Difference between revisions of "Laptop Recycling"

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(updated format and revised instructions)
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==Recycling==
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__NOTOC__
 
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'''GOALS'''
Laptops that don't make the cut are recycled in the Laptop Build area by Laptop volunteers. Recycling laptops is often the first task assigned to new Laptop volunteers.  By recycling laptops, new volunteers are able to learn where laptop components are located, what they look like, and gain experience in disassembly and reassembly.  Since the laptops will not be rebuilt, it doesn't matter if the laptop inadvertently gets damaged in the recycling process (also a plus for new volunteers).
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*Get familiar with how various laptops are put together.
 
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*Get oriented in the Build room.
{| border="1" fontname="Nimbus Sans" fontsize="12" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width=80%
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*Practice assembling and disassembling laptops without breaking components.
!style="color:white; background-color:black;" |'''STEPS'''
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!style="color:white; background-color:black;" |'''NOTES AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION'''
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===1. Data security check===
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{{Template:Data_Security_for_Builders}}
| REMOVE HARD DRIVE
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|Confirm that the Hard Drive has been removed; otherwise, remove it.  If this is a newer laptop, consult your instructor as to whether or not you should hold on to the hard drive caddy.  
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===2. Remove stickers===
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☐ Remove stickers:
| Remove the Microsoft Sticker and Asset Tags|| Microsoft sticker can usually be found on the bottom of the laptop and on the palm rest.  Get rid of anything that identified the former owner, whether an individual or a business.
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*Microsoft stickers.
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*Any sticker identifying the previous owner.
| Remove reusable parts<br>(ask where they go) ||
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*Stickers added by the manufacturer (specs, model number, etc) should be left on the system.
Depending on the age and condition of the laptop, we may be interested in the following:
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*No cleaning or gunk removal is necessary; these laptops are headed straight for the recycling shredder!
* RAM
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* DVD-RW
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===3. Remove reusable parts===
* Wireless Cards (onboard and/or PCMCIA)
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&#9744; Remove RAM from all systems, unless it is very difficult to get to.<br>
 
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&#9744; We won't reuse parts from most recyclers, usually because they are below our minimum build specifications. However, if the laptop is being recycled because of damage rather than age, we may keep some parts. Keep an eye out for:
Occasionally, we'll be looking for these (consult your instructor!):
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*Wireless cards
* Hard drive caddies
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*DDR2 or DDR3 RAM
* keyboards
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*DVD-RW optical drives
* CMOS batteries
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* Screws
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===4. Final steps===
 
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&#9744; Minimally reassemble the system (the lid should close, more or less). <br>
If the laptop has an ''Uncovered electronic device'' sticker, then remove the battery and throw it in the '''Bad Batteries''' box on the recycling cart. Otherwise, leave it attached to the machine.
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&#9744; Put a '''Hard Drive Removed''' sticker on the top of the lid, and have your instructor sign it. <br>
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&#9744; For laptops with an '''Uncovered Electronics''' or '''FG-PDX''' sticker:
| Reassemble laptop as best as possible || Do what you can.  Ideally, the laptop will be able to close on itself without any hanging parts.
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*Remove the battery, and put it in the '''Bad Batteries''' bin on the recycling cart.  
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*Put the laptop in the '''Uncovered''' bin on the recycling cart.
| Affix '''Hard Drive Removed''' sticker to lid || Bring the laptop to the Instructor so they can initial the label.
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&#9744; For laptops without an '''Uncovered Electronics''' or '''FG-PDX''' sticker:
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*These laptops are 'covered' by Oregon E-Cycles laws, hence they go in the '''Covered''' bins on the recycling cart.  
| Put laptop on the recycling cart || If the laptop has an ''Uncovered electronic device'' sticker, place it in a box labelled '''Uncovered'''. Otherwise, stick it in a box labelled '''Covered'''.
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|}
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'''OPTIONAL EXERCISE'''<br>
 
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If you'd like a chance to explore a bit more, in addition to the steps above, locate and remove as many of these components as you can find from a few different machines:
 
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*Modem or WiFi card
[[Category:Laptops]]
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*Keyboard and trackpad
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*Optical Drive
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*Screen and hinge assembly
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*Battery
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[[Category: Laptops]]

Revision as of 18:45, 18 December 2012

GOALS

  • Get familiar with how various laptops are put together.
  • Get oriented in the Build room.
  • Practice assembling and disassembling laptops without breaking components.

1. Data security check

We are responsible for securely wiping or destroying any storage device that is donated to Free Geek. This commonly means removing hard drives to be wiped, but keep an eye out for other kinds of data storage devices as well.
What to keep in mind when removing hard drives
☐ Make sure to separate any caddy parts and adapters from the hard drive.
☐ Tape any caddy parts, adapters, and screws together back inside the hard drive bay. These should stay with the system unless your instructor needs them for parts.
☐ Only ever leave hard drives and other storage devices in a designated box or with your instructor.
Check for disks and other storage media
☐ Check the optical drive for disks.

  • Look for the small quick-release hole on the faceplate, and use a paperclip to manually open the drive.

☐ Take a quick look for other kinds of media, let your instructor know if you find anything.

Commonly encountered storage devices:

  • 3.5" hard drives (Desktop size)
  • 2.5" hard drives (Laptop size)
  • Optical disks

Less commonly encountered storage devices:

  • 1.8" and other odd-sized small form-factor hard drives
  • Mini PCI or mini PCIe solid state drives
  • Small media cards (SD, Compact Flash, etc)
  • SIM cards
  • Floppy disks
  • PCMCIA (PC Card) hard drives
Examples

2. Remove stickers

☐ Remove stickers:

  • Microsoft stickers.
  • Any sticker identifying the previous owner.
  • Stickers added by the manufacturer (specs, model number, etc) should be left on the system.
  • No cleaning or gunk removal is necessary; these laptops are headed straight for the recycling shredder!

3. Remove reusable parts

☐ Remove RAM from all systems, unless it is very difficult to get to.
☐ We won't reuse parts from most recyclers, usually because they are below our minimum build specifications. However, if the laptop is being recycled because of damage rather than age, we may keep some parts. Keep an eye out for:

  • Wireless cards
  • DDR2 or DDR3 RAM
  • DVD-RW optical drives

4. Final steps

☐ Minimally reassemble the system (the lid should close, more or less).
☐ Put a Hard Drive Removed sticker on the top of the lid, and have your instructor sign it.
☐ For laptops with an Uncovered Electronics or FG-PDX sticker:

  • Remove the battery, and put it in the Bad Batteries bin on the recycling cart.
  • Put the laptop in the Uncovered bin on the recycling cart.

☐ For laptops without an Uncovered Electronics or FG-PDX sticker:

  • These laptops are 'covered' by Oregon E-Cycles laws, hence they go in the Covered bins on the recycling cart.

OPTIONAL EXERCISE
If you'd like a chance to explore a bit more, in addition to the steps above, locate and remove as many of these components as you can find from a few different machines:

  • Modem or WiFi card
  • Keyboard and trackpad
  • Optical Drive
  • Screen and hinge assembly
  • Battery