Computerbank E-waste Recycling Guide

Date: February 2005.

Modified by Greg Follett and Kylie Davies using the Free Geek Recycling How To as a template. Original Free Geek How To available at http://web.freegeek.org/howto/recycling/index.html

Overview

This document details the process of sorting and recycling computer components and accessories. Recycling computers (aka stripping/demolishing) is a fun way to investigate the insides of a computer. Computerbank encourages everyone to 'have a go' at recycling.

Tools for recycling are located in the Computerbank tool box, which is located in workshop.

Quick Guide

First rule: Be careful. Safety comes first. Their are many sharp edges in a computer. Some things are heavy. Lift things onto benches safely.

• - > Before opening a system, STOP, get a coordinator to advise on what gets recycled and what gets saved.

Computers to be recycled will be labeled with a STRIP sticker or tag.

As a general rule, we keep all PCI cards, > 40x CD-ROMs, > 1G hard drives, weird things, and, EDO /SDRAM. AT power supplies and floppy drives should be left in the case (we only keep ATX, and we have far too many floppy drives!). If you are unsure of the difference between AT and ATX, ask, we love to teach you.

Second Rule: If you are unsure where something goes, ASK!

Circuit Board Box

Circuit boards ONLY. Cannot be attached to metal plates. Be sure that processors have been removed from motherboards.

Wire Bin

Copper wires only. No mice. No bits of metal.

C.P.U. Box

This box is for central processing units only.

Hard Drives (dead and under spec)

Dead hard drives can go straight into the milk crates located in the hard drive wiping area. ALL working hard drives, including under spec drives, need to be wiped before they can be recycled.

Mixed Metal Bin

This is for devices containing or made from steel. This includes monitors, printers, scanners etc. Ensure all circuit boards, wires and other easily recoverable scrap has been removed.

Aluminum Bin

Components that are completely Aluminum. Test with a magnet before placing in this bin. If magnet DOES NOT stick, place in this bin. Dismantle and stack to fill smallest space.

Paper and Cardboard

Go in appropriate bin.

Polystyrene

Large amounts of polystyrene gets saved up, until there is a large enough amount (car load) to take to the compaction centre. Store polystyrene next to the stairs at the rear of the warehouse.

Rubbish

Things such as plastic with no attached metal, CD/floppy disks, and other non metal odds and ends go in the general rubbish bin.

Metal Pick Ups

General metal pick ups are to be scheduled when the scrap metal bin, and the area around it, is full.  Scrap metal pick ups are scheduled on Thursday or Friday.

When the truck arrives, it may be necessary to find help to load the truck. Use the work gloves provided when handling sharp metal objects from the recycling bin.