The Munich-based foundation says its awards program “is on the lookout for solutions in the categories of water.....read more

Identity theft is one of the world’s fastest growing crimes. Many people do not realize that their electronics, including computers, cell phones, tablets, and even fax machines retain hidden personal data even if you have deleted all files and folders. Before you recycle your computer, take these steps to be sure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
 
1.       Wipe your hard drive.
 
Deleting a file doesn’t actually remove it; it just marks it as a file that can be written over. Erase the hard drive with software that meets Department of Defense standards; these programs will overwrite the hard drive multiple times with meaningless data, displacing your old files.
 
2.       Check other data storage locations.
 
You should remove any programs installed on your machine, like browsers, that store personal data.
Check to make sure you don’t have data in other locations where files are stored, such as CD-ROM discs still in the drive, or SD cards still inserted in slots.
 
3.       Encryption adds an extra layer of protection.
 
For additional protection long before you are considering parting with your computer, use encryption software; this will make it difficult for anyone to mine your data over the life of the machine. Once you are ready to dispose of the computer, you will rest easy knowing that even if you have forgotten something, the extra security will ensure your data won’t be accessible.
 
If your computer is ready to retire, visit this website to learn more about recycling company in Mountain View.

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Electronics, including computers, have valuable components made of metals, plastic and glass which are expensive to mine and manufacture. Recycling old office computers not only preserves natural resources but also helps reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions produced in landfills. Check out these tips on how to recycle your computers.
 
1.       Erase your data.
 
It is your computers you want to recycle, not your company’s private data. To protect your information from potential theft, be sure to use credentialed software that can thoroughly do the job of wiping your hard drives clean. Just deleting files from your computer does not erase them.
 
2.       Help your community.
 
If you want to help the underprivileged, you could donate your old equipment to a charity, as long as the computers are not too old to support up-to-date software. You can get a tax deduction for doing this.
 
3.       Look for a reputable recycling company. 
 
Verify a company’s credentials to be sure they actually recycle responsibly. Computers contain many hazardous materials such as mercury, lead and cadmium which can be environmentally dangerous. They also contain valuable metals like aluminum, gold, and copper; sometimes computers you may think have been recycled have been shipped to third world countries to extract these metals.
 
You can check with the manufacturer of your computers as they often sponsor recycle programs, as do major retailers, but you may find it more practical to use the services of a local company. To learn more about computer recycling in San Jose, visit this website.

​It may look like junk to the untrained eye, but those who know better see cash in a pile of scrap metal. Wires, copper pipes, aluminum and more are sought by scrap metal yards, which pay good money for the valuable metal.

Most people are accustomed to recycling household trash, and it’s easy to put your plastics and aluminum in a bin to place on the curb once a week; however, many businesses have never considered a recycling program because they never analyzed the benefits. Here are some surprising facts that show how valuable this practice can be to a business.





1.       Recycling is cheaper than waste management.




If you are throwing out a lower volume of trash than before, you can get a discount on waste management services. The company that removes your trash for you may even be able to find a market for you to sell your recycled materials. Employees develop a sense of thrift from recycling and often stop carelessly using supplies, which also improves your bottom line.




2.       Protect confidentiality.

 

When your business documents are shredded and baled for recycling, you can rest easy knowing no one is dumpster diving for your company’s trade secrets. Recycling companies can provide special bins with limited access to further protect this information.




3.       Polish your image.





Going green is not only popular, but your clients and employees will hold you in higher regard. By reducing pollution and waste, you display conscientiousness and responsibility. It boosts morale in the workplace because employees like to be associated with programs that have social benefits.


 

If you are ready to start a recycling program at your place of business, visit this website to learn more about computer recycling in San Jose.