How to Recycle Network Switch?

How to Recycle Network Switches?

A network switch is a piece of hardware that connects different network segments to provide full network performance and the optimal use of network bandwidth. As networking hardware is evolving, even such fundamental elements as switches over time become outdated and need replacing. Let’s dig into basic network switch recycling knowledge.

Why Should You Recycle Network Switches?

What Parts Can You Retrieve From Network Switches?

Parts

Retrieved Materials Through Recycling

Chassis

The network switch case is made of lightweight, non-magnetic metal like aluminum that can be recycled easily.

Fans

Cooling fans are made of plastic that is readily recovered and recycled as plastic pellets. Network switches have plenty of fans to ensure proper cooling and optimum performance.

Motherboard, CPU and RAM

Certified network switch recyclers treat circuit boards with acid and smelt the rest to recover gold, copper, and non-metals like silicon.

How to Recycle Network Switches?

Recycling aluminum cans is a no-brainer. They get cleaned, shredded, melted, and rolled into new sheets.

But the truth is that many laptop parts can also be recycled.

E-Waste Recyclers

Taking your hardware to professional recyclers that recycle network switches is the safest and the most sustainable way of disposing of them. These recyclers use industrial-grade recycling processes, making sure most of the materials are salvaged from your network switch with minimal energy wasted.

Municipal Office

Municipal Waste Management

Dumping e-waste with communal trash is illegal in 19 states and the DC. However, local government often has e-waste drop-off programs for citizens and businesses. Ask around your local department of environment or waste management company for e-waste recycling programs.

Seller Take-Back Programs

Companies like Best Buy will buy back electronics, even if you didn’t buy the item from their stores. Amazon also has an electronics recycling program where you can trade in your tech for an Amazon gift card.

Donation

If your networking hardware still works, you can donate it to charity. Used network switches are always welcome at non-profit offices. Schools and local youth centers would be premium candidates, as they often struggle with outdated technology themselves. The only difference is that your old networking switches would probably be a premium upgrade for any IT classroom.

Where to Recycle Network Switches?

Drop-off Recycling (For Individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area)

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can bring your old network switches to our EcoCenter in Burlingame.

The address is — 1831 Bayshore HWY, Suite 2, Burlinga

me, CA 94010, USA. If you have any questions, call us at (650) 493-8700.

We will recycle your laptop responsibly and locally — totally free of charge.

Business Recycling Pickup (For Businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Maybe you run a business and can’t spare any of your people to make the drop-offs.

If you need to recycle some of your networking hardware — we got you covered.

Our Business Pickup Service is on standby from Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

If your business is in the San Francisco Bay Area, send us a pickup request, and our logistics crew will come to load your equipment at your place of business.

We’ll send you a confirmation that all your networking switches have been recycled safely and responsibly.

Mail-in Recycling (US-Wide Service)

If you live outside the San Francisco Bay Area and want us to handle your recycling, we got you covered, too.

You can send your networking switches through our Mail-in Recycling Program, and we’d be happy to recycle them.

Fill out our Mail-in Recycling Form and send your stuff with your preferred shipping provider.

We’ll send you an email confirmation when we get your package.

Green Directory (US-Wide Service)

When it comes to recycling, it’s always best if you can do it locally, but it’s not always easy to find a local recycler that is 100% legit.

That’s why we developed a service that can show you the nearest recycling site that accepts network switches.

Hey, but how do I find a network switch recycling near me?

It’s really simple, actually.

Visit our GreenDirectory page and:

  • Search for the item to recycle
  • Enter your location and zip code
  • Select your preferred recycler

You get a list of the nearest recycling centers or drop-off locations that take network switches, along with the distance to your place, working hours, etc.

Don’t recognize the address? Don’t worry — we have a Google Maps widget with all the locations from your search results.