Richmond Hill Takes On Computer Recycling
by Ken Mantle
Because a computer and its parts contain harmful toxins, it has the potential to affect human health and the environment when improperly disposed. The following tips can help you avoid these dangers.
Reduce - The best way to be environmentally friendly is to make your computer last as long as possible. Try upgrading your computer or having it repaired, replacing only the necessary components rather than the entire system. By doing this, you can extend the life of your computer, saving yourself money and helping the environment.
Reuse ? When you no longer need your old computer equipment, ask around to see if your family, friends or neighbours may able to put it to good use. Another option is to donate your used equipment to an organization such as Reboot Canada (rebootcanada.ca), which refurbishes used equipment and distributes it to charities and non-profit organizations. Plus, you?ll get tax credits for your equipment donations.
Recycle - When you do decide to dispose of your computer and electronic equipment it is important to make sure it is treated as hazardous waste.
The town of Richmond Hill recycles items such as computers, monitors, scanners, VCR?s, photocopiers, electronic calculators, radios and stereos, telephones, hard drives, digital cameras, printers, computer accessories, electronic pagers, modems, fax machines, video game consoles, and electronic games. They may be dropped off at one of the Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Depots in York Region at the following locations:
? 130 McCleary Court,Vaughan ? 2840 Rutherford Road, Vaughan ? Rodick Road, South of Miller Avenue, Markham ? 225 Garfield Wright Boulevard, East Gwillimbury ? 23068 Warden Avenue, Georgina
Visit the Richmond Hill?s Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Product Recycling website (www.town.richmond-Hill.on.ca/subpage.asp?pageid=townhall_electronic_equipment_recycling) to learn more.
To get a list of other computer recycling facilities, visit the Ontario Electronic Stewardship portal. (http://www.dowhatyoucan.ca/Electronics/CommunityDetails.aspx?FirstLetter=R&ID=455)
An essential reminder - Keep in mind that not all private information stored in your computer are permanently deleted upon disposal. Using the delete and format options in your computer only hide your files and can still be retrieved by anyone. Permanent deletion of personal data requires special programs to ensure that the deleted files are made completely irrecoverable. One such program is the Files Shredder, a free program that selectively deletes files, including those that cannot be viewed. Another is Darik?s Boot and Nuke, a program designed to boot and destroy a unit?s information and operating system.
You can also contact us at The Computer Doctor and we will be happy to help you delete all information from your old unit and bring it to the proper centers for recycling. We can also help you set up your new computer system (data transfer, internet connection set up, wireless security configuration, etc.).
The Computer Doctor Inc. is your experienced choice for computer repair in Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan, Aurora, and King City. We are a family-run business specializing in computer servicing and repair, and computer security solutions for personal computers and small businesses. Visit our website at www.computerfixit.ca or call us at 416-464-1833.
Computer Repair in Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Vaughan or King City area, we'd be happy to come to your business or home to get that computer working properly again. Call us at 416-464-1833 to talk to our friendly staff and to let us know what problem you're experiencing. We'll provide you with a free consultation and no-obligation estimate over the phone.
