Go Green by Recycling your Old Computer to Make the World A Better Place

Every year, Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many people consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

One of the very important – but often overlooked – ways you and your business can go green is to donate or recycle your old computers, cell phones, and other electronics. Let's face it; if every business kept all of the computers they purchased over the past ten years, there would not be any room left for its employees. This is because computers, both personal and office-owned, tend to fizzle and die with their warranties. While this passing is predictable, the discarding of their shells and inner workings provides a dilemma for many owners.

Sadly, you cannot throw them out to sea or burn them and scatter the ashes over the Grand Canyon because they are full of mercury and other toxic chemicals, carcinogens and heavy metals that will, ultimately, seep into the ground and pollute water sources.

To find out more about how computers are recycled, check out the Earth Day video on our website:

No doubt you'll be amazed at not only how the materials are collected, but also the countless ways in which they can be reused – for everything from additional electronic devices to dental crowns! If you are interested in setting up an electronics recycling and hazardous collection event in your area, contact your local government for more information.

Additional Information

This year, folks in the Toronto area have a chance to turn their old computers into trees. No, it's not a magic act – it's a chance to dispose of your unwanted computer equipment in an environmentally sensitive and secure way (all information present on systems will be securely destroyed). Between April 16th and April 22nd, for every major item you recycle with Computation, they will plant a tree on your behalf via a $1 donation to Trees Canada.

Established in 1992, Tree Canada is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides financial support, resources, technical assistance, and education through working partnerships in order to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in rural and urban areas.

While the event is free of charge to the general public, those with large quantities, businesses and anyone with asset management or pick-up requirements should contact Computation prior to the event to discuss possible options.