Consequences of Not Recycling Computers

Beyond Surplus Offers Business Shredding Services, Electronics Recycling & IT Equipment Disposal. In addition to picking up your paper-based records, data tapes and shredding them offsite at our facility in a safe and compliant way as part of our Business Shredding Service.
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Consequences of Not Recycling Computers

With technology evolving quickly, most of us upgrade to new devices over time. Unfortunately, when these devices become obsolete they’re often improperly discarded. Without proper e-waste recycling, toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium can leach into the ground, affecting the earth’s soil, water, and ultimately, human health. Depending on the location, these toxins may even affect plants and animals that are used as food for humans. In this article we’ll discuss the consequences of not recycling computers.

1. Air Pollution

The majority of electronics that we use on a regular basis will eventually become obsolete and need to be replaced. Unfortunately, many people just throw their outdated electronics away and don’t recycle them. These devices are then placed in landfills where they will take thousands of years to break down and have a negative impact on the environment. As they break down, e-waste can cause soil pollution by releasing toxic chemicals into the ground. These chemicals can then find their way into the food supply of plants and animals.

Consequences of Not Recycling Computers
Recycling Computers

 

Additionally, when e-waste is burned in landfills, it can release dangerous substances into the air such as lead, mercury, chemical flame retardants and beryllium. These toxins can then be inhaled by humans and cause serious health issues. By recycling electronics, we can prevent these harmful chemicals from getting into the environment and harming humans and animals. We can also save valuable landfill space and conserve natural resources by using recycled materials to manufacture new products.

 

2. Water Pollution

As technology improves at a rapid pace, the average consumer upgrades their phones and computers several times a year. However, when these devices become obsolete they often end up in landfills as e-waste. When thrown away with regular trash, electronic waste can leach harmful metals such as mercury and cadmium into the soil and water supply. This contaminates local ecosystems, polluting the environment and posing serious health risks for humans and animals.

In developing countries, where there are fewer regulations on e-waste recycling, people search through these materials for precious metals. These individuals are exposed to harmful toxins that can cause life-threatening diseases, including respiratory problems, cancer, and kidney failure.

Fortunately, many of the components in old electronics can be recycled for reuse in new devices. This saves natural resources, cuts manufacturing costs, and reduces toxic pollution. It also helps to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills.

 

 

3. Soil Pollution

As with air pollution, soil contamination results when the capacity of a natural system to cope with contaminants is exceeded. Soil pollutants include metals, inorganic ions, salts and organic compounds. They can be in a concentration that is above the naturally occurring levels and pose health risks to humans.

Chemicals such as cadmium, mercury and brominated flame retardants found in outdated computers and monitors are released into the environment when these items are thrown away in landfills. They slowly leach into the groundwater and eventually make their way into our lakes, rivers and streams.

The toxins from these old computers can also be ingested through our food. If soils are left uncovered, contaminated dust can become airborne with the wind and be carried away by rain. Breathing contaminated dust can cause physical damage to the lungs and can also affect the nervous system of those who live near polluted soils. Contaminants may also be ingested by consuming contaminated soil dust in the garden or through eating foods that have come into contact with contaminated dirt such as lettuce or root vegetables.

Consequences of Not Recycling Computers

Recycling Computers

4. Health Issues

Most people throw their old computers, cell phones and other electronics away because they think they have reached the end of their useful lives. However, a simple phone call to a local recycling company can put those old devices back to work while ensuring they don’t end up in the trash.

When e-waste is thrown in landfills or incinerators, harmful emissions are released that contaminate the air and soil. These toxins then enter the food chain and cause damage to plants, animals, and humans.

Many people also don’t realize that e-waste is routinely exported to developing countries where workers use improper methods to recycle them. The result is that dangerous metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium are leached into the soil and water, harming the residents of those regions. Exposure to these chemicals can also impact the health of unborn babies, causing stillbirths and affecting birth weight. This is called teratogenic effects. It can be caused by exposure to toxic materials such as barium, chromium, nickel and lead.

