What happens the materials that 3RTechnology picks up? What sorts of processes are involved in recycling my equipment?

We separate the equipment by type and condition. PC towers and laptops are separated based upon age and features. A small amount of newer PCs are refurbished and resold. Whenever possible, monitors, printers, accessories, and other equipment are donated or resold. Older PCs are broken down into plastic, metal, circuit boards, drives etc. Usable parts are remarketed, and older components are separated for automated processing at a larger plant. As we do our recycling by hand, most harder-to-recycle items such as monitors and printers go to other recyclers for final reclamation using machine equipment.

What do my recycling fees cover?

Recycling fees help cover costs charged to us by our downstream recyclers, transportation, labor, and warehousing. We finance our operations chiefly with the sale of remarketed PC components. With the aid of these parts, we are extending the lifespan of technology currently in use and helping decrease new technology production.

Does any of it end up in the landfill? How about being shipped overseas?

No. All of our equipment is recycled or reused domestically or in developed countries (OECD). We work very hard within the community to ensure that as much technology as possible is diverted from the landfill, and prevented from being shipped to developing countries where it may by 'recycled' with detrimental effects on the environment or workers.

Any items not reused are broken down into raw materials and recycled either at our facility or by our domestic downstream recyclers. Some raw materials resulting from the process may, of course, be eventually used in manufacturing overseas. Unfortunately, there are also environmental concerns about purchasing any products from developing countries. We are striving to be involved in addressing these issues and work with other organizations to promote reduction of both improper recycling AND over-production of new electronics.

Can I take my electronic equipment to a transfer station or dump?

All King County transfer stations and most other private waste processing facilities no longer accept e-waste. If you are outside the King County area and are looking for recycling options, please contact us or check with the local Solid Waste management division of your municipality.

What happens to the hard drives in our computers? What if I'm concerned about any data stored on hard drives I'm recycling?

The majority of older hard drives go straight to one of our recyclers where they are hole-punched to prevent any reuse, ground up for aluminum and other materials and recycled. Newer drives are individually tested and wiped with special software that completely overwrites all data on the drive. Only after this process are they introduced into reuse. When our customers require certified destruction at our facility, we mark them for a separate process where the integrity of the drives are compromised and go straight to recycling without intervening use. Please let us know your wishes when recycling your equipment.

If you use other recyclers for some recycling services, why shouldn't I go directly to them?

We certainly refer our customers to other recyclers when appropriate - particularly for large items such as TVs and floor-model copiers. However, since we work with these recyclers in volume, we are often able to negotiate cheaper rates and pass some of the difference in cost along to our customers.

Most importantly, we distinguish ourselves from other recyclers by promoting reuse through remarketing and donation of as much of the equipment we recycle as possible. This also reduces production of new equipment which consumes valuable natural resources.

Also, we can pick up equipment at no additional charge. A minimum of 15 items, however, is requested.

How can I help support recycling and reduction of e-waste?

Recycle any plastic, metal and electronic materials through a reputable recycler. Purchase used equipment or parts when you can. It's cheaper, and better for the environment!