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Keep Or Toss? A Computer Scrapper's Time-Saving Tips

If you have a few computers that need to be scrapped, what's the best way to do it? Not everything in a computer has a high recycling price and can be put in a box for general recycling, but there are some items you may want to hold onto in case prices get better. Here are a few personal computer (PC) recycling tips to help you figure out what's worth keeping for recycling and what needs to be tossed into a simple recycling bin.

Aluminum Recycling From Computers

Aluminum is one of the more plentiful materials inside desktop and laptop computers. It's a lightweight metal that still provides a decent amount of structure and strength for most computer uses, meaning that the case won't break from someone accidentally bumping into the system. 

The chassis/case framework has the most aluminum, and can be stacked for easy storage. You can break the case down with basic screwdrivers in some cases, but a few case brands use rivets or small tabs to put the cases together. Rivet removers are low cost, and you can use work gloves to pry apart metal tabs safely.

Heat sinks are another aluminum source in computers. These components are solid blocks of aluminum with thin pieces that can be sharp enough to cut fingers with just a light brush. Be careful when handling heat sinks, and consider wearing gloves. You also need be careful when removing heat sinks because the main heat sink covers a processor. If the processor is still working and is less than 5 or 6 years old, it can be resold for more than its scrap value. Removing heat sinks can be done with a credit card or other thin tools in some cases, but thermal paste removal techniques and cleaning products designed for computer components can make it an easier and safer job.

Copper Recycling For Higher Profit

Copper is worth more than aluminum, but it isn't as plentiful inside computers. The main source of copper inside of desktop computers will be inside the power supply. Power supplies can hold dangerous amounts of electricity for days if not discharged properly by an electrician, but you can usually recycle the entire component while getting a good estimate on the copper value.

Heat sinks made of copper or a linked copper and aluminum setting are also becoming more plentiful. This is a good thing because of the lower prices of copper making advanced cooling cheaper, but it's not good news for scrappers.

There also aren't many copper wires inside computers. The few wires that are present are too thin to melt down on your own, but if you have wire cutters or shears and can spare the time, it's extra metal for the scrap pile.

Contact a PC recycling service, such as Ranch Town Recycling Center Inc., to discuss other scrapping concerns and to ask about current recycling payment rates.