illustration of hand taking a photo on a phone Text Us

Junk King Sonoma

4.5/5 stars

Read Reviews

The #1 Rated Junk Removal Service. We provide superior value, service and effort

More About Us arrow

  • Call Us

    Let us know what you need disposed or recycled. We take just about everything!

    illustration of a cell phone
    1-888-888 (JUNK)

  • Text Us

    Send us an image of the junk you got and we got the rest covered.

    illustration of a hand holding a cell phone
    1-737-888-5865
  • gold star

    Save
    $20

Category Archives: Computer Disposal

The Correct Approach to Computer Disposal With Junk King Sonoma

Computers have become an integral part of our daily routine, from our businesses to travel, education, and perhaps any aspect of life that involves technology. For this reason, any quantum leap in computer technology can result in the disposal of these electronics. Junk King Sonoma believes in the proper disposal of computers for multiple purposes.

Computers are good sources of raw materials that can undergo recycling and reuse, extending their life. Our team also believes in proper e-waste management. Thanks to our services, computer parts don’t need to end up in landfills, emitting carbon and polluting our environment. Why is this important to us? The 2006 US Geological Survey (USGS) found that “recycling one million PCs saves energy equal to the electricity utilized by no less than 3,500 US homes annually”. Junk King Sonoma sees the potential in proper computer disposal, that’s why we encourage homes and businesses to seek suitable means to dispose of outdated computers.

Junk King Sonoma sees the potential in proper computer disposal, that’s why we encourage homes and businesses to seek suitable means to dispose of outdated computers.

pile of old computer keyboards and monitors

How Junk King Facilitates Proper Computer Disposal

How does Junk King work? Once you reach out to us, we schedule an appointment for our team of professionals to visit your home or business with our junk removal trucks. The disposal process doesn’t end when we haul off your computers. We take these items to certified recycling facilities whose priority is safe disposal, which involves the following steps.

1. Proper storage

Monitors contain a high amount of lead. And since very few monitors undergo recycling, our process ensures these parts are properly stored.

2. Sorting, shredding, and dismantling

This stage involves sorting computer components to determine the reusable ones which can serve as raw materials. It’s an intricate process involving data destruction to ensure personal and company information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Shredding the inoperable computer parts into smaller pieces allows for the next step, mechanical separation.

3. Mechanical separation

Thanks to a thorough process, all unusable computers undergo water and magnetic separation. The latter involves passing the computer parts through a magnet that pulls iron materials. Magnetic separation also facilitates the smelting of recyclable materials, plus the separation of metal-embedded items. Water separation is useful in sorting glass and plastic components and separating contaminants.

4. Recovery

The last step of computer disposal is recovery. Parts such as metal and plastic enter the recycling stream, which is processed for reuse and reselling.

Preparation Steps for Correct Computer Disposal

Here’s how you prepare for desktop and laptop removal.

  • Perform backups of all the system data. Consider cloning the hard drive onto an external one and be sure to check that none is corrupted before doing so. The team should also undertake cloud backup to make manual migration straightforward.
  • The IT department can oversee the removal of authorization of cloud accounts such as Outlook and Office.
  • Work with software vendors to transfer software licenses to a different laptop.
  • Determine whether to destroy/clear information on the hard drive. Businesses recommend destroying the hard drives if the computers are to undergo recycling and a secure wipe for reuse and donation. Remember to utilize wiping software to guarantee the complete erasure of information. While you can destroy the hard drives by manually smashing them, doing so would not comply with HIPAA. We, therefore, recommend leaving this step to Junk King Sonoma to ensure shredding by a licensed recycler.
  • Schedule a  removal appointment with Junk King Sonoma

Junk King Sonoma Meets Computer Disposal and General E-Waste Disposal Requirements

Our junk removal services are available in multiple locations in the US. We have the ideal equipment and know-how to meet the e-waste compliance requirement of any particular state. For example, our California office’s collectors comply with sections 66273.9 and 66273.71 of the California Code of Regulations. We also meet the e-waste requirements listed below:

  • Submitting the Notification of Intent to Handle form – every e-waste generator, handler, or recycler must submit a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). We ensure this documentation goes to this office before undertaking any computer disposal or e-waste removal services. Additionally, our clients have proof of their transactions with us, specifically knowledge of the removal services.
  • Waste Management. Junk King Sonoma manages the waste in compliance with universal e-waste regulations. Some of the requirements include training of staff, e-waste accumulation and management, recordkeeping, and labeling.
  • Annual reports. Junk King Sonoma fills the applicable yearly reports on the Universal Waste Electronic Devices (UWED) Online System.

Benefits of Computer Disposal Services

Enjoy the following benefits by hiring Junk King for computer disposal services:

  • Better Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Consumer surveys show that customers consider CSR essential and are happy to work with companies that demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the environment and human health.
  • Data protection. Our removal services ensure the complete erasure of sensitive information by the recycling facilities before the distribution of computer components. Your business, therefore, doesn’t need to worry about confidential information getting to the public.
  • By recycling, you help reduce production costs and the pressure on raw materials needed to manufacture electronics.
  • Fines are bad for business. And if you live in one of the 17 states that mandate recycling, working with Junk King ensures you don’t risk any fines since we help you meet the e-waste disposal stipulations.
  • Gain a competitive edge. Practicing proper e-waste disposal helps boost your company’s reputation. A positive brand also improves sales increasing the bottom line.

What Junk King Can Do for Your Business

Correct computer disposal is essential for the environment, human health, and business. That’s why you should hire removal services from a reputable company with years of experience. Many factors are at play, including the number of computers and servers, the disposal methods required, and the end goal. Junk King will meet all your disposal needs while complying with state regulations. The process is straightforward and includes free onsite estimates.

Do you need computer disposal services? Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Electronics Recycling with Junk King Sonoma

It feels like nothing lasts as long as it used to. From bulky beige computers and fax machines to tv screens that become obsolete as soon as larger, thinner versions make their debut, it’s actually concerning just how fast electronic gadgets are becoming obsolete. As such, electronic waste is becoming a huge problem worldwide.

