Don't bin your PC

Extend the life of your unwanted computer by passing it on to someone who does want it!

As with most gadgetry and things electrical, its only about half an hour after purchasing that the manufacturer is declaring your shiny new PC obsolete and launching a more up-to-date version with many extra features to make your purchase look dated. Given that PCs are so inexpensive these days, they do tend to be replaced rather than repaired or upgraded. This is leading to quite a mountain of computer waste in the UK.

We here at Trasch are all for diverting this WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and other kinds of stuff away from landfill and back into reuse. Unfortunately, you can't really recycle a computer as easily as a plastic bottle. The complex mixture of materials make recycling computers quite tricky. As well as lead, and other potentially hazardous materials, a computer typically comprises:

• 23% Plastic
• 32% Ferrous metals
• 18% Non-ferrous metals
• 12% Electronic boards
• 15% Glass    

So, if recycling the composite parts of a computer aren't really viable for the individual or school, what do you do with it once it's outlived its use? Well, there are a number of alternatives to just throwing it away. In some cases, you might be able to return the computer to its manufacturer. Companies like Dell and Hewlett Packard offer such recycling schemes (the latter of which has been running for more than 20 years). The manufacturer can arrange with you to pick up your unwanted PC free of charge, remove all the parts that can be recycled, and dispose of in an environmentally sound way. Professional waste disposal is an alternative, if your PC cannot be returned to the source. Do make sure that the waste disposal company you decide to use complies with WEEE and other relevant legislation (a list of approved recyclers can be found here.)

An altogether better use of an old computer is to put it back to use. Advertise it on Trasch! The chances are excellent that your unwanted computer might be just what another school needs, even if it's just for spares or repairs. If you do find no takers for your unwanted equipment, then there are plenty of non-profit organisations that will collect and refurbish your computer, including Computer Aid International. These companies either sell (at heavily reduced prices) or give away for free refurbished computers to community groups, charities and developing countries.

If you are donating or selling your old computer, do be sure to check that any personal or confidential data on the hard drive is completely removed. Where necessary, you may need to perform a low-level format of the drives. There are also utilities available for both Windows and Mac OS computers that can permanently remove files.

Admittedly, there are some computers out there that really aren't good enough to use any more. While you might be able to put its case to creative use, you may have to concede and dispose of its insides at the very least. Legislation for WEEE was introduced in 2007, and this stipulates how it must be stored, collected, treated, recycled and disposed of separately from other waste. You now also have to obtain and keep proof (such as a receipt) that your WEEE was given to a waste management company and was properly disposed. You can find out more about WEEE legislation here.