Go Green - Get Cash for Electronic Scrap

by Ron aka LanWanMan
(Ocala, Florida USA)

Computer equipment recycling is amongst the highest money making industries in America today, but that does not mean that this is solely a venture for the "big business owners." There are numerous people who have made a generous income on obsolete computers that sat in closets for a long time or were discarded to the scrap heap. Disassembling old computers is not just for big businesses. You can start today, disassembling computers in your own home and selling your e-scrap online; but not just any place online!

A computer is essentially a box with drives, processors, circuit boards, integrated circuits, and some wire. Here are 12 simple steps to take apart most computers:

1) Shut down the computer, then, unplug it from the electrical outlet.

2) Ground yourself to prevent static discharge using a wrist strap or other suitable method.

3) Open the computer's case.

4) Remove the integrated circuit boards from the main board (motherboard).

5) Remove the RAM modules (memory sticks) from the slots in the motherboard.

6) Disconnect the power harness (wiring) connectors as well as any other cable connectors from the hard drive(s), DVD drive(s), CD drive(s), and any other components.

7) Remove each component (CD drive, etc.) one-by-one taking out the screws fastening each device to the computer chassis and carefully extracting each component from the chassis. Set these devices aside. They might need more dismantling.

8) Remove the heat sync from the central processor (CPU) unless of course it is part of the central processing unit itself (Note: heat syncs might be made of aluminum or other recyclable metals).

9) Disconnect the power supply wire harness from the main board.

10) Remove the power supply. CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE THE POWER SUPPLY.

11) Disconnect the power cables connecting the main board and fans and other components.

12) Unscrew the main board from the chassis and remove it.

Congratulations! Your computer is now completely disassembled.

Okay, so this might seem like a bunch of work for just one computer. However, what if you collect all the outdated computers from your friends and neighbors; just think of all the money you can bring in. Then, continue repeating this practice over and over again. There is no limit to the money that can be produced taking into consideration the 1000's of computers that are thrown away everyday. Get started by searching for outdated computers in attics and elsewhere. Next, find a trustworthy electronic scrap recycler that will buy your inventory.