Electronics Recycling with Junk King Sonoma

Junk King Sonoma provides an efficient, safe, and eco-friendly solution to your e-waste problem. We’re here to ensure your old gadgets do not end up in landfills.

From pick-up to recycling, we remove almost all types of e-waste, including:

  • Computers
  • Copy machines
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Microwaves
  • Lamps and bulbs
  • Cooling and freezing equipment, including heat pumps
  • Toasters
  • Video cameras
  • Smart home appliances
  • Small monitoring and control instruments

As long as it’s not hazardous, we’ll pick it up.

Why Donate or Recycle Electronics?

With every generation, electronics get better and more efficient. That said, the world is now producing over 50 million tons of e-waste every year.

Let’s put this into perspective. 50 million tons of e-waste:

  • Weighs more than all commercial airlines ever made
  • Is the equivalent of 375 cruise ships
  • Is worth over $57.18 billion – more than the GDP of most countries.

Unfortunately, only about 20% of electronic waste is recycled, and the United States produces most of the e-waste. It’s estimated that Americans throw away over 9 million tons of electronic products every year, accounting for 70% of the hazardous waste in landfills.

By weight, small electronic equipment, such as screens and monitors, lamps, vacuum cleaners, and microwaves, account for the largest share of e-waste. All of which are easily recycled. In fact, all electronic products are made from valuable materials. Donating or recycling your electronics conserves natural resources and prevents them from ending up in your local landfill.

What’s more, circuit boards, batteries, CRTS, and even fridges and refrigerators contain materials hazardous to the environment. Some old TV sets even contain lead. All these toxins can leach into the air and soil at landfills contaminating the environment around you. 

But worry not; Junk King Sonoma is here for you. With Junk King, recycling your old electronics is easier than ever. We’ll manage every aspect for you, from pick-up to hauling and recycling.

How To Sustainably Get Rid of E-Waste

Call Junk King, of course. We’ll haul away any and all electronics you need to get rid of.

With that said, your electronic waste could easily be someone else’s treasure. Old cell phones and computers can be refurbished and sold. You can also donate your old electronics to charities and donation centers.

Note: Although electronics are fully recyclable, they may not be accepted by your weekly garbage disposal service, especially if your state has e-waste disposal and recycling laws in place. For this reason, you also cannot leave your old electronics by the curbside.

With Junk King Sonoma, you don’t have to pay mind to any of these rules. We offer:

  • Luxury home pick-ups

By luxury home pick-up, we mean you don’t have to lift a finger. Doesn’t matter how bulky or heavy a piece of equipment is; we do all the hauling and heavy lifting. It really does not get better than this.

  • Excellent customer service

Our reviews speak for themselves. We’re the best junk removal company in North America for a reason. We ensure that all your wishes are taken care of, and we are licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure no liability falls on your shoulders.

  • Transparent and fair pricing

We price our services based on how much space your junk takes up in our trucks. Pricing by volume, not weight, that’s our philosophy at Junk King. We’ll provide you with an estimate, with no hidden fees, as soon as we arrive on your property and inspect the waste in need of disposal.

We’ll also beat any written estimates.

  • Eco-friendly processes

There’s absolutely no reason why electronic waste should end up in landfills. We endeavor to recycle as much material as we possibly can every time. We take both large and small e-waste items and see to it that they end up in the right place. If the electronics are still functioning, we’ll try as much as possible to place them with a charity.

What About My Data?

It’s no secret that electronics contain sensitive information. As such, it’s crucial to take some necessary steps before disposing of your electronics. Here’s what you can do:

  • Sign out of all accounts on your device
  • Remove your personally identifying information and sensitive documents from the device
  • Reset the phone or computer to factory settings

More importantly, partner with a trustworthy disposal company. Check the reputation of the junk disposal company and make sure their certifications and licenses have not lapsed. If a company is offering services for free, it’s better to steer clear of them.

Don’t Just Toss It; Call In the Junk Experts

Electronics recycling is a crucial aspect of addressing our current environmental challenges. By responsibly disposing of electronic devices and recycling their components, we can conserve resources, reduce pollution, and protect the planet. We all have a part to play, and Junk King can help you fulfill yours.

At Junk King Sonoma, we recognize the importance of proper e-waste recycling and donation. We offer specialized services to help individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods properly dispose of their unwanted electronics. Over the years, we’ve partnered with several donation and recycling facilities throughout Sonoma to make our processes more efficient.

Want to partner with Junk King Sonoma? Contact us today, via call or even send us a text. We’re always available for our customers. Reclaim your space today.

All You Should Know About Recycling After Computer Disposal

Most business processes have now moved online as more people aim for convenience and companies seek to minimize the number of workers in their physical locations. This means that almost everyone nowadays owns a computer. Though smartphones and other gadgets can handle most of the activities undertaken on a computer, the latter is easier to use and cheaper than the former.

Like almost all appliances, even the best manufactured and cared for computers often break down beyond repair or no longer suit users’ needs. Most people choose to leave the computers rotting away on their premises or simply throw them in the trash rather than follow the proper computer disposal protocol to recycle the gadgets. A 2020 study estimated that recycling a million computers can save enough energy to power 3500 homes in the U.S for up to a year.

With such promising statistics, it is prudent to play a role in computer recycling by getting the right waste removal company to take your computer. Below are a few guidelines on the computer recycling process to give you an insight into the critical role you will play.

ewaste in a pile

What Is E-Waste Recycling?

When looking for information on computer recycling, you will often come across e-waste recycling. E-waste (electronic waste/scrap) encompasses all trash generated from surplus, obsolete, and broken-down electronic devices. This includes home appliances like cookers, televisions, air conditioners, as well as information tech equipment like laptops, computers, monitors, mobile phones, batteries, and hard disks.

