[Discuss] Recycling old computers

[pw]

Anthony Howe wrote:
> Does anyone know where to take old computers to get recycled in Victoria.
> And if so do you know how much it costs? And how was the service.  I have
> three 486 computers I need to get rid of and want to avoid throwing them in
> the dumpster.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Anthony

You can take them to the dump and put them into the metal recycling bin
there.

If you really want to be finicky, separate all the plastic parts from
the metal case and put them into the miscelaneous plastic recycling bin.

The bits of circuit board and plastic are not a problem for iron
recycling because the iron smelting process super heats the plastics to
carbon anyway. Carbon is *good* and required for steel smelting.

Unfortunately there is no circuit board nibbler in Victoria. This would
grind up circuit boards, so that they may be treated with an acid or
alkali solution, to recover metals like gold, copper and lead.
Fortunately most circuit boards are now soldered lead free.
Not 486's though.

For the sake of keeping the lead out of the landfill,
*DONT* throw electronics of any kind in the dumpster.
CRT Monitors are the worst since they contain mercury
as well as lead.

The charge for entering the recycling area at the dump is
$3.00.


Peter