Computer Recycling Environmental Upcycling FM Recycle

FM Recycle in Manchester, UK accepts old computers and IT Equipment that are clogging up the landfills.

Computer Recycling :  Old Equipment Upcycling Today Is Hard to Find


So many people aren't sure what to do with their old computers, or IT Equipment that they end up in a landfill rotting and they don't have to be. This is solely because in many places you aren't allowed to throw them out, and the thrift stores won't accept them if they have too many or feel it's too outdated.  Selling online is out of the question, because of size, weight and shipping, truth be told you can't give them away.


FM Recycle in the United Kingdom is so ahead of the game when it comes to upcycling and recycling computers or old or non working IT Equipment.  They say, "Here at FM Recycle we have years of experience in all aspects of computer recycling. We have very strong relations with clients overseas and also have a strong in-house ICT repair team.   We care about the environment, so we believe that disposing of ICT hardware through landfills is a waste and that recycling and remarketing is most definitely the future."

These Monsters Are Wasting Away in Our Homes

Think about it, we are all guilty of it. We have that old computer that runs like a dinosaur, and we upgrade. Some of us change computers more often than we upgrade phones.  With technological advances it become necessary to upgrade, update, and then what happens? The old one sits in the basement collecting dust, or in the attic or garage, forgotten. 

Old Computers Clogging the Workplace

Even businesses who upgrade computer systems often are clueless what to do with the old systems, or even items that can't be saved or replaced. Old towers that perhaps don't work, laptops that may cost more to get repaired than to throw away, sit in a corner of a storage closet or storage room collecting dust.   Truth be told, most businesses don't know what to do with them and don't have the time to figure it out. If the computers are outdated and not worth anything on the internet, they may end up in a big dumpster somewhere.


FM Recycle in Manchester United Kingdom has taken responsibility to doing green goodness on the earth by offering their  Computer Recycling programs that help businesses go green by recycling their old or non working IT Equipment which is UK's Eco Friendly Solution.  They love giving more than adequate information on how to do so.  They offer free services, but even they say, "Sadly, not everyone is aware of services such as these."  If you live in the UK, or know anyone who works there, tell them to spread the word to keep the earth a greener place! 




What about recycling computers in the United States?

Unfortunately FM Recycle isn't here in the States, so you have to get creative and find a place that does accept them.


Here are some tips:

• Search Earth 411 and see if a place near you can recycle them. 
• Sometimes artists will use the circuit boards to make artwork, jewelry, or assemblage.  
• Call small computer repair companies to see if they can use your model for parts. You may be surprised if they can, they may even come and get it. 

Chicago Illinois Enviro Green Carpet Cleaning

What's this? A Chicago based company in Tinley Park, Illinois called Enviro-Green Carpet Cleaning now offers environmentally friendly carpet cleaning. That's right. Chris Wharry started the business when he wanted more for his own carpets. He was tired of the harsh chemicals being used that were harmful to not on the environment, but probably his pets and children. 

He found greener cleaning solutions and took this idea to a business. Enviro-Green Carpet Cleaning utilizes solutions which are certified environmentally friendly and non-toxic by the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency and the Carpet and Rug Institute. 

His company services all over Chicago and parts of Illinois. You can read more here. 

I surely hope other carpet cleaning services nationwide can follow after Chris' trendsetting green ways. 

Active Appliances Keeping Los Angeles Green

Green Tea Fridge by Amana. Pretty but small inside. Read below...Photo Credit: Kitchens.com

Green Thought of the Day: 

According to this post on LivingGreen101 a company in Los Angeles called Active Appliances helps fix and repair old appliances rather than pushing customers to upgrade to the "new and efficient" models (aka "expensive".) The company believes that repairing an old appliance is a form of staying green. Fixing something broken and using it a little longer is their eco friendly solution to seeing tons of appliances junked and clogging up the landfills.  They fix washers, dryers, air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators and dishwashers just to name a few. 

This makes sense. Even though some metal may be scrapped or cashed in, what about the plastic parts in your fridge? They will take millions of years to break down in a landfill ! No one goes around saving or up-cycling old plastic fridge drawers now do they?

Do the Math and See How It Adds Up

Although it is true that some models are more energy efficient these days, they are also sometimes not as heavy duty as the older.  For instance, my new Amana Green Tea fridge has a freezer way too small for our household. Cute, yes. Functional, no. It probably saves me $4 on my electric bill if that each month. However, I can't keep more than a few items in there. My solution was to put a freezer in my basement in addition to the new fridge in the kitchen, spending energy twice as fast. Probably an extra $14-$18 on my energy bill each month.   It would have been better if I could have had my old fridge repaired, and been able to use one appliance for my refrigerator and freezer needs.  Shame on me, as I did not do the math.

As far as my old dryer, the heating element went up. I didn't even get a repair estimate. I bought a new dryer.  Oooohhhhh ahhhhhh pretty.  My new energy saver energy efficient dryer holds 1/3 less in a load than my old dryer.  I also find when I cram a blanket in there, I have to use a cycle and a half. I thought something was wrong with it, but being under warranty it checked out fine. So I'm drying big comforters on 1.5 cycles.  Had I been able to fix my old dryer, I would have been saving a whole dry cycle once every four loads of clothes and only needing one cycle to do my big blankets.  The electric bill would have been in my favor to keep the old dryer.

I think Active Appliances are onto something and the truth is simple: you should consult an expert before automatically trashing your appliance. If you are in Los Angeles, talk to Active Appliance, as their long list of Press mentions include Forbes Magazine. 

Connect with them here. 

Bee Green Magazine Canada Goes Green

Bee Green Magazine is teaching it's readers to eat local, organic, and healthier!

Bee Green Magazineis a hip and Eco friendly online magazine that started up in Vancouver Island, Canada. Connecting Canada's Victoria and surrounding areas with all aspsects of G R E E N living. Giving a great online resource to those who want to live green, be green, and make green changes in their lifestyle. Within the Eco friendly walls of their ezine, you will find out more about:

Thee benefits of eating organic.
Ways to go green.

How to be sustainable and shop for local products.
What being green is all about. 
How to eat Vegan.
Connecting with others.
Non-profits and citizen activities that focus on being green.
How to find LOCAL merchants who are more Eco friendly.
Connect with others who are striving to be more eco conscious.

Bee Green Magazine is connecting Vancouver Island and Victoria--and making Canada a greener place!

They say, "Bee Green focuses on relationships, education and awareness between business owners and individuals. We believe that fostering relationships based on culture, health, wellness and sustainability will ensure a bright and positive future."

We couldn't agree with that more. If all towns had an online directory and magazine for the community to get involved in, it would certainly make the world a greener place. Here, Bee Green Magazine has found a place on the WWW to connect all Eco minded individuals, local businesses, youth, post secondary students, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders together for the well being of this wonderful plant.

Make sure to check out:
 Bee Green Magazine
Connect with them on Twitter or Facebook!

You may also enjoy: 

This Article about them on LivingGreen101

These green products:

Source: mitchellbrands.com via Cindy on Pinterest