Issues Associated With Indiscriminate Disposal of E-Waste

When you throw away broken-down electronics in the trash, it often ends up in landfills where it releases toxic and hazardous substances. These usually contaminate groundwater and soil. They eventually end up in the water humans drink and the foods they eat. Some of the adverse effects of exposure to the harmful materials in e-waste for kids include stillbirths, poor birth outcomes, premature births, impaired thyroid function, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Producing one computer takes not less than 1.5 tons of water, 530 pounds of fossil fuels, and 48 pounds of chemicals. When a computer is recycled, these precious materials are not entirely lost but reused in manufacturing new gadgets, thus minimizing the impact of manufacturing electronics on the earth.

e-waste recycling

Steps of Recycling Computers

Below are the usual steps involved in the computer recycling process:

  1. Collection

When you have an outdated or broken-down computer, the first step in recycling it is calling a junk removal company that handles e-waste to pick it and drop it at the nearest computer disposal plant. Some centers will pay computer owners a small fee as an incentive for increasing recycling and the sale of new computers. Nonetheless, most will charge computer owners for the disposal of their gadgets.

  1. Sorting

The recycling center will manually sort the computers by type before they move them into reuse or processing. After sorting, the computers will be tested for the possibility of reuse. The ones in reasonably good condition can be repaired or refurbished then sold or donated.

  1. Manual disassembly

The computers that cannot be reused or repaired are manually disassembled into sound cards, circuit boards, DVD drives, keyboards, hard drives, and speakers. CRTs (cathode ray tubes) are carefully handled to prevent exposure or spilling of dangerous materials like cadmium, barium, phosphorus, lead, and barium. Dangerous parts like rechargeable batteries are often sent to secondary recyclers with suitable machines for battery production and recycling. Highly skilled workers to maintain the integrity of parts handle the manual disassembly. Some parts are re-sold, while others move to the next step of recycling.

  1. Data destruction

The hard drives and processors from recycled computers will be crashed and shredded into a million pieces. This ensures that all the data stored in them is fully destroyed. The processor and hard drives are made into aluminum ingots used in the automotive sector.

  1. Separation into material composition

After harvesting a computer’s valuable components, the other pieces are shredded by material composition. This means separating them into plastics, metals, wires, and other components. The resulting debris will be passed through different screening techniques that remove all valuable parts. Smelting recovers metals like silver, copper, iron, and gold from the debris.

  1. Reuse

The different recovered materials are ferried to their respective material recyclers for further processing. For instance, metals can be sent to metal recyclers to manufacture new steel and metallic materials. However, CRT glass undergoes further recycling to remove lead and harmful materials from it before selling it to CRT recyclers.

New call-to-action

Parts of E-Waste That Can Be Recycled

Not all parts of your computers and other electronic waste are recyclable. Here is a guide on the parts that are recycled and what they are made into:

  • Plastic that is used to make vineyard stakes, fencing posts, trays, equipment holders, insulators, and sleepers, among other items.
  • Metal used to manufacture new metallic products.
  • CRT glass is used to make new screens for computers, tablets, phones, TVs, and other gadgets.
  • Mercury is used in dental amalgams, fluorescent lights, and metric instruments after undergoing specialized techniques to make it safe.
  • Cadmium, nickel, steel, and cobalt from scrap batteries are used to manufacture new batteries or fabricate steel.

With most of your questions on recycling computers answered, you need a company that believes in recycling as much as you do to pick your computer for its recycling. Your answer is Junk King Sonoma that serves Sonoma and the surrounding areas in California. The company recycles about 60% of the waste it receives; statistics that place it among the most eco-conscious waste removal companies worldwide.

It might seem like having a waste removal company pick your computer and other e-waste to take to a recycling center is overkill because most of these devices are portable. Nonetheless, the waste needs to be carefully handled to avoid exposure to hazardous materials and salvage any components that can be reused. Get in touch with Junk King Sonoma today to start the recycling of your e-waste.

Contact Us

 

E-Waste Recycling with Junk King Sonoma

Electronic waste or e-waste refers to any old or discarded appliance or equipment that’s no longer useful. The biggest culprits include heating and cooling systems, TVs, radios, computers, monitors, printers, microwaves, and cellphones.

The amount of e-waste is growing significantly, representing over 2% of the trash in our landfills. While this must seem like a small percentage, e-waste accounts for over 70% of toxic waste worldwide.

Electronics and electric devices contain potentially dangerous materials and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium.

Without proper e-waste disposal, these toxic materials pose severe risks to the environment and human health.

This is where the significance of e-waste recycling comes into play.

e-waste recycling pile

What is E-Waste Recycling?

E-waste recycling refers to the reprocessing, recovering, and reusing of valuable materials obtained from discarded electronics and electrical equipment and appliances.

Electronics and electrical appliances contain valuable materials such as plastic, glass, mercury, metals, and circuit boards that are potentially harmful to the environment but can be reused to produce other equipment.

The primary objective of recycling is to collect and process waste into reusable materials, consequently protecting the environment from harm and conserving natural resources.

Regrettably, only a small percentage of electronic waste gets recycled, with very few states having legislation on the same, meaning a significant amount ends up in landfills.

In addition, only a few junk removal companies offer e-waste recycling services.

A Breakdown of the E-Waste Recycling Process

E-waste recycling is an intricate process made up of about seven steps:

Step 1 – Collection

The first step entails collecting discarded electronic products from recycling bins placed at designated locations across your neighborhood. The containers are usually blue with a recycling symbol to avoid mixing the e-waste with other trash. Some collection sites have different boxes for different electronic waste.

Step 2 – Transportation

Once the recycler collects the e-waste from the designated collection sites, they have to transport it to the recycling plant for processing and storage. Some electrical items require immediate processing and storage to contain hazardous materials and save valuable resources. For instance, the glass on older TV models with CRTs has lead that is potentially harmful to the environment.

Step 3 – Sorting, Dismantling, and Shredding

Various e-waste products undergo different processing, so the recycler has to sort them manually before the next stage. Electrical items such as batteries, cellphones, toner cartridges, and fluorescent bulbs have their own processing. For this reason, the recycler has to sort them separately before dismantling or shredding them.

Dismantling and shredding e-waste items entail breaking them into small pieces for easy sorting and processing.

