Don't Throw Away Perfectly Good Computer Components
If you're upgrading to a completely new computer or need to replace a broken one, you may be at odds about what to do with your old system. Even if the computer seems useless to you, there may be some valuable components and materials that could be very useful to other computer enthusiasts or scrap metal searchers. Before throwing the computer to the side of the road, look for a few key components to get a little more recyclable mileage out of your old system.
Hard Drives Have Value, Working Or Not
Hard drives are used to store most of the information on your computer. All of your documents, pictures, videos and songs are kept on the hard drive, along with the operating system that keeps the system functioning and easily used by you.
Before throwing out the computer, pull out the hard drive and make sure it works. Hard drives are a major component, so instead of buying a new drive at full retail price, you can format (erase) the old drive to run like new.
If you have information on the old hard drive, you can connect it to the old computer and use it as a really big storage space for data. Your old programs may not work properly by just plugging it up, but your documents are usually usable as long as you don't format the drive.
For a broken hard drive, don't just throw it away! Scrap metal recycling professionals can use the aluminum casing to keep the metal production industry in check. There are also rare earth magnets inside the hard drives that are sought after by industry professionals and hobbyists alike.
It'll take some hard prying and unscrewing in order to get to the good parts of the hard drive, so make sure to have a tool set handy.
Memory Modules Can Be Used Elsewhere
Memory is used to store the most common files used by a computer for faster access later. Instead of searching the entire hard drive for resources that are used thousands of times per second, the memory gives a quick delivery. With more memory, more files can be given to the processor at high speeds.
It's rare for memory to simply break unless physically damaged or faulty from the factory. The only thing stopping you from reusing memory in any random computer is the fact that every generation of memory has a physical notch that blocks the ability to mismatch versions.
The Double Data Rate standard is used for most consumer and business workstation computers, DDR3 being the current as of 2015 and DDR4 entering the market. The DDR number determines speed capabilities, but it also corresponds to the aforementioned notches.
Always try to remove memory for later storage, as they still have value and are relatively easy to store. To find out about more recyclable components or to find the proper way to dispose of your computers if you can't get rid of them by hand, contact a garbage removal professional at General Waste Removal.
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