Is it illegal to throw away computers? The answer is not as nuanced as you may think. While some people toss their old smartphone in a desk drawer or closet, other people choose to put their electronics in the trash. But did you know that depending on where you live, that throwing away your electronics might be illegal? How to dispose of old computers properly is something businesses and consumers should be aware of, but the information out there is so scant. Electronics are a toxic addition to our landfills, posing serious environmental risks.
So the solution starts with getting that message out — as well as people taking the time to research what their own community requires them to do with their unwanted electronics. Computers and mobile devices are constantly becoming obsolete. With so many new devices flooding the markets, what do we do with all of these older devices? Technology is advancing rapidly. Each year we generate around 40 million tons of electronic waste worldwide. Especially since it may be illegal.
Everybody knows that a lot of states ban certain items from landfills. Common items include car batteries, medical waste, motor oil, and paint, for example. Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection points out that any peripherals, including printers, cannot be thrown out with the standard trash.
Don't pile the old printers in a storage room, however. Another company or person may have a use for the printer. Also, you can sell the old printer for a small fee. Make some money while helping out someone in need! The printer no longer fits your needs, but a student or low-income person may treasure the resource. Clean that old printer up and list it on an auction site! According to the European Printing Ink Association , improper printer disposal has a significant environmental impact.
Therefore, if you run a business, be sure that everyone understands the protocols involved with asset management. Recycling or reusing the item is the best way to remove it from service.
Your new printers will get you up and running in no time! Understanding the Importance of Safe Disposal A handful of toxic chemicals are in printing ink and toner cartridges alone. Many charity stores will be happy to accept any old, working electronics that you want to get rid of, with some having special programmes dedicated to electronics. Call or visit your local charity shop to ask if they would accept your printer as a donation. If you want to donate your printer, make sure it is in good working condition.
Look for organizations that specialize in the donation of electronics. There are many charities that focus on providing those in need with computers and computer peripherals. Offer your printer to local schools, charities, or non-profits. If your printer is still in good working condition, you might be able to donate it to local organizations such as charities, schools, or non-profits. Find a few organizations in your area and offer them your printer as a donation to help them out.
Look for newer causes in your area to find someone who might need a new printer. Method 3. Find a refurbishment company that will buy your printer from you. There are many companies and repair shops that may offer to buy your broken printer with the intention of fixing, refurbishing, and reselling it. Look for electronic refurbishment companies or independent electronic stores nearby and ask if they would be interested in buying your printer to refurbish.
Both of these will purchase broken printers. List your printer on a digital marketplace. Websites such as eBay or Craigslist are excellent places to list items that you have for sale. Take a picture of your printer, note its make and model, and post it online for sale. If there is anything wrong with the printer, or it is broken, make sure to list this in the posting.
People may still be interested in purchasing a broken printer for parts, or to refurbish it and sell it on later. Advertise your printer on social media or on a local posterboard. Similar to an online digital marketplace, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can also be used to sell things you no longer want or need.
Yes, cartridges also need to be equally recycled, as research has shown that it takes years for an average laser cartridge to decompose if thrown into landfills.
And also, remember to remove the ink cartridge beforehand. The ink cartridges may be smaller in size but as waste, they are equally toxic to the environment.
Therefore, it is crucial to segregate the printer and its cartridge when they are no more in need, as they will require different recycling processes. Donating is another way to dispose of the printers. It may be useless to one man and a treasure to another.
Especially in recreation centers, thrift shops, non-profits, schools and charities, the donation may come in handy. Donating to organizations that do electronics outreach programs also is a noble option.
These organizations, in turn, provide it to other developing countries, either in parts or whole. You can find such needs of the organizations on their websites. Selling the printers is a win-win for both the seller and the buyer. You can check to see if some outlets and shops accept the types of printers at hand. It can be difficult to sell printers but you can always have a fair bargain in buying a new one if you succeed in selling. No harm in trying anyway. Some places may not take the printer as a whole but in parts so do take notes of what can be a selling material.
For example, valuable resources such as copper in the cords and circuit boards of printers can be re-sold. Out of the 50 US states, California, Illinois, New York State, Vermont, and Wisconsin are the ones that have completely banned the dumping of printers in the trash can.
This includes the prohibition of disposing of printers in landfills and incineration of printers. However, it is to be noted that there are certain cities and towns that have dedicated themselves to a better future by employing recycling techniques and campaigning the ban of incinerating and disposing e-waste into landfills. In this fast-paced world, the growth of e-waste is inevitable. However, every wise decision made can help bring change. The misconception that printers are not as hazardous as laptops and mobile phones has only led to more damage to the environment.
Therefore, printers should not be thrown in the trash. Instead, it can be recycled, donated or even re-sold. Through this, there will be conservation of resources, chemicals will not seep into the soil or water system, and the air we breathe will be a few steps away from getting worse. I started my career as an office printer repairman, worked my way up to printing sales and MPS Managed Printing Services account management for a major brand, managing fleets in the hundreds of printers each.
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