Step 4 – Dust Extraction

Dust might have accumulated over the period the discarded items were in the collection bin. If this is the case, the recycler has to extract it using eco-friendly methods. Dust extraction involves shaking the waste items on a conveyor belt to prepare the e-waste for processing.

Step 5 – Magnetic and Water Separation

The mechanical separation stage involves two critical steps: magnetic and water separation.

Magnetic separation entails passing a giant magnet over ferrous metals to pull and separate steel and iron from other electronic waste to prepare them for smelting. Water separation uses water to separate and purify plastic and glass from other e-waste items.

Step 6 – Purification

Separating the different electronic waste is not sufficient to recover valuable materials. The recycler has to purify salvaged items. The purification stage locates and extracts leftover metals from plastics to prepare them for the last step – the recycling process.

Step 7 – Recovery & Recycling

The final stage is recovering, recycling, and preparing the materials for reuse. Some recyclers sell the recovered items and components to manufacturers as raw materials.

The Top Benefits of E-Waste Recycling

  1. Recovery of Valuable Materials

Electronics and electrical devices consist of valuable materials such as gold, steel, and copper. However, only a tiny percentage, less than 20%, of these materials get recovered through recycling. Most of it gets lost in the landfills as part of other trash. Enforcing several recycling programs can help salvage these valuable materials.

  1. Environmental Protection

The primary reason for e-waste recycling is to collect and process electronic waste into reusable materials, consequently protecting the environment from harm. Electrical devices and products consist of potentially hazardous materials that can contaminate our water sources and destroy our ecological systems.

  1. Preservation of Natural Resources

The priority of e-waste recycling is environmental protection and preservation of natural resources. By recycling and reusing waste materials, manufacturers no longer have to source fresh raw materials such as metal, steel, and copper. They can acquire these items from recyclers, helping conserve natural resources.

  1. Saves Landfills

According to the World Health Organization, the amount of electronic waste is growing at an alarming rate. With very few countries and states embracing e-waste recycling, it is just a matter of time before our landfills become overwhelmed. E-waste recycling can help reduce the burden on our dumping sites.

  1. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Another benefit of recycling is the decreased greenhouse gas emissions. E-waste recycling can help lower carbon emissions and reduce the impact of pollution on climate change.

  1. Saves Money

According to various stats, electronic waste that finds its way to landfills and dumping sites amounts to $55 billion annually. E-waste recycling can help recover some of the money lost by reusing salvaged materials to produce other items.

  1. Health benefits

You might not know this, but e-waste recycling has several health benefits. The process prevents hazardous materials from polluting the air and contaminating water sources, going a long way to averting chronic respiratory conditions and ailments.

Contact Junk King Sonoma for Professional E-Waste Recycling

E-waste is not biodegradable, meaning it does not disappear on its own. The waste finds its way to our dumping grounds, leading to pollution and environmental degradation. The danger produced from e-waste comes from the toxic materials used to make electronics and electrical devices.

E-waste recycling is a viable solution to dealing with electronic waste, and this is where the services of Junk King come to play.

We are an experienced Junk Removal service providing e-waste recycling in Sonoma and surrounding regions. Contact us today to learn more about our green e-waste recycling services.

The Main Steps of Getting Rid Of Data before Computer Recycling

A significant amount of work and recreation is done nowadays on computers. Computer manufacturers have thus stepped up to provide new technologies that suit the ever-changing needs of their target markets. Annually, manufacturers produce a billion cellphones and 30 million computers. This means there are a lot of computers ending up in landfills as people scramble for new ones with better technologies.

Some people leave obsolete and unwanted computers lying around in their properties in case they need them in the future. This only leads to reduced room on your property. You might choose to simply dump your computer in a landfill, but this is against the law in most states as they seek to maximize e-waste recycling. Junk king Sonoma is one of the junk removal companies at the forefront of computer recycling. The company will pick up your computer then dispose of it responsibly at a recycling plant if it cannot be donated.

old computer parts

Computer Recycling

Recycling is the reuse and reprocessing of computers along with components like their screens, central processors, motherboards, and monitors. In 2019, only 17.4% of collected e-waste was recycled, according to a report by the UN, despite the benefits of the practice. E-waste recycling reduces the burden of waste on the environment, cuts the manufacturing costs of new computers, creates job opportunities, and reduces greenhouse gases from toxins like cadmium, mercury, and lead.

You might think of repairing or upgrading your computer rather than recycling it. Though these are eco-friendly alternatives, your old computer software might not support an upgrade. Repairing an old computer is also often more expensive than buying a new one. As such, the prudent choice in both instances would be recycling.

Steps of Getting Rid Of Data before Computer Recycling

Before your computer is picked for recycling, remove your data from it. Here are steps to guide you so that your data does not get into the wrong hands.

Back up your files

Before deleting all data from your computer, back up the files saved on it so that you can transfer them to your next computer. The backing up process will differ based on where your files are stored. In cloud-based file syncing like Dropbox and Google Drive, this is easy since all your files are already stored somewhere else. Just ensure that the files you need are synchronized to another computer or backed to the cloud. If your files are on the computer, get an external device to hold them.

Transfer software

You want to ensure that all the licensed software on your current computer is activated on your new one. Some applications have a deactivation feature allowing you to transfer their license to a different computer. You can check the menu commands on your licensed programs to deactivate them then activate them on a new computer. Ensure you have a copy of the product keys or license that will help you reactivate your software.

Encrypt files

Simply wiping your drive and deleting data will not eliminate sensitive information on your computers. This is where encryption will come in. You can encrypt your folders and files to negate the threat of breaching them. After encryption, anyone who wants to access the data will need an encryption key that only you have.

Clean the hard drive

Nowadays, several data recovery programs exist, allowing people to retrieve parts or all your data when you do not properly clean it off your hard drive. To ensure this does not happen to your data, delete files from your computer by pressing shift and Del. You can then use one of the many data shredding programs that will overwrite your files. Overwrite the data severally to make it harder for someone to retrieve it.

