Disposing of Computers

Computers are essential devices nowadays, but their lifecycle is often short. What should you do when a computer no longer works or becomes outdated? We explain why and how computers should be recycled or disposed of properly.

Why Recycle Computers?

Computers contain many valuable and rare raw materials, such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum. These metals can be recycled and reused in the manufacturing of new devices. This saves natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of mining. Recycling also saves energy, as producing new metals requires much more electricity than processing recycled metals.

Computers also contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. These substances can cause health and environmental problems if they end up in landfills or nature. Therefore, computers should be disposed of properly to avoid polluting soil, water, or air.

How to Recycle or Dispose of Computers?

There are several options for computer recycling and disposal in Finland. Here are a few tips:

If the computer is still functional but you no longer need it, you can donate it to charity, sell it or give it to someone who can make use of it. If the computer is broken or outdated, you can take it to a free SER collection point that accepts electrical and electronic devices. These collection points are available, for example, at recycling centers, waste stations, and some stores. You can also return your old computer to the store if you buy a new one.

Before you give away your computer, remember to take care of data security. Remove all personal files, photos, and passwords from the computer. You can do this by emptying the trash bin, restoring the factory settings, or using a special data destruction program.

Recycling and disposing of computers are important for both the environment and the economy. By recycling, we save natural resources and energy, and by disposing of them properly, we prevent pollution and health risks!

Disposing of decommissioned computers can be a tedious task, especially if there are a lot of devices to dispose of and the data on the machines needs to be securely erased so that it cannot be retrieved. We can help with this. We receive or pick up decommissioned devices according to the agreement and handle them properly.