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C h a p t e r 7 : h a p t e r 7 : R R e c y c l i n g e c y c l i n g 131 131

Often, companies don’t get rid of their end-of-life equipment. Instead, they fill up
closets and whatever open space they can find to store them. Some reasons not to recycle
old equipment include:

• Not knowing how to properly dispose of equipment.
• The slim chance the equipment might be used in the future.
• The possibility that the equipment can be given to another organization.

If you are in a similar situation and just don’t know what to do with old technology
(whether to recycle or donate), Earth911.org can help. This resource helps you locate local
sources for recycling, donating, or disposing of end-of-life equipment.
Another resource is the EPA’s eCycling program, which helps put your business in touch
with recycling for your electronics. The eCycling website is located at www.greenitinfo
.com/links under Link 7-1.
Most computer recyclers remarket working parts and entire computers because they are
able to recognize higher profits than through shredding and smelting to recover materials.
Table 7-1 lists some of the biggest recycling companies and their websites where you can
go for more information.

Company Website Comments PART III
Noranda/MicroMetallics Link 7-2 Emphasizes its accountability in
Corporation computer recycling.
Has three recycling facilities,
in Ontario, Tennessee, and California.
Waste Management Link 7-3 America’s largest recycler.
Member of Sony’s Take Back recycling
program.
IBM Credit Corporation Link 7-4 Offers online buyback for up to 250
(Select Asset Recovery computers.
Solutions from the left Offers a disk overwrite service to protect
navigation menu.) data.
Metech International Link 7-5 Recycling sites in Massachusetts and
California capable of handling 50 tons of
recycling per day.
Also operates sites in Thailand and
Malaysia.
Employs accountability in disposal of
material.
UNICOR Federal Prison Link 7-6 U.S. government recycling organization
Industries employing inmates.
Offers nationwide coverage.
TABLE 7-1 Some Major Recyclers