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Frequently Asked Questions

Technotrash Recycling Services
What exactly is technotrash? 
Why should I recycle my technotrash?
What happens to the technotrash?
What services does GreenDisk offer?
What are your standard services?

What material can I send to GreenDisk?

How do I choose between the Technotrash Can and the Pack-IT service?

How do I estimate the weight for either the Technotrash Can (to ensure its weight does not exceed 70 lbs.) or the Pack-IT service?

What if the Technotrash Can exceeds 70 lbs.? 

How do I pay for the service?

Is there a minimum order size for a purchase order?

Who should use GreenDisk recycling services?

There are other eWaste recyclers. Why should I use GreenDisk?

Why should I use GreenDisk to recycle my computer, laptop, or peripheral?

What geographic areas does GreenDisk serve?

My Technotrash Can is full – how do I send it back to you?

What if my FedEx or USPS carrier can not take my Technotrash Can?

Can I drop off materials to be recycled rather than shipping them?

 

GreenDisk Recycled Products

What are GreenDisk diskettes?
Are GreenDisks as good as new disks?
How do you guarantee an error-free and virus-free disk?
What makes your CDRWs recycled?
What makes your jewel cases recycled?
What standards or specifications do you adhere to?
What kind of guarantee comes with your products?
Where can I purchase GreenDisks?
 

Technotrash Recycling Services

What exactly is technotrash? 
Technotrash is a relatively new waste stream which includes all the spent supplies and obsolete accessories associated with your computer. This waste includes all those computer-related materials which you no longer need and have stuffed away in drawers, closets, and boxes in your office, storage room, attic, or in your garage. Old computers and printers, CD’s, hard drives, Zip disks, floppy disks, obsolete cell phones, rechargeable batteries, empty printer cartridges, and all the cables, cords, chips or boards that came with this once important equipment – this is all technotrash.  We all have this stuff, but most of us just don’t know how to properly dispose of it.

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Why should I recycle my technotrash?
There are two very important reasons to recycle your technotrash. First is the environmental factor.  Recycling keeps your electronic waste, some of which contains hazardous material, out of landfills (or your garage). As we move farther into the information age, the volume of obsolete computer equipment and supplies is becoming a serious problem that needs to be dealt with responsibly. Today, over 90% of technotrash is not being recycled. Some is thrown away, but most remains unused sitting on desks or taking up storage space.

The other major reason to recycle your technotrash with GreenDisk is for the protection of your privacy. Obsolete computers and old media contain massive amounts of your private and proprietary information. For each of the last five years identity theft has been the fastest growing crime in America.  In addition, with the new HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley regulations regarding the proper protection and destruction of private information, there comes a need to demonstrate compliance with these regulations.  Throwing technotrash into a landfill is just an invitation for trouble.

Many people are unaware that once you have thrown out any electronic media – hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, etc. you no longer have a legal expectation of privacy regarding any data that is on that media.  All of your information legally enters the public domain. Not only can anyone easily harvest your information from the trash or dump – but doing so is perfectly legal!  When you recycle with GreenDisk all information on any of your electronic media is destroyed.  Magnetic media (hard drives, floppy disks, Zip disks, computer or video tape, PDAs, cell phones) are degaussed (magnetically erased)  to destroy every scrap of data. CDs, DVDs and similar plastic media are shredded.  Then, for your records, we send you a certificate of destruction supported by an audit trail report that demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies or just your own personal preferences.

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What happens to the technotrash?
We use a network of non-profit organizations to process the material.  We refurbish what we can and recycle the rest.  Inkjet cartridges get remanufactured and, when possible, cell phones and some computers get refurbished. Material that has no further operating life is broken down to its smallest components (metals, plastics, etc.) and used in the manufacturing of new products. Unlike some recycling companies, all of the material that GreenDisk collects is reused or recycled.  No hazardous materials or obsolete components go overseas to be processed or disposed of.  For greater detail on the GreenDisk process and a description of where your technotrash goes, download our white paper.

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What services does GreenDisk offer?

GreenDisk standard services enable individuals and organizations to conveniently recycle small amounts of mixed technotrash including everything from a CD to a PC.  GreenDisk also offers custom solutions for recycling large amounts of technotrash. The smallest transaction ever processed by GreenDisk was a single DVD.  The largest was 26 train car loads.  We do whatever it takes to make it easy to recycle your technotrash.

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What are your standard services?

