Technology or trash?

So you finally got that new computer. Of course, you replaced your piddly 17-inch monitor with a gleaming 22-inch beauty and traded your standard keyboard for a cool ergonomic one that provides rest for tired wrists. But what can you do with your outdated PC and all its accessories? If you’re thinking about tossing it all into a Dumpster, think again. Eric Bisiar, owner of Recycle Techs, warns that there are a lot of toxic materials like mercury and lead in the machine’s circuitry and the big CRT monitors. Nine years ago, Bisiar opened Recycle Techs. The company originally specialized in recycling retired computer and office equipment, but has since expanded into computer sales and service. Today, the majority of the work at the Spokane Valley-based business continues to be helping individuals and businesses dispose of unwanted computers safely. In addition to protecting the environment and landfills from harmful substances, the proper disposal of computer hardware offers eco-conscious consumers an innovative way to recycle. At Recycle Techs, one person’s trash really can be another’s treasure. “We try to get the full life out of systems,” said Bisiar. A large work area adjacent to the showroom contains bins full of components ready to be re-purposed. Hard metals, glass, circuitry, and cables all have value. Bisiar said it’s more economical for manufacturers to recycle the platinum and copper found in computer components than it is to mine it. Items collected will either be recycled or refurbished. The company doesn’t work with any hazardous materials on site. Destroyed equipment is dismantled at the facility and then sent to a Washington State-approved precious metal extractor. There, all toxic materials from circuit boards and monitors are removed and then reused or disposed of properly. Bisiar is proud that all recycling done through his company is done with utmost concern for worker safety and environmental protection. Recycle Techs is a Washington State approved e-waste collector. “I’ve seen videos of recycling done overseas with kids playing on piles of computer parts,” he said. To regulate computer disposal, Recycle Techs will not dispose or resell computers outside of the United States. Computers shipped overseas are not subject to the same hazardous waste disposal practices as within the U.S., and many unwanted computers overseas end up in landfills. When it comes to disposing of computers, Bisiar said environmental concerns aren’t the only issue: security is also important. “If you toss your old computer in the Dumpster, even if you think you’ve deleted all the files, someone may be able to access your files and get information,” he said. Recycle Techs employees use professional software to remove data and write over the hard disk. If it looks like some data may remains in some cases, there’s a very effective plan B: a 35-ton press that crushes the machine. The business’ shelves are lined with towers, monitors and other computer bits and pieces, which Bisiar and his crew use as parts for the repair/rebuild portion of the business. “We do virus removal, system upgrades, laptop repair— it’s a full-service shop.” Bisiar said. They can even custom-build a computer to your specifications. The spacious showroom features everything from LCD monitors to laptops. Much of the equipment available for purchase comes from large corporate buyouts, such as when companies routinely upgrade their machines every two to three years. Refurbished systems are available at significant discounts. So far, the recycling business has been great. Recycle Techs currently has five employees and two months ago opened a second area location on north Nevada Street. Washington residents can drop off computer towers, monitors, laptops and even televisions at no charge. Non-Washington residents are subject to recycling fees. Bisiar estimates 60 percent of his recycling business comes from corporate clients and 40 percent from residential clients. According to Recycle Tech’s web site, more than 3.2 million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills each year. To Bisiar, that’s shameful and he hopes consumers will become savvier. “Pretty much everything can be recycled,” he said.