Electronics recycling and computer recycling are essential for any businesses thinking about "Going Green". Now you just can't say I'm going to recycle and everything will magically will work out all by itself. You need to set a formal business plan in your company with proper procedures for electronics recycling.

When developing a plan to recycle electronics and computers within your company, consider the following:

1. What types of electronic products are accepted?
2. Who makes the decision in what is to be recycled for my company?
3. Finding a company that offers free pickup for my equipment.
4. Finding a recycling event in my area.
5. Can I be paid for donating equipment?

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

Common Electronics and Computer Equipment for Recycling and Disposal

You need to be aware of which products most electronics recycling centers accept. Cell phones, computers, most forms of batteries, copiers, printers, computer monitors (CRT), computer parts, phones, network equipment, laptops, televisions (TVs), and household appliances to name the most common.There are even some companies that will pay you for your electronic equipment.

I recommend: Go to ecycling.com for updates for electronic products they recycle.

Who Decides what is to be Recycled?

For a business, it's probably best to assign one person to designate if a electronic device should be recycled or not. This way you avoid disposing a piece of equipment that only may have needed small maintenance done to it to be fixed.

I recommend: Have someone in the IT department make this decision. Someone who works with computers and computer equipment will know whether or not the piece of equipment can be fixed or disposed.

Choose a Computer Recycling Center that offers Free Pickup

There is no reason why you should pay to have someone pickup your old and broken electronics equipment while most e-cycling centers offer free pickup. Considering recycling centers are in the business to make money off precious materials in electronic devices, there is room for these companies to pay for your shipping.

I recommend: Use the company Ecycling.com. Backed with experience from Network Liquidators, they have had the experience of asset recovery since 1996.

Donate your Electronic Equipment to a Local Event

There are companies and government agencies that hold events locally in your area for you to drop off electronic equipment.

I recommend: A great place to look up electronic recycling companies by state starts at E-Cycling Central.you should also look up you state government site to see which programs are recommended for drop-offs.

Get Paid for Donating Electronics and Computer Equipment

Most electronic recycling companies don't publish their prices in what they are will to pay for equipment. Most companies prefer to only pay for donations of large quanties.

I recommend: When calling a Ecycling company ask them what they will pay for your broken and old electronics. Inevitably, they will at least pay for the pick-up or shipping cost.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Explore different options that fit your company's needs for recycling and disposal of electronics and computer equipment. Example, if you are a large company, try scheduling a reoccurring day for a Ecycler to come and pick up your equipment.
• •  Make sure you get the most money out of donation. Look at it as savings you can apply to purchases for replacement equipment.
• •  After you find a recycling program, you can display that company has gone 'Green'. This looks good for your company's image.
• •  Tell other organizations about the options there are for donating electronic equipment. The more people that are aware, the more we can help save the environment.