Delete browsing history

Cleaning your hard drive and external drives will not get rid of your browsing history on browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome. Follow the required steps on your browser to get rid of your browsing history before Junk King picks your machine for computer recycling.

Test your computer

After going through all the steps of getting rid of your data, test it to ensure the actions were successful. For this, you need a file recovery program like TestDisk, PhotoRec, or Piriform Recuva. These programs will look for any information on your deleted data on the computer. If your deletion of data was a success, the files will not show up on the recovery program.

Destroy your drive

Sometimes, the above steps might not be enough to get rid of your data. There is another extreme option for destroying your drive when you have sensitive information like military, financial, or medical data. In this case, the drive can be crushed or melted. If you have a magnetic drive, this is degaussed to eliminate its magnetic field, thus permanently deleting the data. Though this is a waste of valuable hardware, it is sometimes necessary for companies dealing with extremely sensitive information.

With data breaches increasing recently and people’s information being used for evil, it is understandable if you are apprehensive about computer recycling because of the risk of exposing your data. Nonetheless, with the above steps, you can guarantee that the computer you hand over to a junk removal company has no information that can be used against you. If any of these steps seem too technical for you, consider hiring an expert so you are guaranteed that your data has been effectively deleted.

You will come across several junk removal companies when looking for one to pick up your computer for recycling. If you want quick and efficient service, your best choice is Junk King. The company with multiple locations will give you an upfront estimate of how much their services will cost and has highly trained staff to handle your e-waste. Junk King also recycles up to 60% of the waste it receives, so you can be sure you are working with a company intent on eco-conservation. Contact Junk King today for the first step in computer recycling; collection of your computer.

 

Effects of E-Waste That Is Not Handled By a Full Service Junk Removal on Different Elements

The world produces over 50 million tons of electronic waste {e-waste} annually. These numbers are not surprising, with most tasks now being handled by gadgets and more advanced gadgets being produced almost daily. E-waste encompasses all the scrap produced by discarded electronic devices that are no longer useful. These include consumer electronics like cellphones, office electronics like printers, lighting devices, power tools, home appliances, and sports equipment like gaming consoles.

Like the rest of the world, residents of Sonoma, California, are, of course, buying new gadgets almost daily and replacing their outdated or damaged appliances. Though there is nothing wrong with this, most see no need to properly dispose of the electronic appliances they no longer use through a full service junk removal company. People assume that you can simply get rid of a damaged electronic appliance by throwing it away in the trash.

Unlike the other forms of waste that end up in landfills around Sonoma, e-waste contains hazardous elements like zinc, lead, chromium, barium, and flame retardants, among others. These have significant detrimental effects on different aspects. Here is a look at the impact of e-waste on a few things.

Pile of Ewaste

Air

Air pollution occurs when you dismantle, shred or melt the materials used for electronics. This releases toxins like dioxins and dust particles into the air. Air pollution from the byproducts of e-waste has been linked to cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, these byproducts can travel for miles because they are fine particles and will thus have detrimental effects on large geographical locations. They have also been linked to hydrocarbons that add to the greenhouse effect, which worsens global warming.

The effects of air pollution attributed to e-waste are worse in some animal species than in others because of specific mutations. Over time, continued air pollution changes the biodiversity of different regions while causing irreversible negative changes to water bodies, plants, and soil. In some places with high air levels of lead, large sea animals, humans, and wildlife have suffered extensive neurological damage.

Soil

As e-waste breaks down, its components seep into the soil from whence they contaminate groundwater and crops. When crops absorb the toxins produced by e-waste, these often end up in the digestive systems of the wildlife and humans that feed on them. Other than the diseases caused in wildlife and humans, the toxins also reduce the productivity of farmland.

The extent of soil contamination by e-waste depends on the weight and size of the particles released by its dismantling, shredding, or burning. It also depends on the soil type, soil composition, PH levels, and environmental temperatures. Unfortunately, the pollutants from e-waste remain in the soil for a long time.

e-waste recycling

Water

Though water is often contaminated from the contaminants that leak to groundwater through the soil, there are times when people directly dispose of their waste into water bodies. Though this seems like an inexpensive alternative to full service junk removal for your home or business, the appliances slowly disintegrate with their chemicals dissolving in the water. The water, in turn, flows into lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.

The toxification and acidification created in water bodies by disintegrated e-waste like lithium, barium, lead, and mercury affect fresh and marine water organisms, harm ecosystems, and disturb biodiversity. Moreover, they cause skin and digestive issues to the people and animals who drink, cook with, or swim in the contaminated water. Unfortunately, when acidification is present, the damage to ecosystems is often irreversible.

Plants

Plants need adequate air and water for them to thrive. Most of them are exposed to the air and water sources contaminated by e-waste. Depending on the levels of toxins from the air and water, some plants die while others have low yields.

The ones that end up as food for man or animals introduce the toxin into their digestive systems and significantly affect their health. At times, these plants become poisonous and cause the deaths of animals and humans. The low yields and death of plants exposed to toxins place the world at significant risk of starvation.

download our free appliance removal guide

Humans

People that come into contact with the toxic chemicals released by e-waste can develop debilitating physical and neurological conditions over time. The toxins from e-waste will enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption.

Developmental issues, kidney damage, asthmatic bronchitis, DNA mutations, muscle weakness, hormone imbalance, and lowered immunity are a few health issues associated with improper disposal of e-waste. Some of these conditions are challenging and expensive to treat. However, a large number of the conditions are sadly untreatable.

Even with a knowledge of the above effects of e-waste that is not correctly disposed of, responsibility for its management is often tossed around. Most people think that governments are not doing enough to manage e-waste. Even so, proper e-waste management starts with you.

full service junk removal

Rather than throw away a cellphone, household appliance, or computer that you are not using in the trash, contact a full service junk removal company like Junk King Sonoma. This makes a big difference in the amount of e-waste that ends up in the wrong place and, therefore, reduces the above effects.

Junk King Sonoma will sort your trash into what can be donated and recycled before the rest is properly disposed of by specialized companies. The costs of e-waste disposal are surprisingly affordable because they are primarily based on the size of your appliance. Contact us for more information.

