If you are interested in finding alternatives to the recycling options offered by Acer and would like to find additional organizations that take working computers for reuse, or to locate an electronics recycling service in your area, explore these choices:
- eRecycle.org is a partnership between government, manufacturers, retailers and the environmental community that provides guidance and information to consumers about recycling electronic waste.
- Earth 911 is for a ZIP code-driven search for resources or call their toll-free number at 1-800-CLEANUP for assistance.
- The Telecommunications Industry Association’s E-Cycling Central has a database of electronics recyclers around the country.
- The International Association of Electronics Recyclers offers a search engine for recycler companies and locations.
- For Third Party Recycler Certifications, there are currently two responsible electronics recycler standards and certification programs available to recyclers: The E-Stewards Certification, developed by the Basel Action Network (BAN), and the Responsible Recycler (R2) Certification, currently administered by R2 Solutions. At this time, Acer supports recyclers that use both or at least one of these certification programs. The websites for both programs list the recyclers that have been awarded certifications to their respective standards.
- Your state environmental agency's website for listings of electronics recyclers in your state.
- Your community's household hazardous waste service, recycling program, or solid waste program—check your jurisdiction's website, government websites, or the Yellow Pages in your phone book.
- Your Yellow Pages for listings of local electronics recycling companies and nonprofits.
- Local charitable organizations such as Goodwill or Salvation Army may take unwanted, working computers.
More About Recycling Your Old Computer
Some communities have set up services for electronics recycling through public waste management and recycling programs. There may be ongoing or periodic service, like a collection event, in your community. Contact your local solid waste and recycling services to find out more.
To choose a recycler, check to make sure that the firm meets all applicable state and local laws, and that it properly manages the recovered materials. Also, check to make sure that the recycler has been certified to either BAN’s E-Stewards Standard or to the R2 Standard. To find out more about the regulations that apply in your state, contact your state's environmental agency.
It's good to ask a recycler how they recycle it—to be sure parts are not placed in landfills or shipped to overseas markets where environmental laws are nonexistent or not strictly enforced.