Guide to the Best Computer Disposal Toronto
Computers come and go. Every year, new releases of hardware are in the tens and hundreds, maybe even thousands. Indeed, the evolution of technology stops for no one. But as new ones come out, old ones also break; some may fail due to old age, while some break due to lapses in software. Nevertheless, at some point, disposing old computers are necessary to keep up with new technology. Yet, finding the right computer disposal Toronto might be challenging.
There are many common misconceptions surrounding computer disposal Toronto, one of which is that once you drop them off, you are done and accounted for. But this is not the case, as there are many factors to consider if you want to dispose of your computer right. One aspect may be how you dispose of them, while another might be the place where you go to drop them off. All-in-all, a lot of thought must go into the computer disposal process before you proceed.
What is Computer Disposal?
In a nutshell, computer disposal is the disassembling and recycling of components from computers. While the reuse, donation, and repair of computers are not recycling per se, they still fall under processes that dispose of IT waste. Specifically, disposed of computers are part of electronic waste or commonly known as ‘e-waste.’ Experts estimate that by 2021, the world will have around 57 million tons of yearly e-waste.
What constitutes as e-waste includes all electronics that are at or past their usable life. The lifespan of electronics can range from around 10 years for laptops, to 2 years for smartphones. The computer disposal process can take place in many ways. Some people choose to donate their old computers, while others drop theirs off at e-waste recycling centers.
Importance of Computer Disposal
Newton’s Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed; it can only be converted. This principle is also true for old electronics and computers; when you throw them away, they don’t magically disappear. Everything has to go somewhere after all, and that includes electronic waste.
Contrary to popular belief, electronic waste does not decompose like natural waste. The manufacturing that makes these electronics involves materials such as plastics, precious metals, and heavy metals. And these materials, when not disposed of properly, pose a risk to the environment. A harmful practice is by dumping or by incineration, which endangers the health of either the soil or the atmosphere, respectively. And materials such as mercury and lead used in the production become even more toxic when in contact with air or fire. Thus, computer disposal Toronto must be done correctly.
A benefit of proper computer disposal is it opens the possibility for recycling. Precious metals contained in computer parts like steel and aluminum can be repurposed for future use, and not necessarily for electronics production. When it comes to recycling processes, it can either be the reclamation of devices or recycling itself.
Reclaiming a device works by swapping out the old, non-functional parts and replacing them with new ones. When it comes to computers, this process is usually called ‘refurbishing’, where disposed of computers are professionally repaired and re-sold. Recycling, on the other hand, involves salvaging the available parts or materials from the computer for future use.
Furthermore, the process of recycling presents a decisive stand for environmental stability. By reusing old materials from electronic devices, we’re able to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve valuable resources. Gold, glass, silver, palladium are typical examples of these materials that are reusable. However, recycling is not a one-stop-shop kind of process.
It’s essential to choose the right organizations to conduct these tasks. And more often than not, the reusable materials are connected to the toxic materials in electronic devices. So it’s crucial to entrust the process to a business or organization that not only gets the job done, but also has the preservation of the environment in its best interest. This is all the while following the required standards for electronic waste management during the process.
Computer Disposal Methods in Toronto
Once you’re ready, there a few methods when it comes to computer disposal Toronto. Here are a few:
The City of Toronto
One method is you can drop them off at the city government. The City of Toronto ensures that all electronic waste is recycled and taken care of, away from landfills. And there are different drop-off options, such as putting it out during garbage day or donated for reuse.
The local government implements a few policies when it comes to collecting electronic wastes on garbage day, which include the following:
- (1) Electronic items must be 2 feet away from the Garbage Bin;
- (2) The garbage collection crew must see the items;
- (3) Large items like computer monitors must be on the ground;
- (4) Small items like computer peripherals must either be in a cardboard box or a clear plastic bag;
- (5) A different collection crew will then pick up the electronic items.
But this method has one problem: privacy issues. When most of our information is now online, data privacy is an absolute must. This computer disposal method does not take into account erasing the personal information in your device. So while it is free and easy, it does not guarantee the safety of one’s data.
Recycling e-waste companies
Another method for computer disposal Toronto is recycling e-waste companies. These centers specialize in dealing with electronic waste management and ensure that your waste goes back to the environment properly. These companies also salvage recyclable components from used electronics to minimize environmental footprint. To add, most e-recycling companies in Toronto are certified and are compliant with environmental standards. They assure you that when you drop off your computer in a recycling center, you are recycling materials for future use.
Although, recycling centers also require that you destroy your data before putting them up for computer disposal Toronto. Some recycling e-waste companies are not certified when it comes to data destruction. Your data security can still be compromised if you don’t choose the right method for computer disposal Toronto.
E-waste drop-off centers
If you’re looking to get rid of your electronics quickly, an e-waste drop-off center might be what you’re looking for. This method of computer disposal Toronto is short but sweet: deposit your electronic waste in free drop-off centers and leave. It’s a simple, no-nonsense method of disposing of computers and other electronics without all the research and processes that come with it.
But as with the previous methods, your personal information is still vulnerable. Even more so in a free e-waste drop-off center. These centers are free for a reason: you are in-charge of erasing your data. They will not be responsible in the unlikely event that you suffer a data breach because you weren’t able to erase your computer before disposing of it.
Charity centers
More often than not, some disposed are not completely inoperable, per se. The passage of time renders old hardware obsolete in the face of newer hardware and software. Another option for computer disposal Toronto is to leave old computers with non-profit charities. Other people might benefit from the spare parts salvaged from old electronics, while some may benefit from repaired computers. In this way, others may use disposed computers to the fullest, until they’re no longer functional.
Like the methods stated above, data destruction must also be done before donation, to avoid any leaks in personal information.
IT companies
On the topic of computer disposal Toronto, an IT company is not the first thing to mind. When we think of disposal, it’s either of waste management facilities or drop-off centers. But an IT company’s primary purpose is to ensure that all systems, devices, and software are working correctly. So computer disposal services are not too far off from their functions. Some IT companies specialize in repairs and IT solutions, which makes it easier to drop computers off at these places. click here to learn more.
Abtron is a stark example of these companies. Despite supplying IT equipment and services, Abtron also specializes in secure data destruction and IT asset disposal that’s crucial in computer disposals.
Dispose Responsibly with Abtron
As with everything, there is a right way when it comes to computer disposal Toronto. Certain risks come with improper computer disposal, such as endangering the environment and as well as risking one’s personal information. Burying them in landfills or smashing them to pieces is not an option. It’s important to remember that electronic waste does not function as regular waste and may cause some repercussions if not taken care of properly.
And given how fast technology is moving nowadays, the removal of inoperable computing equipment is essential to individuals and businesses alike. But let’s face it: navigating through disposal policies and electronic waste regulations might be tricky and time-consuming. Furthermore, these tasks can also be daunting and costly if not managed properly.
When it comes to the best computer disposal Toronto, you can trust Abtron Computer Services Inc. With over 25 years of experience, Abtron is committed to providing quality computing services that can fit your needs. You can be sure that your computer and your data are properly disposed of without any compromises. Contact us today!
