Understanding recycling and destruction of electronic scrap key terms allows the small business owner to make profitable and informed decisions on how to dispose of and gain savings from the recycling of office electronics. In a time when electronics become outdated at a breathtaking rate, retrieving as much of their value as possible while simultaneously promoting green business ethics is key to competing in the evolving market.

When a small business owner decides to recycle electronic scrap, they need to know what they are talking about. Understanding the language of this growing industry will provide a solid foundation on which to build recycling profit. When thinking of electronic scrap recycling, keep these items in mind.

1. Learn first the names of products involved recycling electronic scrap.

2. Realize the different categories and terms for different types of electronic waste.

3. Be aware of the basic language attached to recycling and destruction of electronic scrap.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the terms for the chemical and components that can be recycled

Stating that electronics can be recycled doesn't provide much detail as to what components and types of electronics are recycled. Knowing the names of both the materials recycled as well as the names of the electronics that contain them is the first step to getting a grasp of the electronic scrap recycling process and language.

I recommend: AERC Recycling Solutions offers a full list of many of the common chemical and material elements found in electronics that can be recycled. The North American Scrap Metal Network is an exchange site that lists the types of components and precious metals that recyclers can recover. By clicking on each component, you can read which products and materials contain those components.

Know the different categories of electronic scrap and the language associated with each type

Electronic scrap is broken down into a number of recycling processes and groups that determine both value and process. Knowing the differences between end of life scrap (circuit boards) and components scrap (capacitors, transistors) is key to separating materials and ensuring the best return for your business. It is also useful to know the type of scrap you are dealing with before approaching a recycling company.

I recommend: TheMetalCasting.Com site offers detailed information on the different types of end of life electronic recycling processes as well as the components associated with each process. Materials Processing Corporation specializes in recycling outdated electronics and recycling semiconductors and other components scrap. They provide a wealth of industry lingo and explanation of key terms.

Learn the terminology for the recycling process as well as the electronic scrap recycling process

After gaining a foundation in the terms governing the different materials of electronic scrap recycling, it is important to understand the language and terminology of the actual recycling and destruction processes. Whether or not you consider involving yourself or your business in this stage of the process, one should be able to communicate effectively with those that are.

I recommend: The Global Recycling Network provides a detailed glossary of recycling, its materials process and lingo. Global Investment Recovery is an electronic scrap recycling company that offers information about electronics recycling and its associated terminology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Give practical application to terminology by investigating electronic scrap recycling solutions and the process of destroying electronic scrap in your local area with visits to local scrap dealers.

In today's world of changing technology, computers, TVs, and other electronic equipment quickly becomes obsolete and next year's model replaces it. But what happens to all of these old electronics?

Electronics contain both valuable precious metals and toxic chemicals, so destruction of electronic scrap isn't easy. Instead, you need to ensure that your electronics make it into the hands of an electronic scrap recycling company that can effectively recycle the materials that can be recycled and dispose of those that are hazardous.

When selecting a company for destruction of electronic scrap, consider the following:

1. Find out what types of e-waste companies accept.

2. Get a quote on the recycling and destruction of electronic scrap.

3. Order hazardous waste containers and schedule a pickup for the containers online.

4. Consider reselling your electronics rather than donating them.

5. Check out a recycling program before giving them your electronics to make sure your computer won't be exported to a developing country.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what kind of electronic scrap recycling programs accept

Programs for the recycling and destruction of electronic scrap all accept different types of electronic. Most will specify that they accept all types of computers, televisions and electronic accessories, or that they only accept computers and computer accessories.

I recommend: Individual electronic scrap recycling programs may list what electronics they accept online, or you may need to request a report. If you have a local recycling service, contact them to find out if they recycle electronic scrap, or contact your local waste management company to find out if they deal with the destruction of electronic scrap.

Get a quote for recycling electronic scrap

Many electronic scrap recycling companies offer quick quotes online for all of their different services. Because recycling electronic scrap can be complicated, some companies may require you to call and talk to a representative to determine your e-waste management needs.

I recommend: Get a quick quote online for recycling electronic scrap, or get a quote on multiple services in addition to electronics recycling, including preparing computers for charitable donation. Some companies, such as EWaste Services and LEI may require that you contact them with an inquiry to receive a free quote.

