Take care trashing your tech
I’M NO expert on garbage — just ask my wife. I have trouble remembering the days to set out the regular trash and the recycling bin. But I do know when a high-tech garbage crisis is about to hit.
Many of you might have received a computer for Christmas, and will be looking to get rid of an old one without making any profit. With the coming of the digital TV conversion, you may also be considering adding a television to the electronics trash heap.
Getting rid of outdated high-tech gear isn’t as simple as putting it out for the trash pick up. Old TVs, monitors and computers are loaded with earth unfriendly metals and chemicals. Trash pick-up firms often refuse to take such items. Still, if they do take them, they end up in dumps and could poison the earth.
So what to do? Let’s run down some easy ways to take out the trash.
Computers
Start by deciding whether you can still use the old computer. I’ve used old PCs for simple tasks that extend their lifetime: Maybe you need a way to look up menus in the kitchen, or for the kids to do homework. If the old machine has a decent-size hard disk, it can become a digital closet to store backup copies of music, photos and the like.
One reader recently e-mailed to say he uses old computers as a “no-worries” way to learn PC repair. This is a great use; just be careful to disconnect the power before you do so. (By the way, never do any surgery on a monitor or television. Dangerous and possibly even deadly current often still remains even when they are disconnected.)
Old computers
Consider giving it to a friend or family member — you can even donate it to a charity organisation. A link to programs that will wipe your hard disk clean is included at the end of this column. Erasing files or even formatting the hard disk isn’t enough to protect your old e-mails and financial information from prying eyes.
If your computer is headed for a recyler, remove the disk and keep it safe instead of wiping the disk clean or destroying it with a hammer. It can serve as an emergency backup if something unfortunate should happen to the data on the new machine. Your computer manual — or a downloaded copy — will show you how to find the hard disk. Removal involves undoing a few screws and disconnecting two cables. No soldering or heavy lifting is involved.
Whatever you decide, you must either remove the disk, physically destroy it or use a program to reliably remove all your personal data before the computer leaves your home.
TVs and monitors
Your old analogue television may still be useful even after the switch to digital. If you get your programming from cable or satellite, the modem will also provide a signal that the old TV can use for at least another three years. So you can move it to a new location and keep using it until then.
Even if you use an antenna or rabbit ears, a simple converter can allow the TV to work past the switch-over. The converter is just a small receiver that picks up the new digital signal and converts it to an analogue signal that your old TV can use.
Old monitors can also be used in an emergency. Truth is, if the old monitor is a good one, the only real drawback is size, weight and lack of wide screen. But some aren’t worth keeping, and many of the recycling and disposal outlets accept monitors and TVs.
Recycling concerns
Many recycling outlets charge a small fee. Call ahead to check. Confirm that they accept your items and if they are open.
Also, some environmental groups voice concern about where old gear goes from there. Some donations are sold to countries where these materials are salvaged in ways that create pollution — always use reputable recycling outlets.
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