Midwest Electronic Recovery

Midwest Electronic Recovery, established in 2000, is a computer and electronic recycling division of Midwest Computer Brokers Inc. We address the environmental risk of recycling and disposal of nonfunctioning and obsolete electronic equipment. Our discriminating clients, who range from large corporations to private individuals, enjoy the benefits of custom disposal services which include guaranteed data destruction, equipment recycling, and asset management services.

We are one of a handful of electronic recyclers which are able to demanufacture cathode ray tubes on site. Our state-of-the-art CRT recycling system allows us to safely break down CRTs for glass and metal recovery. Our process insures that dangerous materials are properly recycled. We are proud to have diverted millions of pounds of electronic waste from Midwestern landfills.

Cathode Ray Tube Processing and Recycling

Cathode ray tubes or CRTs are found in computer monitors and televisions. This piece of electronic equipment is usually the heaviest, least valuable, and most difficult to recycle of all recyclable electronics. The reason that CRTs are problematic is that they contain large quantities of lead and phosphor coatings. Lead provides shielding of x-rays which are found inside the vacuum of the CRT tube. The phosphor coatings emit different colors of light when exposed to the radiation inside of the tube. Neither the lead nor the phosphor coating in the tube pose a problem for the environment as long at the tube is in tact. However, some recyclers remove only the copper yoke which is the only valuable piece on the CRT and then improperly dispose of the remaining parts of the CRT.Improper recycling of CRTs poses a threat to the environment. Lead can leach into groundwater. Breathing in lead dust or phosphors is hazardous to human health.Many states are addressing the CRT disposal problem by preventing the disposal of CRTs in landfills. Currently more than 20 states have CRT and electronic recycling legislation.

The U.S. electronics recycling industry has grown tremendously in the past several years, however a lack of significant regulation or restrictions allows for the exportation of CRTs with obsolete computer equipment to developing countries. No one knows for sure how much obsolete equipment is dumped on developing countries but some estimates place it as high as 80% of the computer equipment that is collected in the U.S. is sent to China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana. The “recycling“methods in these countries include smashing, burning, and dumping of electronic waste. Child labor is often used to collect wires or bits of metal in the burn piles.Recycling CRTs is a labor intensive and costly process. Many electronics collectors avoid the high cost of recycling CRTs by taking the cheaper export option.

Shredding Services

• All serial numbers are recorded utilizing a bar code scanner to ensure the numbers are accurately entered.
• The logic boards are removed from the drives before the shredding process begins. This lowers the cost of shredding and is more efficient as the board materials are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Prior to shredding, all devices are counted and compared to the spreadsheet to ensure they have been properly recorded, thus eliminating double scans or miss scans.
• We will print a physical copy of the serial numbers and also provide a digital copy on a CD in .xlsx format.
• The shredding process will begin at a rate of approximately 900 drives per hour after all of the devices have been serialized, verified, and the spreadsheet and certificates have been printed.
• A certificate of destruction and a bill of lading is generated for your records at the end of the shredding process. They are signed by the shred specialist and provide proof of data destruction for regulatory compliance.

Processing

Midwest processes your electronic equipment with two possible fates. Newer equipment is offered for sale to a second user after it has been refurbished, cleaned of asset tags, and the data storage devices sanitized. Older, obsolete, or broken equipment is de-manufactured into its individual component parts for recycling.MER has two recycling facilities in Iowa. The three-acre, four-building, 40,000-square foot facility in Walford houses our state-of-the-art CRT processor; sorting, de-manufacturing and refurbishment. The Clive facility collects, refurbishes, and de-manufactures electronics on a smaller scale.E-waste can be broken down into four main material categories; scrap metal and wire, mixed plastics, printed circuit boards, and leaded glass. We separate e-waste into 29 specific types of materials for more efficient recycling.

• Metals such as steel, iron, and aluminum go to a local scrap metal processor.
• Copper and scrap wire is collected for reuse.
• Plastics are separated and sent to be granulated for making new products from recycled plastic.
• Printed circuit boards are sent to smelters for extraction of the precious metals.
• Leaded glass is not recovered for material value but is processed to reduce its environmental impact. The glass called cullet is sent to a lead smelter for recovery.

Safety

Midwest Electronic Recovery (MER) endeavors to safely handle all e-waste which is collected for refurbishment and material recovery.  Our Environmental, Health, and Safety management focus is the safety of our employees and safe handling of all equipment which enters our doors.  We at Midwest Electronic Recovery accept environmental responsibility for our activities and processes.  We are committed to maintaining legal compliance, sound environmental practices, and the prevention of pollution.

MER is not satisfied being a safe place to work but strives to be accident free. Our employees are our greatest resource.

• At MER our ultimate responsibility is to provide a safe working environment for our employees.
• All employees are trained in their specific work area.
• Employees are expected to report problems or deviations from accepted work practices.
• MER furnishes appropriate safety equipment for employees.
• Employees are trained in the correct handling of R2 Focus Materials.
• MER is in compliance with all applicable EPA, OSHA, State, and Local regulations.

We do not Accept

• Household appliances
• Microwaves
• Lighting fixtures.