The computer recycling process is a three-stage process. The first stage of the computer recycling process involves computer recycling companies who collect the computer equipment on a local basis. This first stage of the computer recycling process is focused on the re-use of computers rather than break-down of the computer into individual parts. This stage of the computer recycling process separates out the reusable equipment and non-reusable equipment into their component parts. As part of the computer recycling process the computer recycling or refurbishment companies sell the re-usable equipment. These components are then sent from the re-furbisher to the computer recycling processor. The computer recycling processor will dismantle the computer into smaller parts. Computer recycling processors are primarily looking for the metals and plastics which can be recycled and re-used.
The second stage of the computer recycling process is when the break-down of the computer into it’s individual components and parts can commence. As part of the computer recycling process, computer monitors are broken down for their: glass on the monitor, the plastics in the casing and the copper in the power supply. This computer recycling process also applies to the desktop. The recycled plastics, recycled metals and recycled glass are then separated and shipped in bulk containers to specialist computer recycling refiners who are involved in the third stage of the computer recycling process.
The third stage involves computer recycling refiners who specialize in melting materials for re-use. Computer recycling refineries are based throughout the world. Many, specialize in extracting the precious metals which are on the electronic boards within a computer. Computer recycling refineries will then sell these materials to a primary users for the computer recycling process to commence again.
