What are the computer recycling certifications I should be asking about? If your area offers bulky waste recycling, computers may be accepted, but it’s a good idea to verify that they’ll be responsibly recycled. It’s highly unlikely that your curbside recycling program accepts computers, even if it collects “scrap metal.” Computers are bulky and made up of multiple materials, so you’ll definitely want to check before putting them in the recycling bin. Many laptops use lithium-ion batteries, which require special transportation for recycling, so this is especially important if using a manufacturer mail-back program.įind Recycling Guides for Other Materialsįrequent Computer Recycling Questions Can I recycle computers in my curbside recycling program? For a laptop, flip it over and see if you can remove the battery.
How to recycle software upgrade#
You can likely recycle these parts as well using the same company where you take the machine, but consider reusing them or donating them since they won’t need a software upgrade to work on a new computer.
Unplug the computer peripherals (keyboard, speakers, etc.) from your desktop or laptop. You may want to back up important files on an external hard drive. Remove all data from your computer to prevent identity theft. To find one near you, check out our Recycling Locator at the bottom of this page. Before recycling your computer, here are a few preparation steps: The easiest way to make sure your computer is properly recycled is to take it to a local retailer with a computer recycling program. Plus, the inside of your computer contains valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum that can be recovered and reused. homes for an entire year, according to the EPA. Wishcycling - when we put something in the recycling bin hoping it will be recycled - disrupts the recycling process.When it comes to recycling laptops, even one makes a big difference - recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power 3,500 U.S. What Can You Do?Īlways be sure to check the local recycling guidelines in your area. Ribbons and bows, while pretty, are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. Other types made from foil or plastic wrap, or if it’s covered in glitter, should be reused. Generally, if you can scrunch it up and it stays in a tight ball, it is paper-based and can be recycled. Wrapping paper can be recycled in many areas around the U.S. Tissue paper can usually be recycled as long as it’s not glittery, metallic or plastic based. If your paper gift bag has rope handles, glitter or beads, those things need to be removed before placing the bag in the recycling bin. However, gift bags made with plastic or fabric should be reused because they cannot go in your curbside bin. Paper gift bags can be put in the recycling bin. Don’t worry about removing the stamp from the envelope either. If they are covered in glitter or made from photo paper, those cannot be recycled. Greeting cards and envelopes made of paper are usually okay to recycle. If your box is dented, beat up, ripped or even a little dirty from the shipping process, it can still be recycled. You do not need to remove shipping labels or tape. 
Empty the box, break it down flat, keep it dry and clean, then put it in the recycling bin. Cardboard boxes that arrive on your doorstep are okay to recycle.
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