Beyond Surplus, Electronics RecyclingIT Equipment Disposal & Data Destruction
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14474660673037836871
1835 S Cobb Industrial Blvd SE #105, Smyrna, GA 30082
(404) 334-9789
https://www.beyondsurplus.com/

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Our Process

Businesses can schedule a pickup. Residential customers can mail-in or schedule a pickup for a fee .

Compile List of Items to be Recycled

Provide as much detail as possible. e.g 5 computers, 3 printers, 2 laptops, etc.

Contact Beyond Surplus and Request a Recycling Pick up or Drop off

Schedule over the phone, by email or by filling out our form

Pick Up or Drop Off

Pickup or drop off will be scheduled based on your preferred date and time. Confirmation email wil be sent confirming pickup or dropoff

We Handle Logistics

We do all the planning, heavy lifting, and nationwide logistics coordination including on or offsite hard drive shredding so you can focus on your business.

Secure Wiping Data

Our wiping methods are certified. Rest assured your data and information is secure with beyond surplus. Certificates of destruction available upon request.

Certification

Certificates of recycling & data destruction are available for each load of equipment picked up. These are contractual written guarantees that your equipment will be disposed of responsibly.

Service Areas

Navigating the Various Rules and Regulations As They Pertain To Your Industry Can Seem Daunting. We Can Help. Leverage Our Nationwide Footprint.
We do all the planning, heavy lifting, and logistics coordination including on or offsite hard drive shredding so you can focus on your business.

ACR

GAR

SED

KCR

Georgia Service Area

Electronic Recycling Services in Atlanta, GA

Customer Testimonials

What our customers are saying about us.

"We have used Beyond Surplus twice now for recycling laptops and desktops no longer needed within the company. They were fast and efficient with coming to get and haul away our old items. I definitely recommend them for businesses in the Atlanta area."

Jason Strain

"Five stars all the way. Instant call back, immediate scheduling even on a holiday, cooperative, thorough and attentive with pickup arrangement, on-time arrival and courteous and personable driver who knows his job and how to do it (load skids and wrap them for transport). Absolutely a great service and I am grateful for it. Many thanks."
RRauh

"Twice now Beyond Surplus has professionally and quickly removed our company's e-waste. They are very easy to work with and I cannot recommend them highly enough. We will definitely be using them in the future."
Jennice Ozment

FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions on the services that we provide.

Why should I take my old electronics to an electronic recycling center?

When it comes to disposing of old electronics, electronic recycling centers provide the most responsible and environmentally friendly solution. Electronic recycling is a process that repurposes electronic components such as computers and mobile phones into new, usable items like new computers or cell phones. By taking your old electronics to a recycling center, you will be preventing them from entering landfills where they can cause considerable environmental damage due to hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. In fact, research shows that throwing away an old computer can contribute more than 4 pounds of greenhouse gases into the environment!

Why should hard drives be destroyed by professionals?

Data security: improper disposal of old hard drives can lead to severe data breaches.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the “Disposal Rule” which requires companies to properly dispose of personally identifiable information (PII) on computer hard drives or other digital media. The goal is to reduce the risk of data breaches and identity theft by holding companies accountable for their handling of consumer information. This rule sets the crosshairs of the FTC on the computer-recycling, IT Asset Disposal and digital media destruction process of an organization.

Who recycles computers in Atlanta?

We provide it equipment disposal services to a wide range of clients, including government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, universities, data centers, residential customers and much more.

What area do you service?

We pickup Nationwide from all contiguous United States. Handling All aspects of pickup, removal, and logistics.

Do you charge a fee to pick up equipment for recycling?

Contact Us With A List Of Equipment You Have to go over your options. Beyond Surplus will handle the logistics of equipment pick-up and delivery to its warehouse from your company’s location(s). We also make arrangements to use our own equipment, and or a trucking company to facilitate pick-up and delivery. Beyond Surplus will provide the labor to move and palletize the equipment on site and deliver to its warehouse if necessary. Additionally, Beyond Surplus will provide technicians to de-install equipment if necessary.

