What You Should Know—So Someone Doesn’t Know Too Much About You!
By placing unwanted home computers at the curb for disposal, you offer identity thieves an opportunity to learn a lot about you. Your account numbers, passwords and social security number may be left behind to dishonest people. When your computer is taken to be recycled, however, your hard drive is reformatted and all of your personal information permanently erased.
What you Should Know About Electronics Disposal and the Environment
Most computer monitors and televisions contain about five pounds of lead. Computers also contain other elements that, if improperly disposed of, can be environmental hazards (including metals and rechargeable batteries).
Where can you Dispose of/Recycle Electronics in a Secure and Environmentally-Safe Way?
There are several companies in the Monroe County area that will accept computers/TVs from residents for a fee (usually about $15-30). For details about these programs click on the links below or call:
- Rochester Computer Recycling and Recovery
395 Central Avenue
Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: (585) 546-6620 - Maven Technologies
1144 Lexington Avenue
Rochester, NY 14606
Phone: (585) 458-2460 - Sunnking, Inc.
4 Owens Road
Brockport, NY 14420
Phone: (585) 637-8365Most computer manufacturers offer recycling options for electronic equipment. For a partial listing of these companies, visit the Northwest Product Stewardship Council .
Donate your Functional Home or Corporate Computers to Micrecycle
Micrecycle is a not-for-profit organization that (in conjunction with United Way Gifts in Kind Program, Science Linkages in the Community and CPI Holdings) accepts certain usable computer components for reuse. The organization has distributed more than 5,000 refurbished computers to school districts. For a list of equipment accepted by Micrecycle call: 585 224-4040 for personal donations or 585 242-6496 for corporate donations.
Rechargeable Battery, Printer Cartridge and Cell Phone Recycling
Rechargeable batteries (from laptop computers, cell phones, electronic components, etc.) contain metals like cadmium and mercury. To dispose of these environmental hazards free-of-charge, Monroe County residents can make an appointment at the HHW facility by calling 585 753-7600 (Option #3). Residents may also bring in ink-jet and laser print cartridges to the facility. Businesses and schools can set up fund-raising cartridge recycling programs by following the Imagine It... Ink Jet. Rechargeable batteries are also accepted at all local Radio Shack stores.
