Recycling Computer Equipment

Computers sure are handy when they are working but once they've chewed their last byte, things can get a little messy. Toxic chemicals, carcinogens and heavy metals are all part of what makes their clocks tick, and improper disposal can bring them all a little too close for human comfort. Computer recycling is nothing new, but getting your old electronics to the great motherboard in the sky can be tricky to do responsibly.

For years, developed countries have been exporting tons of electronic waste for inexpensive, labor-intensive recycling and disposal, mostly to China. It's been illegal to import e-waste into China for dirty recycling and dumping since 2000, but smuggling, corruption and China's appetite for scrap keep it coming. An article over at Salon has some good tips to prevent your old electronics from being melted down over a rudimentary stove or being tossed into a landfill.

One of the best ways to get clean recycling is simple: just ask questions. A reputable recycler should be able to tell you where hardware is sent, and if the company exports or uses prison labor. The recycler should also be able to tell you how it handles data destruction; you'll want the recycler or reuse organization to wipe the hard drive for you so any personal information doesn't end up where it doesn't belong. If you are donating your equipment to a reuse organization, ask if equipment is tested before it is passed on for donation and if the company only ships working equipment. Ask who their recipient organizations are. If the answer to any of these questions is, "We don't know," or, "We can't tell you," it may be time to send your equipment elsewhere.

Broward County
Growing at three times the rate of other wastes, electronics is the newest challenge in environmentally friendly waste disposal. If not properly disposed of, electronics can release hazardous materials into our environment. To help alleviate this problem, Broward County’s Waste and Recycling Services has provided Broward County residents with a program to dispose of electronics. Since 2001 more than 1,200,000 pounds of unwanted electronics have been recovered, including 100,000 pounds of lead. Who can participate?

Broward County residents (Proof of residency required). Businesses can call 954-577-4160 for disposal information.

What can residents bring? Computers, monitors, keyboards, mouses, Terminals, printers, modems, Cell phones, Rechargeable batteries, Televisions, & Copiers

Once dropped-off, what happens to the electronics? Waste and Recycling Services partners with Achievement and Rehabilitation Centers (ARC Broward), a non-profit organization serving people with disabilities. ARC provides services to collect and refurbish or de-manufacture end-of-life electronics ARC participants learn new skills and receive valuable work training in the disassembly of computers. The recovered materials are then shipped out for recycling or environmentally safe disposal.

Have Hyperride remove the data from your computer system prior to disposal or resale. If you bring your computer system into the Hyperride office we will gladly remove all your data from your system for a minimal charge of $59.00. This will give you peace of mind that none of your personal information is in the wrong hands.

Broward Drop off Locations North Collection Center 2780 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. South Collection Center 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hollywood Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. ARC Broward, Inc. 10250 NW 53rd St., Sunrise Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:00 p.m.

Palm Beach Drop off Locations Delray Beach - 13400 State Road 7, Delray Beach, FL 33446 Monday – Friday: 7a.m. – 5:00p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Delray Beach - South County Transfer Station 1901 SW 4th Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 Monday – Friday: 7a.m. – 5:00p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lantana -Central County Transfer Station 1810 Lantana Rd. Lantana, 33462-2604 Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 7a.m. – 2p.m. West Palm Beach - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility 6161 North Jog Road West Palm Beach 33412 Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 7a.m. – 2p.m.

Areas Covered
Hyperride Technologies provides a range of information technology consulting, IT care plans, and computer support in South Florida, including West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Margate, Tamarac, Davie, Sunrise, Weston, Kendall, Miami, and all surrounding areas.

Local experts who can visit on-site: South Florida information technology consulting, IT Care Plans, HyperDefender Email and Spam Protection, HyperVault Data Backup and Recovery, Ft. Lauderdale computer support, information technology consulting, Hyperride Healthcare IT, Palm Beach Network Security, Ft. Lauderdale managed services, South Florida Cabling and Office Moves, Palm beach computer support, Ft. Lauderdale information technology consulting, and South Florida Quickbooks.