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 As networking hardware is evolving, even such fundamental elements as switches over time become outdated and need replacing.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?
Remove Harmful Waste - Networking hardware is considered e-waste and often contains toxins like heavy metals and fire retardants. These materials can cause environmental problems and health issues if not disposed of correctly. This means networking devices have no place with your regular office trash.
Reclaim Valuable Materials - Networking switches contain metal, glass, and plastic that recycling centers can separate and put back into production
Lower Production Cost - To promote recycling and reclaim some of the materials they can reuse, networking equipment companies often buy back their old technology. Check the website of the company that manufactured your network switches, and you’ll find a page with more information.
Data Protection - Network switches may still contain bits of data and clues on how to access your servers. A resourceful hacker may take advantage of this and harm your business or steal sensitive customer data. The only way to prevent this is to have your networking equipment recycled by a certified recycler.
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?
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 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, Burlingame, 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.
DISCLOSURE *: GreenCitizen is passionate about making every day Earth Day for the people and businesses we serve. We introduce only those green products and services that we believe can help our customers reduce waste and environmental damage. We participate in Amazon Associates and other affiliate programs that earn us fees when site visitors follow certain links. We’re committed to using all such revenues to increase our efforts toward making every day Earth Day.
