By recycling old computer spares and parts, residents across the UK can offset waste and reduce their carbon footprint. There are plenty of ways to do this, and more are occurring all the time in local areas.
Council-sponsored initiatives are working across the country to encourage residents to recycle their old computer parts. An important part of a sustainable waste strategy, recycling computer spares can offset the growing waste caused by the disposing of electrical items, which accounts for 4% of European municipal waste.
In September in Dacorum, Watford, residents have recycled nearly 800 items, including mobile phones, scanners and printers as well as other computer spares. This was part of a recycling scheme organised by the Dacorum Borough Council, and formed part of a series of events which took place in collaboration with Hertfordshire Waste Partnership and Ecosystems Ltd.
More recently, in Hastings, new bins have been installed across the town, where residents can take their small electrical goods, such as printers, hairdryers and mobile phones, to be recycled. “These bins are conveniently located at the big supermarkets and the leisure centre, so whether you’re doing your weekly shop or taking the kids swimming, its never been easier to recycle,” said Councillor Phil Scott, lead member for the environment at Hastings Borough Council.
Bristol City Council have sponsored a reuse scheme, which has run since the start of this year, and they have now handed out 500 low-cost recycled computers across the city. This initiative works to ensure that everyone has access to digital technologies as Bristol becomes established for its creative sector. “Bristol has a well-developed and successful digital creative sector and plays host to world leading companies such as Aardman,” stated council leader, Barbara Janke. “We want the opportunities that come from being a connected digital city spread to all our residents.” There have already been many applications for the recycled computers, as well as offers from businesses who want to donate their old machines.
Even if local recycling services are not available, residents across the country can offset their electrical waste by looking online for websites which offer computer recycling services. They can also choose to pare down their computer use when building a server, by opting for Blade servers rather than a standard rack-mount model. When choosing items such as a server case, users can opt to allow plenty of room for new, additional equipment, rather than having to replace their product a few months down the line.
Donated computer spares and other electrical equipment can provide valuable resources for charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as helping the environment. By recycling electrical goods, and choosing to replace computer parts rather than whole machines, residents are doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint whilst saving themselves time and money in the long run.

Tags: blade servers, computer spares, server case