Order containers for the recycling and destruction of electronic scrap

Destroying electronic scrap can create hazardous materials, so when recycling electronic scrap request appropriate containers for the shipment of your e-waste. Some companies offer online order of containers and shipment for recycling outdated electronics.

I recommend: Order storage containers online to pack up your waste for the electronic scrap recycling company. You can also schedule a pick up for recycling electronic scrap--simply pack your scrap electronics and have them picked up by the recycling company.

Consider recycling electronic scrap for a fee

Some companies will offer to purchase your used electronics, allowing you to profit from recycling electronic scrap rather than pay a company to remove it for you. Companies may purchase your electronics for the scrap metal or for resale.

I recommend: Contact a company about using a machine to extract the scrap metal for resale rather than paying someone else to take your used electronics. Rather than recycling electronic scrap, you can also resell the entire piece of equipment with a company that specializes in cleaning, refurbishing and reselling used electronics.

Check out company profiles before recycling electronic scrap

Don't trust just any company to recycle electronic scrap safely and responsibly. Check out electronic scrap recycling solutions for legitimate and safe disposal.

I recommend: Use an organization like Charity Watch to check out any nonprofit organization offering to donate or recycle electronic scrap materials. Some organizations do not actually have the technology to effectively recycle and dispose of electronic waste, and may in fact export waste to foreign landfills.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While many electronic scrap recycling companies offer data destruction and ensure that computers submitted for recycling or destruction do not contain sensitive material, be sure to take steps yourself to eliminate electronic and physical data before donating. Erase the hard drives on computers and also remove asset tags that may identify you or your company as the owner.

The recycling and destruction of electronic scrap is a growing business and integral part of the green evolution. From computers and cell phones to speakers and printers, electronics offers both the potential to green the small office but also save it money.

Whether you are considering beginning a scrap recycling program in your office or just trying to determine the cost effectiveness of electronic scrap recycling, understanding the basics of the process and the benefits it can bring is key. To get a grasp on recycling and destruction of electronic scrap basics:

1. Understand the different components of electronic scrap and how they are recycled.

2. Realize there is monetary value to electronic scrap.

3. Comprehend the impact of electronic scrap recycling on your small business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the process of semiconductor recycling and electronics recycling

Recycling electronic scrap is a new concept in recycling. Over ninety 90% of the modern computer is recyclable in some way. Learning about the different parts of electronics and how they are recovered and recycled is a great way to gain a basic knowledge of electronic scrap recycling.

I recommend: NewTech Recycling offers a great instructional video of the reclamation of the motherboard (semiconductor) from a computer and explains the process step by step. M & K Recovery Group offers information on both motherboard and precious metals recovery from computers. Under each section of their explanation, they list the types of electronic scrap that fall under that specific category.

Analyze electronic scrap recycling companies to gain better understanding of the process and profit

By studying an electronic scrap recycling company, its policies, process and profits, one can begin to understand the benefits of the electronic scrap recycling process. Some companies concentrate on the collection of scrap whereas others focus on the destruction of electronic scrap. Both types of recycling business are worth closer inspection.

I recommend: The people at ECS Refining Texas recycle electronic scrap and the company has an extensive website that list types of scrap, explains the recycling process and how the materials are reused. They offer links to other companies and websites dealing with all aspects of the electronic scrap process. Fox Electronics is an established electronic recycling company, which details the individual recycling processes. The company offers a lot of recovery and destruction services and is a good place to start your research.

Discover the benefits of recycling outdated electronics on your small business

Deciding to begin an electronic scrap recycling program at your business offers several possibilities. Many states offer tax credits for recycling electronic equipment. Cashing in on the value of precious metals in your old electronics adds money to your budget and of course, promoting green programs in the work place is great PR. If you purchase office equipment from a certain retailer consistently, it's important to learn about their 'take back' programs when it comes to their products and what incentives and discounts they offer for small business owners.

I recommend: BCS is an electronic scrap recovery and destruction company that offers detailed lists of products that can be recycled in the home office as well as the containers and pick up necessary for an office wide recycling program. James City County, VA Solid Waste offers details on office recycling programs as well as their benefits and how to promote them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Destroying electronic scrap can release potentially harmful toxins into the air and it is important to check local, state and federal regulations regarding the disposal and destruction of electronic waste.