Efficient Removal And Recycling For Desktop Computers

Although mobile devices and laptop computers have become a major part of personal technology, the desktop still stands as a powerful, high-capacity tool. There's a lot of materials that go into a desktop's design, and a lot of it can be recycled both for the sake of the environment and for a bit of cash from recycling centers. Take a look at a few recycling points inside desktop computers and easy ways to recycle.

Computer Case Recycling

The first recycling point is the computer case itself. Plastic is recyclable and can be put into a compact pile, but metals such as aluminum bring in decent rates. Although the pay rate for any material is subject to daily change, aluminum is still in demand and worth the small effort to remove from computers.

Plastic molding and design pieces need to be removed, but the aluminum of a computer chassis is relatively easy to separate from everything else. Desktop computers are held in place with a series of cross-tip/Phillips screws. Every major component is either screwed into place or resting on a shelf in the computer case, and can be removed with a screwdriver at the the hardest points.

Make sure to have a versatile set of screwdrivers to make sure you have the right size for removing a screw. Computer build quality is different across the computer industry and even within a single company, so you may be dealing with some inferior, tightly-locked screws. Once the other components are removed, it's easy to set the case aside for stacking or crushing.

Heat Sinks Are Easy To Store

Heat sinks are used to cool down components that get hot quickly, such as the processor or the North and South bridge. Their design is usually in the form of a solid block core with thin fins of metal on the outside. Most computers use aluminum for heat transfer, although both aluminum and copper can be found in different custom or high-performance computers. 

You don't need to break down the heat sinks for storage, although you should consider handling the components with gloves. Heat sink fins are very thin and machine-cut, leaving behind sharp edges that will cut if you so much as slide a finger across the fins. Be sure to clean off any thermal transfer compound/grease to avoid staining other materials.

If you don't have anywhere to store smaller components, contact a garbage disposal professional like one from B-P Trucking Inc to get the containers you need and to schedule pickup if you plan on scrapping computers long-term.  

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