Hilltop Computer Shops
Hilltop Consultants
Calendar of Events
Friends of Hilltop Program
Web & Graphic Design
Small Business Server
Exchange Email Experts
Data Backup & Recovery
Network Gurus
Spam & Virus Protection
Desktop Support
Hosted Email & Web
InSight
Jim Turner
Paul Recksiek
Donny Reyes
Sarah Song
Tom Wanat
Recycling
Laptop Power Jack Repair
 Recycle


Please note we charge $5 per CRT monitor as part of our Earth Day recycling event to help offset the cost of properly disposing of the hazardous materials contained in CRTs.

Reuse IT, Reduce IT, Recycle IT 

As with any resource, the greenest use of old computer equipment is to keep it useful and out of the landfill. 

Hilltop partners with local businesses to limit the impact of IT on the environment:

Reuse 
If devices and accessories are in good working condition they can be cleaned up and returned to service, or... 

Reduce 
In other cases, we disassemble the equipment and the parts are reused, meaning less destined for the landfill, and... 

Recycle 
When equipment and parts reach their end-of-life, they are sent to processing facilities that recover and recycle the reusable materials. 


What's the problem we face?

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 40 million computers become obsolete every year. In 2007, discarded TVs, computers, peripherals (including printers, scanners, fax machines), mice, keyboards, and cell phones totaled about 2.5 million tons of waste. It's estimated that only about 18% of the 205.5 million computer products being produced each year is being properly recycled.

The "e-waste" contained in old electronics is among the most hazardous materials that can end up in a landfill. Toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and plastics can contaminate the soil and groundwater.


Delete and Donate

Most people mistakenly assume their old computer is worthless. The reality is that many schools, organizations, and other groups can make good use of your old computer. You should always delete all personal information before donation.

Additional tips:

  • Remember the accessories - Keyboard, mouse, cables, and software. 
  • Keep the operating system in tact - Some organizations can't afford to purchase new operating systems. If you received a new operating system with your computer, please give the old one away with your old hardware.
  • Provide original media   - Those installation CDs are useful, as are any instructions
  • Keep a list - Come tax time, donations are often deductable.


Hilltop's Role

At Hilltop we follow these steps: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. Whatever parts we can't use at our retail locations to fix other computers, we take to the Montgomery County Transfer Station/Recycling Center for responsible disposal.

Contact our support team