photo by neuro
Have you ever heard about an “urban mine”? Rare earth metals are important elements to produce various types of electronics which are used in our everyday life. Electronics that people throw away every day are considered to be a valuable source to obtain a significant amount of rare earth metals. Especially, computers contain rather large volume of rare earth metals, therefore, in Japan, old computers must be recycled under the law, without disposing as general rubbish. But how can we recycle computers in Japan? There are a few methods to dispose a computer.
About computer recycling system in Japan
In Japan, the law for recycling of computers was revised, and collection and recycle of computers which are not in use, LCD monitor etc. by manufacturers became mandated. Accordingly, “computer recycling mark” is attached on all computers manufactured for Japanese market in 2003 or later, and such computers with a recycling mark can be collected for free by manufacturers upon request.
Computer related items to be recycled under the law
The following items must be recycled under the law
- Main body of a computer
- Laptop computer
- CRT monitor
- LCD monitor
- CRT monitor with built-in computer
- LCD monitor with built-in computer
*Computer related devices and goods such as printer, scanner, CD-ROM and DVD are not subject to mandatory recycling.
How to recycle your computer
You can give away your computer to someone or sell it to a recycle shop when it is still working, but not when your computer is out of order. Broken computers need to be recycled in the following methods.
- Request the manufacturer s for recycling
- Dispose it in accordance with municipality’s recycling system
- Sell it to a waste trader
Recycling method 1. Request the manufacturer to recycle
As mentioned earlier, all computers sold within Japan in and after 2003 have “computer recycling mark” on them (normally shown on the label on which the serial number is printed along with other marks). Computers and monitors with “computer recycling mark” can be recycled for free by contacting the manufacturers. Costs for recycling are included in the price of computers. “computer recycling mark” is valid for second-hand computers, and second-hand computers with this mark can be recycled by manufacturers for free. Computers without “computer recycling mark” can be recycled by the manufacturers for a fee. Procedures to request a manufacturer for recycle of computer are as follows.
- Check the name of manufacturer on the computer and confirm there is a “computer recycling mark”.
- If there is no “computer recycling mark” on the computer, pay recycle fee according to the instruction from the manufacturer (skip this step if there is a “computer recycling mark”).
- Visit manufacturer’s website, and make a request for a recycle service online or by telephone.
- Receive an invoice from the manufacturer to send the computer (e.g. Yu-Pack).
- Pack the computer and send it by using the invoice.
Important note!
Each manufacturer only accepts computers of their own products to recycle. Therefore, if you want to recycle a main body of a computer and a monitor of different brands, for example, you will need to contact with both manufacturers. Also, computer manufacturers do not recycle self-built computers.
Recycling method 2. Take a computer to recycle service by municipalities or electronics retailers
Since 2003, the volume of electronic devices used in everyday life has been dramatically increased, and the law for recycling small appliances came into effect in 2013. This law covers various electronic gears and appliances including computer, smart phone, tablet, USB and other memory mediums, camera and DVD player. These items can be recycled by some municipalities and electronics retailers.
Recycle service by municipalities
You can take electronic devices to a municipality office for recycling. Most of the time, there is a recycling box to place devices to be recycled. Note that some municipalities do not provide such a service, therefore inquire your local government office in advance whether recycling service is available in your area. Also, your computer cannot be recycled by municipality if it does not fit the recycle box due to its shape or size. It is recommended to visit the office first to check the size of the recycle box. All devices that are designated by the municipality can be recycled no matter of the name of brand.
Recycle service by electronics retailers
Electronics devices can be recycled by electronics retailer’s shops by bringing in. However, accepts devices for a fee. Also, unlike recycle service by manufacturers, they do not provide a shipping support service.
Recycling method 3. Take a computer to a waste trader
As mentioned before, the potential use of rare earth metals used for computers is boundless, and waste traders generally accept broken computers. However, such traders may take out-of-order computers for free or even charge recycling fee, while they normally pay money for computers that still works. It is recommended to inquire a waste trader in advance about payment conditions. Some traders send you quotation online.
Smart recycling!
In Japan, there are a few methods to recycle your computer while each method has upside and downside.
- Recycle service by manufacturers
Advantage: Computers with “computer recycling mark” are recycled for free
Disadvantage: Fees apply if no “computer recycling mark”. Each manufacturer accepts only their own products
- Recycle service by municipalities or electronics retailers
Advantage: Free of charge, all computers can be accepted no matter of manufacturers
Disadvantage: Some municipalities or shops do not provide the service. Computers have to fit in the recycle box. Some shops take charges of recycling.
- Take to a computer to a waste trader
Advantage: You may receive a money for selling your computer. Free of charge. all computers can be accepted no matter of manufacturers.
Disadvantage: You have to apply for a service or quotation. Services vary depending on traders.
If your computer has a “computer recycling mark”, the best way is to request the manufacturer to recycle it. You will receive an invoice within 2 to 3 days from your request, then you can just use it to ship your computer. If your computer is without an “computer recycling mark”, self-built or overseas product which is not used in Japan, take it to recycle service of a municipality or electronics manufacturer. If you have plenty of time to inquire several service providers, you may want to take your computer to a waste trader, so that it can be exchanged to some money.
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