Q: Why can't I just throw my computers in the trash?
A: Computers contain toxic metals that can leach out of equipment in landfills and end up in ground water. The largest problem with computers is the monitors - each picture tube contains over 3 lbs. of lead. The computers themselves contain lead solder and other contaminants. Because of this computer and electronic equipment are hazardous waste.
Q: Why should I recycle my computers?
A: Besides complying with state law, recycling puts materials back to use instead of in the trash. It's good for the environment because it reduces landfills and reduces the need to mine more minerals.
Q: Why does it cost to recycle monitors?
A: The lead in monitors is mixed in with the glass and cannot be simply removed. Monitors are disassembled and the picture tubes are stripped of all external metal. The backs are cut off, the internal metal removed, the phosphor washed out, and finally the glass is ground up and reused to make new picture tubes - an expensive process.
Q: Why doesn't it cost to recycle PCs and other equipment?
A: PCs, printers, and other equipment are fairly easy to disassemble and some of the materials have a scrap value. The time we put into stripping and sorting the materials is paid for by the money we get selling the scrap metals.
Q: Why does it cost to recycle copy machines?
A: Copy machines need to be cleaned and stripped before they can be scrapped. Toner must be cleaned out, circuit boards removed, any fuser oil removed, and the optical drum removed (these can contain selenium or other heavy metals). The scrap value of a copy machine is too low to pay for all the labor needed.
Q: What happens to the equipment?
A: Monitors get packed and shipped by the truckload to processors. PCs and other materials get broken down and sorted and sold to scrap recyclers. Some components and usable equipment gets remarketed to reputable builders to help defray the handling costs.
Q: I only have one or two computers - do I have to pay to recycle them?
A: R&R operates drop off boxes as a community service for individuals. Please drop off no more than one or two systems at a time. We hope that businesses will contact us to arrange pickups and pay to have their equipment processed to help defray the cost of the drop boxes.
Q: What about TVs and stereos?
A: TVs and consumer electronics are built to minimize cost. As a result there is little to no scrap value in their components. As yet we have not found a processor that will take TVs and stereo equipment so we don't accept either.
Q: Can R&R fix my computer?
A: Think of R&R Associates as a garbage company for computers - we don't do any repair or testing of equipment.
Q: Can I buy computer parts from R&R?
A: R&R does not have a retail store and does not do retail sales. We do sell scrap metals and some computer components to recyclers and rebuilders by the pallet and truckload. Please call for more information.
Q: Do I still have to pay if I drop the equipment off?
A: The drop boxes are for individuals who want to have one or two systems recycled. If companies would prefer to deliver their equipment rather than have us pick it up, please call to arrange a delivery. This can eliminate the $50 minimum trip charge for loads with less than five monitors but no other discounts apply.