7 Top Tips for Effective Appliance Disposal

 

Sometimes, no matter how much you want to hold on to that appliance because it has been in your family for generations, you can’t. After so many years of service, if the cost of repair will be so high that you might as well buy a new item, then you have to look for the best appliance disposal method. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 9 million freezers and refrigerators are disposed of in the US every year, and 90% end up in the recycling. So where do the rest go? Here are the different appliance disposal methods you can use to eliminate any old or broken appliances.

 

Donate to the Less Fortunate Don’t Throw on the Curb

 

Pile of old white appliances If you are looking to upgrade your household appliances and do not know what to do with the old ones, donating them to those in need will go a long way in bringing a smile to their faces.  Non-profit organizations, churches, and thrift stores facilitate appliance disposal by picking up whatever you do not need and donating it to the less fortunate.

 

However, before you settle on a particular charitable organization, make sure that they accept whatever you are donating. Appliance disposal through donating also helps you at the end of the year when you are filing your taxes because you can claim a tax-deductible. Organizations like Goodwill give you a receipt upon dropping off your donation since the IRS expects you to value your donation to qualify for a tax deduction.

 

Sell the Appliance

 

Just because you do not need something does not mean it will not be useful to someone else. You can make an extra buck off your old appliances by selling them; of course, this appliance disposal method will not fetch you a lot of money because the items will be heavily discounted depending on the years of service.

 

Appliance disposal through selling is now made easier by the power of social media. You can post your item on Facebook or whichever platform you prefer, including your contact details, and anyone interested will reach out to you. The key to attracting buyers is to portray the old appliances in their best light that means taking clear photos and making them affordable. You should therefore research what similar items are going for and price yours accordingly.

 

Alternatively, garage sales are also very effective in appliance disposal because you don’t have to bother with shipping. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting rid of anything else that has been lying around without much use. You could still contact a used appliance shop and check if they are willing to buy your old appliances but it has to be still working because they are looking to refurbish it and resell it.

 

Sell the Parts and Scrap Metal

 

Appliance disposal does not necessarily have to be done in whole; you can break the item apart and see if anything is salvageable. This applies if the item is not in working order, but you can still make some money off your damaged appliances since most contain precious metals. Toasters usually have steel bodies and copper wiring. Refrigerators, washing machines, and freezers are large and therefore have considerable amounts of valuable metal, not forgetting the copper wiring in the power cords.

 

The ferrous metals market experienced a major boom in December 2020 when scrap metals prices increased by between $75 and $80 per ton.  This option is a much better appliance disposal method than selling items whole because it is more profitable.

 

Recycle

 

Dumping your old appliances in a landfill can contribute to more harm to the environment. Most of them contain coolants and other elements which release greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer. Regardless of how big or small, your appliance is, you can ensure it does not harm the environment by taking it to a recycling center. Some stores like Best Buy offer a recycling program where they pick up the old appliance as they deliver the new one, but it is at a fee.

 

Luckily even if you are not near stores that offer such appliance disposal options, some junk removal services are very environmentally conscious. Junk King understands the impact that an old refrigerator can have on the environment and ensure that it takes items to the proper recycling facilities.

 

Curbside Pickup

 

Depending on where you live, your municipal could offer curbside pickup services for appliance disposal. For instance, in Phoenix, you can schedule a curbside pickup for a fee.  The disadvantage of this is it limits the number of appliances to be hauled away; you can only put no more than five appliances by the sidewalk or curb. The charge is per item such that a refrigerator will cost you $25 while non-refrigerant appliances will go for $30 for a maximum of five items.

Such charges also vary per state; in Sacramento, they do not charge anything for up to two appliances, and you can place them anywhere visible and easy to access. The pickup limits are two appliances per appointment in Sacramento, which makes it a challenge to set aside several items for appliance disposal. In such cases, junk removal services step in to save the day because the trucks can take up as much junk as you want to be removed.

 

Rent a Dumpster

 

If your appliance disposal project will take quite a while, then renting a dumpster makes sense because you can take your time, and you don’t have to be at home when you want the items picked. However, it is quite expensive because rental costs can range between $200 and $800 for a week, depending on the size. Renting for a month or more should cost no less than $1000, but you can budget for it because you know the rate before your rental arrives. It has the advantage of offering you the dumpster size you expect to fit your old appliances for efficient appliance disposal.

 

Despite having these benefits, you have to consider that you will be hauling heavy items on your own, which can be cumbersome without help. You have to make sure that before you dump your items, you have removed any hazardous fluids, so you might have to hire a professional to help with appliance disposal.

 

Hire a Junk Removal Company

 

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing you do not have to know which components are hazardous before dumping your appliances—or having to rent a dumpster and tire yourself hauling heavy refrigerators to the curbside. Such are the privileges of hiring a junk removal company for appliance disposal; you leave it to them to do the heavy lifting and do not have to think about how they will get to the recycling center or donation center.

 

At Junk King, you can rest assured that we will properly dispose of your appliances. We provide you with a free estimate of how much it will cost for your appliance disposal, depending on how much room the items will occupy in our trucks. We remove all types of appliances, and you can contact us today for the most affordable appliance disposal services you can find in Sonoma.

Guide to Responsible Computer Recycling and Disposal 

An Environmental Protection Agency report shows that over 142,000 computers find their way into landfills and incinerators every day. While some are recycled, they contribute significantly to the fastest growing segments in the solid waste stream. Unfortunately, the current rate of e-waste and computer recycling is not promising enough. Therefore, there’s an increasing need for a domestic and global solution for e-waste disposal and recycling.

What is Computer Recycling

Pile of Old ComputersComputer recycling is the reuse or reprocessing of laptops and computer desktops that have become obsolete or dysfunctional. Computer recycling aims to reduce landfills, promote human and environmental health, and conserve non-renewable resources. Computers and their parts contain silicon, cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, and mercury, which can be harmful to human health and the environment.