We offer two service plan options for recycling your mixed batches of technotrash: the Technotrash Can, our most popular service, and the Technotrash Pack-IT service.  For computer systems and peripherals, we also offer three options:  one for the entire system, one for individual components and a special program just for laptops. And for larger loads of 150 lbs. or greater, we offer a custom service.

 

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What material can I send to GreenDisk?

We accept the following in either the Technotrash Can or the Pack-IT service:

  • All forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape, audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT and virtually all other type of computer tapes.
  • Hard drives, Zip and Jaz drives, jump drives, etc.
  • All forms of printer cartridges including both inkjet and toner.
  • All types of cell phones, pagers, PDAs and their chargers, cables, and headset accessories
  • All types of rechargeable batteries (not regular alkaline ones) and their chargers
  • All of the small computer accessories such as MP3 players, iPods, digital cameras, hand-held scanners, handheld games and other connected devices
  • All of the cords, cables, boards, chips, etc. attached to or removed from a computer.
  • Laptop computers

We accept the following in our computer and component recycling program:

Computer System Option: Includes the processing and shipping of a full computer system - CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and associated cables.  This program is a two box service. Pack the monitor in one box and the CPU, keyboard, mouse, etc. in the other. Note that the monitor must be 17 inches or less.

Single Component Option: Includes the processing and shipping of a SINGLE monitor (must be 17 inches or less), CPU (with associated keyboard, cables, and mice), laptop, or peripheral.  Peripheral devices include printers, fax machines, and scanners.

A special laptop program makes it easy for you to recycle your old laptop with certified assurance that the private or proprietary data will be systematically destroyed.  We make sure that your computer is recycled and that your data is not.

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How do I choose between the Technotrash Can and the Pack-IT service?

The Pack-IT service is self-service.  You supply the box and are responsible for shipping.  You just pay for the processing and reporting.  If you have less than 20 pounds of technotrash and you don't mind dealing with the shipping yourself, the Pack-IT service is likely to be the best choice for you. 

 

The Technotrash Can, a collection box that holds any mix of technotrash, conveniently includes everything – the box, shipping, processing, recycling, and reporting – all for a single price.  There are two sizes:  the Standard which allows up to 35 lbs. and the Tall which allows up to 70 lbs. The Technotrash Can is perfect as an ongoing collection box which encourages recycling as an everyday activity in your home or office. You can keep the Technotrash Can up to two years before sending it back.  The Technotrash Can works equally well for your one time events such as Spring clean up or when you move.  Because of the favorable shipping rates for transportation, it is likely more cost-effective for you to choose the Technotrash Can for amounts over 20 pounds. 

 

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How do I estimate the weight for either the Technotrash Can (to ensure its weight does not exceed the 35 or 70 lbs. limit) or the Pack-IT service?

We suggest using any scale, such as a bathroom scale, to estimate the weight of your technotrash.  You can also refer to the rule of thumb chart for typical types of technotrash as a general guideline. 

 

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What if the Technotrash Can exceeds 70 lbs.? 

GreenDisk is charged a substantial surcharge for any packages that weigh over 70 lbs, and it must pass this surcharge onto its customers.  The surcharge is a minimum of $50 depending on the final weight; you will be invoiced for the additional charge.  If your weight exceeds 70 lbs., we suggest ordering a second Technotrash Can.

 

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How do I pay for the service?

The preferred way is to first set up an on-line account and pay by credit card.  GreenDisk accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.  For larger or ongoing orders, we gladly accept purchase orders and checks if you use the form found on the bottom of the ordering page.

 

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Is there a minimum order size for a purchase order?

There is no minimum order size for regular on-line orders. If you require a purchase order, however, due to setup costs the minimum order size is $60.  Smaller amounts may be accepted upon approval by GreenDisk Purchasing.

 

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Who should use GreenDisk recycling services?

Everyone who uses a computer or any of the related technology. We service large organizations in their entirety, departments within organizations, municipalities, small offices/home offices, and individuals.

 

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There are other eWaste recyclers. Why should I use GreenDisk?

GreenDisk is unique because we collect a wide range of technotrash in relatively small amounts.  Most ewaste recyclers tend to take only large amounts of a single sorted item.  In addition, we are the only company to offer all of these key features:

  • Convenient technotrash pickup.  Recycle when you want without leaving your home or office.
  • Accountability.  You receive an audit report that confirms compliance with either environmental polices or privacy requirements.
  • Security.  We securely destroy all information on your electronic media.
  • Environment.  According to the EPA ,the plastic in your technotrash can last for up to 450 years in our nation’s landfills.  At GreenDisk we focus on the reuse of items whenever possible and then recycle what we cannot refurbish.

