Back by popular demand, one of our most viewed video tools of last year offers a glimpse into the life cycle of a laptop. You may have a general idea of what your options are when discarding your laptop computer at the end of its useful life, but what exactly happens when you choose electronics recycling for your retired asset?
This meticulous and environmentally conscious process not only positions you as a sustainability leader, but can offer a financial windfall for your business. Find out why your crucial decision to choose electronics recycling creates a lasting impact on your business and the environment.
The life cycle of a laptop
As you’ll discover in this video, you can expect a few key stages in the life cycle of a laptop. From raw materials to end-of-life, here’s what to expect from a laptop’s creation and useful life span:
Manufacturing
A laptop computer is made up of several materials: A circuit board is created from fiberglass and precious metals like silver and gold. A chassis is made from materials like copper, aluminum, and magnesium to distribute the laptop’s power and manage the heat. The screen, keyboard and outer components are forged from plastic. Finally, a laptop is fitted with a lithium battery to provide energy for use.
Distribution
Once a laptop is manufactured and processed, it’s distributed via various electronics sales channels. From those sales channels, the laptop is then sold to a business or consumer. Once purchased, the consumer (or employee, if sold to a business) is free to use the laptop for computing purposes for the length of its useful life.
End-Of-Life
Laptops, like all electronic equipment, will eventually reach a point where its usefulness begins to wane. Experts estimate the average functional life of a laptop is between three and five years, at which time the laptop begins to slow or malfunction. After that time period, consumers typically dispose of the laptop and begin the cycle all over again.
Electronics recycling for laptops
Most people think of electronics recycling as a last-step option at the end of a product’s useful life. However, you might be surprised to find that an e waste recycler can be an important partner at almost every stage of a laptop’s life cycle. As you’ll see in this video, an electronics recycler can be involved in such ways as:
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- Collecting engineering samples, dies and specialized test equipment from a manufacturer once a product is created
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- Recycling electronic goods and products that don’t meet quality control requirements, as well as excess parts
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- Handling units damaged in shipping, in demos, product return and overstock items that could be recycled
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- Refurbishing or recycling consumer laptops that have reached the end of their usefulness
Life Cycle Logistics
What can you expect from an e waste recycler if you decide to recycle your laptop at the end of its life cycle?
First, items are collected, inventoried, and sorted into categories based on their condition and the type of electronics. Then, all the laptops are thoroughly reviewed and sanitized of all data, storage and sensitive information. Electronics that are in good condition are refurbished or repaired to be resold to a new consumer, and electronics that are considered scrap are dismantled and de-manufactured. Any useful metals or other raw materials are harvested, and other items are shredded using equipment made specifically for destroying electronics materials. We provide full traceability and transparency on all recovered electronic assets and streamline every aspect of your ITAD program to deliver an efficient and profitable strategy for your business.
Whether you’re planning ahead or you have laptops nearing end-of-life, electronics recycling is a choice that benefits both the environment and your wallet. What otherwise might end up in a landfill creating toxic waste can instead be made into a new product for re-use. And, when you use a certified electronics recycling partner, you can rest assured that your data is protected every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help find a new use for your discarded laptop.
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