In a city that is as big as Austin, there is bound to be a lot of electronic waste, especially used computers. Disposal of this type of waste is a serious challenge for city authorities, hence the need to find innovative and eco-friendly ways to dispose of the waste. The following are some of the best options for computer recycling in Austin.

Old computers are not usually completely useless. They can still be used for a wide range of other uses after repairs. For this reason, it may be a good idea to sell old PC's at throw away prices to people who do not have a computer, or those who need to get parts for their computers. You can post an ad advertising the sale or donation of the item online.

One of the best ways for getting rid of old computers is by giving them away to NGOs and other charitable organizations. The beneficiaries are usually learning institutions in developing nations. One may think that old computers are useless, but they can be very useful to other people. Charities usually donate these used computers to schools form computer training programs.

Most PC manufacturers have a buy-back plan for old computers. Consumers only need to return old computers to the manufacturer for issuance of a voucher. This will be used to purchase new computers from the same company at a much reduced cost. This kind of plan is very popular nowadays. In fact, other manufacturers of electronics have replicated the program.

Another option for disposing electronic waste is taking them to a recycler. The PC will first be dismantled and useful pieces like the RAM, hard drive and disc drives taken out; and later sold as spares. This is the most cost effective option, provided you do not exceed the weight limit specified by city authorities.

Computers do not contain many moving parts so they do not depreciate as fast as other machines. Even if a computer has become too old and broken down, replacing a few components is all that is needed to bring it back to normal operation. The average person can fix a faulty machine with easy. However, experts may be hired to revive a dead PC.

Computers, and many other types of electronics, contain heavy metals and harmful chemicals which should never be released to the environment. For instance, they may have mercury and other harmful elements. Therefore, they should never be buried in a landfill because the harmful compounds can leak into water sources like rivers, lakes or the aquifer.

Computer recycling is necessary because manufacturers are always coming up with new technology that is more powerful and efficient. Consumers are usually forced to buy these new devices to ensure that they enjoy the fruits of modern technology. Unfortunately, many of them do not know what to do with the old computers.