 

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Why should I use GreenDisk to recycle my computer, laptop, or peripheral?

You should not use GreenDisk if there is a local drop-off that legitimately recycles your equipment. We believe this service should be offered in your local area to conserve energy and be more cost effective.  Unfortunately, businesses in most local areas have not stepped forward.  So, we started this service at the request of those who had no local vehicle to recycle their equipment.

 

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What geographic areas does GreenDisk serve?

The GreenDisk services are available only in the 48 contiguous states. At this time our services are available only on a limited basis in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico or other areas outside North America. Please call us if you would like more information.

 

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My Technotrash Can is full – how do I send it back to you?

Simply go to the Pickup Page on www.greendisk.com.  Enter the token # and the required fields from your order receipt (this number will also be on your Technotrash Can). Within minutes your mailing label with prepaid postage will be delivered to you via email. Just print out the label and affix it to the back of your Technotrash Can. Follow the instructions on the email you received with your shipping label to either contact FedEx for pickup or make the box available for the USPS. IOnce your materials are fully processed you will receive an audit report and certificate of destruction via email.

 

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What if my FedEx or USPS carrier can not take my Technotrash Can?

We have not had problems with FedEx.  On occasion, we have had problems with the postal carrier pickup.  USPS headquarters has directed us to have their local carriers pick up our Technotrash Cans as part of their normal route.  If your carrier refuses to pickup your box, let us know so we can contact headquarters to educate them.  In the case of certain locations, especially downtown offices such as in Manhattan, the postal carriers have walking routes.  In that situation, we FedEx truly is the best alternative.  If you choose the USPS first and then change your mind, just contact GreenDisk for an updated label.

 

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Can I drop off materials to be recycled rather than shipping them?

No. At this time GreenDisk does not have any drop off locations so all transactions must be done through www.greendisk.com

 

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GreenDisk Recycled Products

What are GreenDisk diskettes?
GreenDisks are the same premium quality disks found in retail software packages. Working with concerned software publishers GreenDisk collects the outdated and unsold packages that were destined for the landfill, breaks them down and recycles the paper and plastic components. Then the disks are erased, formatted, labeled and environmentally packaged.

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Are GreenDisks as good as new disks?
They are better. They have been flight tested by professionals. The word "recycled" is a bit misleading because GreenDisks have never been in a computer. They come from overstocks of popular software remaining when the publisher releases a new version. First, they were electronically selected by the manufacturer for this demanding job. Then they were run through the manufacturing process. Then we got them for you.

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How do you guarantee an error-free and virus-free disk?
First we degauss (magnetically erase) all our incoming disks. No program, format or virus can survive this process. Next, our disks are reformatted using high-speed machines ensuring a formatted disk with no data or viruses. Then we test each batch of disks using McAfee Virus Scan and finally we seal GreenDisks into tamper-proof boxes and glue the cartons and outer boxes shut until you open them.

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What makes your CDRWs recycled?
GreenDisk CDRW are sold in recycled jewel case which makes up over 80% of the overall content of the finished product.  The media used is brand new so you get the best of both worlds - new disks in recycled casings. 

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What makes your jewel cases recycled?
GreenDisk offers two types of cases for your CDs or DVDs.  One is an industry standard case we get by recycling obsolete software and non-deliverable music club CDs for the US Postal Service.  The CD is shredded but the case, still in pristine condition, is recovered and repackaged for your reuse.  The other cases are called GreenDisk SoftShells.  They represent GreenDisk’s first effort at manufacturing a new product using recycled plastics that come from our own recycling process.  These are also available online through the GreenDisk web store.

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What standards or specifications do you adhere to?
GreenDisk products conform to the most stringent of the industry standards as established by ANSI (The American National Standards Institute). These are the same standards used by all the top manufacturers such as Sony, Fuji and 3M.

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What kind of guarantee comes with your products?
We have the same guarantee on our recycled products as the manufacturers do on their new products. We will replace any defective product that has not been abused or damaged and our guarantee extends to the life of the product.

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Where can I purchase GreenDisks?
You can buy GreenDisks either online at GreenDisk’s web store, at specialized environmental office supply stores or through most major contract stationer catalogs.

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[What we take]
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Set up Technotrash Can

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Reference Documents

White Papers
[What happens to my Technotrash?]

Technotrash Can Data Sheets
[Data Sheet - Corporate]
[Data Sheet - Individual]

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