Learning About Automated Industrial Equipment

Posted on: 23 December 2015

Some businesses change to new computer systems on a regular, rapid basis. This may be caused by the release of a different operating system that triggers a need for change, or they could stem from upgrades for specific pieces of hardware that the entire business needs. No matter the reason, if you're changing out a lot of computers, you'll need an efficient removal and recycling plan. Take a look at a few ways to make the disposal and recycling as efficient as possible with conventional equipment and employees.

The Removal And Replacement Process

To bring in new systems and remove old systems, many computer contracting firms use a restacking plan. Old computers are removed, but the essential cables are left in place. Power cables, network cables (such as Ethernet cables or fiber optic cables), keyboards, mice and other connections can be connected to the new systems without changing any wire placement. There are a few exceptions, such new connection types entering the market, but the process does not need much altering.

The challenge arrives in the form of disposing of older computers. Do you simply set the old computers into an old storage room to collect dust? Will your technicians or contractors remove old components to use as spares, or will you simply send the computers to the dumpster?

Unfortunately, there are fines associated with throwing away electronic waste (e-waste) in some areas. Simply throwing computers into the trash is a mistake on the part of many businesses even if fines aren't involved, as recycling pay rates and spare parts sales can bring in a decent chunk of change--as long as your team works quickly and efficiently. 

It'll be up to you and the technical team to measure the cost of their services (or loss of productivity elsewhere) against the recycling rates, but be sure to keep the environment in mind as you do the right thing.

Streamline Recycling And Standard Dumpster Material

When removing certain recyclable components, you'll need storage outside of the business. The spare parts and recycled components are often small and able to fit in a desk individually, but dozens or hundreds of computers can quickly overwhelm a department.

Make sure to have a staging area and a recycling removal area ready. The staging area should be inside the building and near where most of the computer work is being performed. Technicians tasked to removing parts and scrapping components for recyclable materials should have recycling bins that can be filled and carried by hand, while an outdoor dumpster should be dedicated to recyclable material.

The recycling dumpster should be labeled differently from the standard dumpster and located in a slightly different area. Both dumpsters need to be within a few feet of the building's exit to avoid fatigue. If you're worried about the potential smell of dumpsters, a sanitation equipment professional like TCM Sweeping and Disposal should have a few dumpster rentals available with new or sanitized dumpsters.

Contact a dumpster rental professional to plan your removal and to get your recyclables into a safe, legal and easily organized area.