Q: When is a Computer not a
Computer?
A: When you throw it away; then some
of it is hazardous waste.
Q: What's so bad about a computer?
A: The monitor contains a Cathode
Ray Tube that is heavily shielded with lead to protect
you while using it. The lead level is high enough
to be hazardous waste and will leach into groundwater
or soil if improperly handled. Processors, printers,
and many other electronics with printed circuit boards
also have potentially toxic levels of lead solder.
CPU's have batteries that may contain mercury, zinc
or cadmium. Other equipment may also have switches
containing mercury, which is extremely toxic.
Q: Why can't I just throw it
out in the trash?
A: It is against Federal and State
regulations to discard hazardous waste in a non hazardous
waste landfill or incinerator. Any company or organization
that does so may be subject to fines and other prosecution,
plus, may also have long term Superfund liability.
This can mean very high legal expenses in addition
to your share of the cleanup costs. Most computers
have several serial numbers that can be readily traced
back to the original purchasers.
Q: Is there anything good about
old computers and electronics?
A: YES. All of the computer, even
the hazardous materials can be safely recycled. Sometimes,
all or part of it can be refurbished and sold for
Reuse. Schools or charities can use some equipment.
Individual components, such as CD-ROM drives or modems
may be reusable. However, most older equipment needs
to be De-Manufactured which entails dismantling, sorting
and grading of the components. These sorted products
may have some use for their component value or will
be recycled for their metal values, including precious
metals such as silver, palladium, gold and platinum
and other metals such as lead, copper, steel and aluminum.
Based upon the value of the resulting items and the
cost to dismantle and separate them, we pay for some
equipment, we charge for other equipment.
Q: What is Asset Management?
A: Converting functioning intact
electronic equipment that no longer is in use into
a cash asset. With Electronic Recycling Technologies’
extensive network of electronics buyers, we can purchase
certain equipment for Reuse. If after testing it meets
our specifications, we will purchase it, refurbish
it and market it to a retail distributor or end user.
Your liability is eliminated by this purchase of functioning
computers & monitors.
Q: If I recycle the computer
do I eliminate all my liability?
A: YES. When you ship to Electronic
Recycling Technologies your material is exempt from
hazardous waste regulations. You have no long-term
liability. NOTHING IS LANDFILLED. If we purchase equipment
for Reuse, we document it was working equipment, not
scrap and you again have your liability eliminated.
Q: What does Electronic Recycling Technologies
do with the computers that can't be refurbished?
A: They are de-manufactured and the
components recycled.
Material |
Recycled Into |
| Circuit boards |
Metals, gold, silver, palladium, copper
Lead recycled, chips salvaged |
| Cathode Ray Tubes |
New leaded glass or lead for batteries |
| Drives |
New drives or aluminum & steel |
| Wire, cases |
New steel, and copper, or aluminum |
| Batteries |
Mercury, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lithium |
| Mercury switches |
Mercury |
| Plastic |
New plastic or fuel to make steam and electricity |
Q: Are there any other reasons
to recycle my electronics and computers?
A: YES. Millions of computers and
other electronics become obsolete every year. Disposal
is wasting valuable resources and has the potential
to poison the land, air or water. Storage of useless
equipment is a waste of expensive, valuable space.
Waste minimization and recycling of all waste, when
possible, is also required under the regulations.
And most importantly, it is the BEST thing to do.
Q: Is there a lot of paperwork
involved?
A: NO. You simply let us know what
inventory you want removed and we take care of the
rest. You can deliver the material to the facility
in Buffalo or Electronic Recycling Technologies will
arrange for a pickup at your location. Because we
are a recycler, the material shipped is exempt from
hazardous waste manifesting requirements and waste
hauling requirements. We also prepare a simple notice
you are required to make to the New York State DEC.
It is all easy and convenient.
Q: Does Electronic Recycling
Technologies provide any proof of recycling?
A: YES. Electronic Recycling Technologies
sends a Certificate of Recycling, which fully documents
the disposition of your equipment. This Certificate
demonstrates you have complied with all the applicable
regulations.
Q: Is this service very expensive?
A: NO. It is less expensive than
hazardous waste disposal; many items are bought, but
it is slightly more expensive than tossing it out
with the trash. For that small investment you will
be in compliance with the regulations, eliminate all
your liability and save valuable resources. Compared
to the liability of improper disposal or the cost
of hazardous waste disposal, Electronic Recycling
Technologies services are a real bargain.
Q: Why should I choose Electronic
Recycling Technologies to be my recycling vendor?
A: Electronic Recycling Technologies
is a New York State DEC Registered electronics dismantler.
Electronic Recycling Technologies offers complete
liability elimination, the best values for sellable
equipment, expert dismantling of obsolete equipment
and dedicated service for packing or transport: all
at extremely competitive prices. This gives you a
very high value service.
Q: How can I get in touch with
Electronic Recycling Technologies?
A: We are located at 2000 Elmwood
Avenue in Buffalo, New York. Our phone number is (716)
447-0720 and our fax number is (716) 447-0723. Or
Email us at info@ERTrecycling.com.
Let us know how we can serve your electronic recycling
needs.