The Importance of Computer Recycling

When computers and other e-waste materials find their way into landfills, the toxic chemicals leach into the soil. They cause ground and water pollution, putting human, animal, and plant life at risk. Computer recycling prevents this from happening, as computers are put to better use.

Computer recycling also helps save energy. The devices contain valuable components that serve as raw materials for other products. Consequently, fewer raw materials are derived from nature in the creation of new devices. This goes a long way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Reusing electronics is also beneficial to the less fortunate people in the community. By giving the computers a new life, you benefit people who would otherwise not afford the gadgets in their new form.

What is the Process of Computer Recycling?

Computer recycling follows a general but well-elaborated process. In the computer recycling facilities, the following happens:

  1. Collection

Recycling companies collect unwanted or obsolete computers from their owners or computer collection points. Each collection center operates differently depending on the collection policies in place. While some recyclers pay the owners of the computers, others charge for the disposal service. Most computer manufacturing recyclers trade in old computers in exchange for new ones at a small cost to reduce the environmental footprint.

  1. Sorting

All the computers brought to the computer recycling center are manually sorted by type. This is before they proceed into the more advanced stages of reuse and processing. All computers with cathode ray tubes (CRT) are processed in one line and the rest in another.

  1. Testing

The next stage involves testing the computers for potential reuse. If a machine is still in reasonably good working condition, the parts are upgraded and brought up to speed. After refurbishing, the computers are sold or given away as donations. The upgrading involves memory wipe and enhancive repairs to make the computers as good as new.

  1. Manual Disassembly

After checking for possible reuse, the computers are taken apart if the repair costs outweigh the benefits of reuse. The recyclers take the essential computer elements like sound and graphic cards, speakers, circuit board, hard disks, keyboards, circuit board, and DVD drives. Only highly qualified personnel are responsible for this process to ensure the quality of the components is maintained.

They can then sell the functional components to second-hand consumers or computer manufacturers for reuse. In some cases, the components may be dismantled further into plastics, circuit boards, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, and CRTs. CRTs are hazardous and should be handled in specialized facilities.

  1. Data Destruction

All the derived hard drives and processors are then crashed in a ten-ton process. This ensures all data is destroyed and can’t be retrieved. Next, the destroyed parts are prepared for use in the automotive industry as aluminum ingots.

  1. Separation into Material Composition

The pieces that remain after the useful and hazardous elements have been harvested are shredded by material composition. The metallic parts, plastic shells, pieces of wire, and circuit boards are separated and shredded. The debris goes through screening techniques to check for any valuable components. Any precious metals like silver, gold, iron, or copper are recovered from the debris through smelting.

  1. Reuse

Each material recovered from the computer recycling process finds its way to its respective secondary material recycler for further processing. They come in handy in the manufacture of new products. For example, steel manufacturers use the recovered metallic parts to make steel and other materials. The same happens for plastics and every other valuable component.

Responsible Computer Recycling Best Practices

Before recycling your computer, ensure you protect yourself by wiping off the components of your drive completely. Doing so will prevent identity theft and other cybersecurity crimes. As such, ensure you backup your data.

If you have important information you don’t want to lose, ensure you create a copy in an external storage device or cloud storage. Crucial information you shouldn’t forget to back up include:

  • Picture, music, movies, documents, and anything else entertaining
  • Browser data like bookmarks, logins, and passwords
  • Email for programs like Thunderbird or Outlook
  • Program data like bibliography tools, games, image editing software
  • Fonts if you have installed any additional ones
  • Serial numbers and registration keys as losing them could cost you money

You also should wipe out private data by overwriting or shredding the hard drive. Put all the other useful parts into good use instead of trashing them.

Final Thoughts

Computer recycling is an excellent approach to reducing land and water pollution caused by toxic e-waste. When you choose to recycle rather than throw away obsolete or computers you no longer need, you also help conserve energy. Repurposed computers are also beneficial to the community as they benefit the less fortunate population. If you need help with computer recycling, reach out to an electronic waste disposal company to do it for you.

Wondering How to Get Rid of Your Old Computer?

When it comes to computer disposal, most people are understandably confused.  There is plenty of uncertainty as to the best way to dispose of old computers and computer equipment.  Some people think they can toss these items in the trash.  Others assume it is best to transport the items to a specified drop-off point.  However, each community has a unique policy for recycling computers and related equipment.  Above all, it is a mistake to simply throw computers in the trash as doing so releases toxic chemicals into our surrounding environment.

Let the Junk Haulers Perform Computer Disposal on Your Behalf

old computer pileThe best approach to computer disposal is to let the experts do the work for you.  Our computer disposal specialists know exactly how to properly dispose of computer and related equipment.  Let us do the work for you and you won’t have to worry about attempting to find a recycling center that accepts computers.  Nor will you have to worry about whether your used computer and related items are disposed of in the proper manner.

After all, you never know what will become of your old computer when you drop it off at a big box store or a local government office.  Instead, place your trust in our junk hauling crew to safely and quickly remove your computers and computing equipment without jeopardizing your personal information or the environment.  Our trusted team members are thoroughly vetted before hire to ensure they will not pilfer information from customers’ computers.  Just as important is the fact that we will dispose of computers and related items in a green manner rather than simply transporting them to the closest landfill.

We Sweat the Small Stuff of Computer Disposal

The disposal of computers and related equipment, also referred to as e-waste, must be done in a careful manner.  California has specific e-waste disposal laws that regulate the manner in which computers and computing equipment can be disposed of.  In short, the aim is for these items to be recycled so they can serve a useful purpose instead of being tossed in an ever-growing landfill where they leak chemicals into the surrounding soil and water.  Computers and computing equipment cannot legally be placed in an area where they transmit chemicals into our environment.  Junk King’s computer disposal experts have all of these details memorized.

Put your trust in our e-waste specialists and we will dispose of your old computer, computer monitor, printer or other items in a completely green manner.  In particular, CRT devices are especially problematic as they are large, heavy and loaded with harmful chemicals that have the potential to compromise the integrity of your planet.  Lean on Junk King for computer disposal and you won’t have to worry about whether your CRT or other computing device is disposed of in a manner that safeguards the planet.  We go to great lengths to recycle computers and related equipment so they serve a meaningful purpose at some point down the line.

