What Happens to Recycled Computer Parts?

Posted on

Oct 21st, 2022

End-of-Life Computer Materials That Can Be Reused

Most of the materials we send out can be reused or repurposed. There are obvious valuable materials like gold, copper, and silver that can be reused in new computer parts and turned into jewelry. The less obvious materials, like old CRT glass, can be reused as ceramic tiles and tile glaze.

CRT Glass

CRT glass does contain lead, making the glass highly fusible. Because it is so fusible, it reduces the energy needed to create new products like ceramic tiles and tile glaze.

Copper

8.7 tonnes of copper is recycled from end-of-life electronic products every year. It’s one material that can be reused repeatedly without losing its ability to perform. Additionally, reusing copper lessens CO2 admissions. Copper can be recycled into jewelry, wires, or even used for the same material it was used for previously.

Shredded Software and Toner Cartridges

One of our vendors, Covanta, uses materials like shredded software and toner cartridges to provide power to more than one million homes. This helps keep methane out of landfills which reduces emissions from fossil fuel electrical production. Your recycled toner cartridges might be powering your house!

Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid found in batteries can be turned into water by adding baking soda. Once it has been cleaned and meets clean water standards, it’s released into the sewer system. It can also be turned into sodium sulfate used in laundry detergent, glass, and textiles.

Mercury

Mercury is often found in tubes in TVs and computer monitors. Ninety-nine percent of mercury can be recycled. Once extracted from items like mercury tubes, it can be reused in new products. This not only helps limit the amount of mercury in our environment but reduces the need for new mercury to be mined and used.

The other one percent must be disposed of properly to protect our ecosystem. The EPA has established RCRA Subtitle C landfills. This is the best way to keep mercury out of our water systems. These landfills have been specifically created to ensure that substances like mercury aren’t entering our environment.

Securis Can Help!

At Securis, we ensure our downstream vendors are R-2 certified and keep all materials out of landfills. We want to ensure that our environment is free of harmful elements. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about how we can help you!

Christopher Madeira
Director of Marketing
ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert
Snapshot / Quick Stats
- 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
- Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
- Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
- Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy
Areas of Specialization
- Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
- ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
- Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.
Professional Narrative (Career Journey)
Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.
Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.
At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.
Quote
“Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.
Personal
A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling, connecting with his community, and aviation photography.
Trust & Transparency
Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.
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