Formulating Efficient Business Computer Recycling Plans

Business computers, servers, copiers, and many parts of the Information Technology (IT) asset inventory require more control and careful removal than in past decades. With environmental concerns, fines, and even incentives for proper recycling, it's in a business' best interests to make sure that computer recycling processes follow some sort of standard procedure. If your business lacks a computer recycling procedure, don't just send a few people to carry boxes around; a few recycling points can help you maximize the money reclaimed from old systems while avoiding common recycling pitfalls.

Mastering The Business Restack Process

In many IT consulting firms, the process of moving/removing old computers and bringing in new computers is called a restack or refresh, as it's meant to bring in new technology while replacing old technology. This is different from a fresh install or new construction because it involves moving out old equipment, which is a lot more involved than it sounds on paper.

Both remove and installing computers requires some basic computer knowledge, and the staff performing the moves are usually entry level professionals becoming more comfortable with basic IT tasks. You can't just pick up the computer and walk away with it; the cables and connections must be properly unscrewed, unclamped, or otherwise taken apart in a way that could cause costly damage if not done properly.

This has to be done twice with restack operations as old systems are removed and new systems are brought in. Except for the rare situations where cabling suddenly goes through a massive increase in speed or capacity, the cables must be carefully handled for a simple connection later.

Adding The Recycling Component

Training for proper removal is best left to the IT professionals, so either contact an business IT consultant firm or instruct your IT department to begin proper assembly/disassembly training beforehand. Your concern is to figure out how to integrate recycling inside the building and a delivery option outside of the building.

Removal staff should have convenient areas to stack old computers before taking them outside. This is mostly for organization, as a disorganized stream of workers unplugging systems and walking through doorways can lead to accidents.

A garbage collection and recycling company can provide recycling bins for any small materials that aren't completely attached to computers. If you want to salvage specific components, such as rare earth magnets from hard drives or aluminum heat sinks, you may want to get color-coded recycling bins to make separation and carrying easier for workers.

Outside of the building, disposal and delivery can be combined into one process. A roll off container can be rented and staged outside of your business on the designated removal day(s), and different services are available for efficient loading.

The key is to make it as easy as possible for workers to walk outside of the building, place the recyclable computers and other equipment, then get the rest of their work. This can be done with ground-mounted or ramp-accessible containers, but the container company may have specific techniques available to make it easier.

Contact a sanitation and recycling professional for roll off containers rental and other services to keep your next business recycling plan as efficient as possible. Check out the site for more information.   


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