Can you recycle iPads?

Yes, you can absolutely recycle your old iPad. iPad recycling or any other electronic device is one of the best ways to reduce waste and limit environmental damage. The benefits of recycling your old device are countless—not only does it keep gadgets out of landfills, but it also helps extend the life cycle of materials used in manufacturing new products and decreases the need to harvest more raw materials from the planet’s resources.

Do you have a list of items you accept for recycling?

Do you have minimum quantity pickup requirements for businesses?

YES, Recycle 1 Pallet (40″x48″x5′ pile of stuff) for priority pickup, or if less you can drop off or wait for truck to be in the area.

Must the equipment be on a pallet before being picked up?

NO, The best possible way to transport LARGE QUANTITY of obsolete computer equipment is on pallets. Gaylord (Bulk) boxes (a 4-cube, heavy cardboard box that is filled on a pallet) provide the best stability.
We have found that neatly stacking components, even monitors, on a pallet will be stable for transport if shrink-wrapped well.

While having the equipment packed or palletized prior to pick up is ideal and results in a quick pick up, we know some businesses are located in High rise buildings, office parks, or locations without a loading dock or have no Pallets or Boxes to prepare the equipment for pick up. This is not a problem, Let us know, we come prepared with all the required equipment to safely remove the equipment from your building to our truck and to our warehouse.

Do you Accept Paper, Cardboard, Glass?

NO, Please contact your local City or sanitation department for the proper recycling & disposal of these item types.

Do you pick up large office copiers?

Yes, Just the copiers? Copiers Only? Request a quote, Can The Fee Be Waived? Yes Only if picked up with 2 or more pallets worth of computer or IT equipment to offset the cost. Copiers can be dropped off at our warehouse.

Do you buy scrap metal or aluminum cans? Are you a scrap metal yard?

NO, Beyond Surplus currently DOES NOT purchase ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. We  do accept scrap metal with NO Pay NO Charge.

Do you have an area that the equipment be dropped off at your warehouse after business hours?

NO, All equipment drop offs must be supervised during business hours per EPA guidelines.

Do you charge a fee for recycling?

Yes & No, One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Is there a Fee to drop off equipment for recycling?” For the most part NO depending on the items, please check our accepted items page to determine if there is a fee or not.

NO Charge for Computer LCD or LED Monitors

Do you pay for equipment dropped off for recycling?

NO, some equipment actually costs Beyond Surplus to recycle and dispose off correctly.

Do you pick up items for recycling from homes?

NO, RESIDENTIAL pick ups are available at this time, however items can be dropped off at our warehouse. This includes businesses operated out out homes.

Please refer to the yellow pages for companies that offer residential pickup if items cannot be dropped off at the Beyond Surplus warehouse.

Are there any limits to the amount of electronics customers can drop off?

NO, you can drop off or Businesses can schedule pick up of any quantity of items on our Accepted Items list.

Can I Schedule a Pickup over the Phone?

NO, We prefer that you submit a pickup request online at your convenience gathering all the required information,  some information like pictures of equipment and inventory lists cannot be sent over the phone furthermore an online signature is required for all pickup requests.

Do you have other drop off locations In Georgia?

NO, Just the Smyrna location. If you are unable to drop off items  at the Marietta Beyond Surplus warehouse please contact your city, county or sanitation department for your nearest recycling drop off center.

Can I mail in my equipment to be recycled by USPS, FedEx, UPS or Freight?

YES, Please contact us for instructions, depending on the items we can pay for shipping.

Don't let obsolete IT equipment become your liability

Without professional IT asset disposal, you risk data breaches, environmental penalties, and lost returns from high-value equipment. Choose Beyond Surplus to transform your IT disposal challenges into opportunities.

Join our growing clientele of satisfied customers across Georgia who trust us with their IT equipment disposal needs. Let us lighten your load.