Frequently Asked Questions

What happens the materials that 3R Technology picks up? What sorts of processes are involved in recycling my equipment?

We separate the equipment by type and condition. PC towers and laptops are separated based upon age and features. Most PCs that are refurbishable are submitted to our CHOOSE TO REUSE program, a partnership with InterConnection where computers are made available to NGOs, schools and non-profits world-wide. Whenever possible, printers, networking equipment, accessories, components and other equipment are donated or resold. Older PCs are broken down into plastic, metal, circuit boards, drives etc. Usable parts are remarketed, and older components are separated for automated processing at partner facilities.

What do my recycling fees cover?

For equipment not covered by e-Cycle Washington program and entities not eligible to take advantage of the free program, recycling fees help cover costs charged to us by our downstream recyclers, transportation, labor, and warehousing. We finance our operations chiefly with the sale of remarketed PC components. By making this technology available to end-users, resellers and repair facilities, we are extending the lifespan of technology currently in use and helping decrease new technology production.

Does any of it end up in the landfill? How about being shipped overseas?

No. All of our equipment is recycled or reused domestically or in developed countries (OECD). We work very hard within the community to ensure that as much technology as possible is diverted from the landfill, and prevented from being shipped to developing countries where it may by 'recycled' with detrimental effects on the environment or workers.

Any items not reused are broken down into raw materials and recycled either at our facility or by our domestic downstream recyclers. Some raw materials resulting from the process may, of course, will be used in manufacturing overseas, such as copper, plastic and aluminum. We use a steel reclamation facility locally here in Seattle.

What happens to the hard drives in our computers? What if I'm concerned about any data stored on hard drives I'm recycling?

The majority of older hard drives go straight to one of our recyclers where they are hole-punched to prevent any reuse, ground up for aluminum and other materials and recycled. Newer drives are individually tested and wiped with special software that completely overwrites all data on the drive. Only after this process are they introduced into reuse. When our customers require certified destruction at our facility, we mark them for a separate process where the integrity of the drives are compromised and go straight to recycling without intervening use. Please let us know your wishes when recycling your equipment.

If you use other recyclers for some recycling services, why shouldn't I go directly to them?

We certainly refer our customers to other recyclers when appropriate. However, since we work with recyclers in volume, we are often able to negotiate cheaper rates and pass some of the difference in cost along to our customers.

Most importantly, we distinguish ourselves from other recyclers by promoting reuse through remarketing and donation of as much of the equipment we recycle as possible. This also reduces production of new equipment which consumes valuable natural resources.

Also, we provide convenient and cost-effective pickup and collection services.

How can I help support recycling and reduction of e-waste?

Recycle any plastic, metal and electronic materials through a reputable recycler. Purchase used equipment or parts and facilitate repairs rather than recycling when you can. It's cheaper, and better for the environment!