|
 Where
to start?
Check out IBM's computer recycling website
at www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products/pcrservice.shtml
They have all the information you need to know about recycling
computers through them. Alternatively you can talk to their
computer recycling contact Ricardo Gonzalez at (914)
766 2144. Let him know that you want information
on how to recycle your computer. You can also contact their
toll free number at 1-888-SHOP-IBM (746-7426) and
give the reference part number 06P7513. 
IBM's recycling service costs $30-$40.
You can use a credit card or mail a check. They will send
you a kit with a free shipping label and packing instructions.
|
  |
 Why
should you care about recycling computers?
Computers and subsistence don't mix.
When computers are discarded at the dump, the lead and other
toxics they contain get into the environment. Protect your community
by reusing or recycling computers. |
|
What can you send?
All personal/office computer equipment
(IBM or not!). This includes personal computers, monitors,
printers, scanners, fax machines, cables, mice, keyboards, etc. It doesn't
matter whether the equipment works. However, you cannot send
monitors with broken or shattered glass. |
|
Packing Instruction
Kit
You should receive your packing instruction
kit 3-5 days after IBM receives payment. It will include: One
pre-paid shipping label, packing instructions, and a donation/recycling
form.
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|
Preparing to pack your
computer equipment
Unfortunately you need to provide
your own packing materials-- but here's where those recycled
boxes and Styrofoam peanuts you've been saving come in handy!
Select used or new boxes that are sturdy
enough to hold and protect the equipment you are shipping.
They should be free of holes and rips. The boxes have to be
smaller than 26"x26"x26, but you can pack in as many pieces
of computer equipment that will fit. The total weight cannot
be over 69 lbs.  (An
average monitor weighs 42 lbs, a hard drive about 8 lbs, a
printer about 10 lbs)
Examples of types of cushioning material to
place around the computer pieces are: newspapers, bubble wrap,
old clean rags, or Styrofoam peanuts. Remember to remove any
data from your computer that you might want or don't want
others to see! |
|
Packing the box
Once you have your box, flip it over.
With the bottom of the box closed, tape all sides with a lot
of durable, wide packaging tape. Place
your computer equipment in the box. Pack all open spaces tightly
with cushioning material. The packing instruction kit shows
different ways to pack computer pieces so they best fit in
the box.
After you have all the equipment in the
box, fill out the donation/recycling request form. Place it
inside the box at the top.
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|
Closing the box
Tape your box closed with lots of
durable wide packing tape on all seams. Write "Fragile" and
draw an "up arrow" on the side of the box. |
|
Labeling the box
 Finally,
fill out your return address on the pre-paid UPS shipping label
that comes with the instruction kit. Remove the label and stick
it on the top of the box. |
|
Where to take your sealed
and labeled box
Your packed computer must be taken
to any UPS drop-off site. Important!
The shipping label is only valid for about four weeks from
when you receive it from IBM. UPS (United Parcel Service)
locations in Alaska are listed below.
 This
symbol means the location is near an airport.
UPS contact information, if needed:
Tel: 1-800-742-5877
Web: www.ups.com
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|
Ways to get the box
to UPS
Remember the pre-paid shipping label is
only valid for four weeks from when you receive it from IBM.
- Can the box come with you on your
next trip to Anchorage, Juneau or Fairbanks? Then you
can take a fun side-trip to UPS and drop it off. The Anchorage
locations are an easy walk from the downtown hotels and
Egan Convention Center.
- Can the box be shipped with other computers
that the school is recycling? (If so, ordering the shipping
label should be timed with the schools shipping schedule).
- Can an empty plane going out of the village
take the box and drop it off at UPS (note the UPS locations
to the left that are close to airports)?
- Can your community make an arrangement
with ALPAR to take the box when they are picking up cans
to recycle?
|
|
| What if I can't pay the
40 bucks?
- Talk to your community environmental staff
person. IGAP funds may be available to pay for your computer
recycling.
- Do you know other people in your community
looking to recycle their computer too? Together you may
be able to apply for small grant monies to pay for computer
recycling. Call Ray Paddock (below) or Joe Sarcone, EPA
271-1316 for ideas on grants available.
- Talk to your school. See if they have a
computer recycling program in place or have plans to recycle
their computers in the future.
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|
| Any more questions?
Do you have more questions about computer
recycling (or any other solid waste or recycling questions)?
If so, contact Ray Paddock at CCTHITA!
1-800-344-1432 ext 7184
rpaddock@ccthita.org
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| Related Links
Computer Recycling Overview
Recycling
electronics waste
Recycling toner/ink jet cartridges
Recycling disks and cd's
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