC about every five—three for a laptop, so it’s no surprise that many homes have nonworking computers in storage and why many computers find their way to landfills every year. More than 60 million computers are purchased annually in the United States, and over 40 million are thrown away.
When you’re ready to dispose of your computer, bring it to Lexington Computer Recycling. We’ll recycle its components in a secure and environmentally conscious manner and help you cut the clutter in your home.
Most of a Computer is Recyclable
Computers contain a surprising number of components, 98% of which are recyclable. Most motherboards can be used in new or refurbished units, and the aluminum used to make the hard drive housing is reusable for various industries. The interior of a computer also contains copper, silver, gold, and silicon, which recycling facilities separate for reuse. Computers with optical drives also have valuable steel. We’ll ensure your information is securely destroyed before we recycle its remaining components.
The Importance of Wire Recycling
The wires that come along with old computers and other electronics may seem of little value, but the opposite is true. Copper and aluminum conduct electricity within the cables; both materials are easy to extract and reuse. Plastic insulation is melted down and reused for various purposes, and rubber housing is ground up for use in rubberized asphalt.
At Lexington Computer Recycling, we can recycle your box of useless cords and wires. Many other computer disposal centers face challenges that affect wire recycling, including technological limitations that prevent a facility from processing the components. Plastics and other coatings in the wire can also contaminate the recyclable materials, making them unusable, and the varying market values of recycled wiring influence the viability of the process.
Barriers to Computer Recycling
In 2024, recycling should seem second nature to most people, so why do so many computers end up in landfills?
- Many people have limited access to collection bins or unaware of electronics recycling facilities.
- Some people think recycling is unnecessary or too time-consuming, which is another factor in the problem. Others simply forget to separate their recyclables from household trash.
- Another obstacle is people being unaware they can recycle computers or keep ones they no longer use in cabinets or the basement. Hanging on to computers keeps them out of the garbage, but it also prevents recycling facilities from accessing their resources.
The Risks of Not Recycling Computers
Computers that end up in landfills take thousands of years to decompose, and that is the most benign impact. In addition to taking up physical space, the materials in computers can create toxic fumes when put in an incinerator. Other dangerous elements, like sulfur, can leach into the groundwater and cause irreversible heart and kidney damage. Studies have also shown that exposure to the harmful compounds in electronics leads to adverse birth outcomes and other long-term consequences, like behavioral disorders. So when you choose to recycle your electronics, you are creating a healthier environment.
Contact Us to Recycle Computers Near Lexington, KY
Lexington Computer Recycling is the leading electronics recycling facility near Lexington, KY; we have the reviews to prove it. We have been a fixture in the community since 2016, offering data destruction, office cleanouts, and specialty equipment handling, including medical and laboratory supplies.
Contact us today to request a quote and learn more about our special offers for new annual pickup contracts.
Lexington Computer Recycling proudly serves the entire United States, including the greater Lexington, KY, area, including Versailles, Nicholasville, Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown.