Computer Disposal Extends Beyond Computers

If you have an old computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, printer, router, modem or other related computing device, don’t hold onto it.  Instead of letting the old or broken computer or piece of equipment collect dust in your home, let our team dispose of it on your behalf.  We even dispose of large CRT computer monitors from decades past in a green and efficient manner.

Our crew will do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax, knowing full well that your old computer and related equipment is being recycled in a completely green manner that safeguards our planet for generations to come.  Our team even hauls away copy machines, scanners, shredders and other related equipment so you can make a seamless transition to your new devices/machines without worrying about how to properly eliminate the outdated or broken ones.

Seize the Opportunity to Upgrade Your Computer

A large part of what prevents people from upgrading their computer is the fact that implementing a new CPU requires eliminating the old one.  Computer disposal is quite the pain if you attempt to do it on your own yet stress-free if you let the experts handle the project on your behalf.  Our computer disposal crew is here to eliminate all of your old, unused, broken or otherwise flawed computing devices on your behalf so you can add new machines to your home or office without delay.  Let us perform green computer disposal on your behalf, add a new CPU to your home or office and you will be able to focus on getting the most enjoyment or productivity possible out of the machine rather than worrying about how to properly get rid of the old unit.

Contact Junk King Sonoma Today

Our junk hauling specialists are here to haul away your old computer equipment.  Contact us today to pose any questions or concerns you have about computer disposal, learn more about our computer disposal service and schedule hauling at your home, business or other location.  You can reach us by calling (707) 744-4254 or texting us at 1-737-888-5865.

Why Should You Consider Recycling for Green Waste Disposal?

How do you dispose of your household waste after cooking, doing a thorough general cleaning, landscaping, or renovating your house? There is undoubtedly a lot of green waste to manage after these activities, but the best part is that green waste is the easiest to handle. However, before going in with green waste disposal, you should sort out your waste to eliminate any inorganic materials.

While there is a range of green waste disposal methods to choose from, recycling has emerged as the best of them all, and it is all for the right reasons. Read on to understand all about green waste and the benefits of recycling and reusing.

What is Green Waste?

Green Waste Disposal Green waste can be termed as any leftovers after gardening and landscaping. These include leaves, grass clippings, unwanted plants, leaves, and flowers.

The waste may also include vegetable leftovers and peelings from kitchen activities. All these materials are biodegradable, which makes reusing and recycling the best green waste disposal methods. Here are the top benefits to expect.

Beneficial to the Soil

Did you know that green waste is an excellent source of nutrients for your soil? You can easily turn it to organic manure, which is much better than the factory-processed fertilizers. After trimming garden bushes or mowing your lawn, you can collect the waste to create compost with the grass and leaves. Combine these with your kitchen waste, and you are assured of making first-grade fertilizer that you can use to improve soil productivity in your garden.

Besides creating fertilizer, you can let the leaves and grass break naturally by leaving them lying in the garden. With time, you will realize that the plants around those areas appear more nourished than others. This is because upon decomposing, the organic materials provide the soil with healthy minerals.

Moreover, you can use green waste for mulching, which saves you from regular irrigation, especially during the wet season. Eventually, the mulch will decay and turn into organic fertilizer.

Reduce Landfills

Throwing your green waste in the regular garbage bin increases the amount of waste thrown to landfills and incinerators. This is harmful to the environment, and you have to pay landfill taxes, not to forget that not all types of waste are accepted in your local landfill. Recycling saves you from this trouble, and you get to contribute to the good course of conserving the environment.

Saves You Money in Green Waste Disposal

Recycling is the cheapest among other green waste disposal methods. For starters, you get to use the materials for something innovative around your home. For example, you could recycle the leaves, vegetable peelings, and grass clippings to produce compost manure for your garden. You no longer have to invest in inorganic fertilizers. This is both a money saver and a great way to improve your garden’s soil while helping you grow more food. You also do not have to pay disposal taxes or pay a hauling company to eliminate the waste from your site.

Recycling Creates Job Opportunities

Green waste recycling helps you create direct and indirect job opportunities in your local area. You pay the junk removal company to haul the waste from your company, which translates to direct job creation. The removal company will then mobilize a team to put the waste into good use hence indirect job creation. It is a win-win situation because the removal company takes all the stress off your shoulder, leaves your site super clean, and you help them earn a living from it.

Reduce Bad Odor

Leaves and peelings are bound to rot faster, and if not managed sooner, they eliminate a foul smell, leaving your compound inhabitable. The same case happens if the waste product ends up in landfills. Green waste responds differently from human-made or non-biodegradable waste, which makes reusing and recycling the best green waste disposal tricks. If you have no use for the waste material around your home, you should let a recycling company handle the task for you. The experts will transport the waste from your site to a recycling fertilizer and reuse it to produce quality fertilizer.

Recycling Eliminates Greenhouse Gases

Green waste produces methane and other foul-smelling gases if left unattended for a long time. This is why the areas around landfill sites are inhabitable, but you can help eliminate such happenings by putting your organic waste into better use. Methane is among the major causes of global warming and has been seen to be stronger than carbon dioxide. By recycling your waste at home or a recycling plant, you stop it from getting to landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gas production.

Wrap-Up

From these benefits, recycling is undoubtedly the healthiest and most economical green waste disposal methods. If you do not know how to go about it, contact Junk-King Marin and let the green waste disposal experts handle the task for you.

Junk King Sonoma
1364 N. McDowell Blvd Ste 8
Petaluma, CA 94954
Hours: M-Sa: 8A-4P

Providing junk removal services to the Sonoma area, including:

Annapolis
Cloverdale
Cotati
Fulton
Geyserville
Glen Ellen
Graton
Healdsburg
Kenwood
Penngrove
Petaluma
Rohnert Park
Santa Rosa
Sebastopol
Sonoma
Windsor
and these nearby zip codes:
94926, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95409, 95412, 95425, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95448, 95452, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95492