July 2011
Skills computer recycling program in Juniata County is in the process of becoming Responsible Recycling ("R2") Certified. R2 Certification is used in accreditated certification programs that access an electronic recycler’s environmental, health and safety, and security practices. Jason Teliszcak and Nathan Milis of JT Environmental Consulting are assisting with this process.
While computers are safe to use, they do contain environmentally hazardous materials. These materials can be safely removed and recycled, but only if we all work to keep these materials out of landfills and incinerators in the first place.
In 2007, 85% of discarded electronics ended up in the trash, even though the hazardous chemicals and heavy metals in electronics can leach out of landfills into groundwater and streams and burning the plastics releases dioxins and furans (Electronics Take Back Coalition, 2009; U.S. EPA, 2008).
Skills Industrial Service Center in Port Royal disassembles computers and computer equipment by hand, eliminating the hazards of airborne pollutants created by machine destruction. The materials Skills de-manufactures are then forwarded to various companies for further processing, testing, and/or refurbishing. Skills Industrial Centers comply with all OSHA and state regulations, and all of our customers recycle these products in the United States.
Skills accepts basic computer components at no fee and can provide a scheduled pick-up for a fee. Items accepted include:
- Personal Computers (all makes and models)
- Monitors (all makes and models; no cracked or chipped screens/casings; no cut cords)
- Keyboards (all makes and models)
- Mice (all makes and models)
- Computer peripherials (e.g., scanners, printers)
- Any old wires or parts once belonging to a computer
