<![CDATA[Computer Recycling & Data Destruction for Maryland, DC & Virginia. A Better Way Computer Recycling - News]]>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:48:30 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[The Challenge of Recycling Negative Value Items and How Reuse Offsets Costs]]>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:01:48 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/the-challenge-of-recycling-negative-value-items-and-how-reuse-offsets-costsIn the IT asset disposition (ITAD) industry, not all electronics are created equal.  While some items can be refurbished and resold, others are classified as negative value items—equipment that incurs significant costs to recycle due to the materials involved or the specialized handling required.  At A Better Way ITAD, we bring our extensive expertise to managing these challenges, ensuring environmentally responsible and cost-effective recycling solutions.

What Are Negative Value Items?

Negative value items are electronics that have reached the end of their useful life and are expensive to recycle due to the materials they contain or the complexity of their disposal.  Examples include:
  • CRT Monitors and Televisions: Containing leaded glass and other toxic substances, CRTs are particularly challenging and costly to process.  Strict environmental regulations govern their disposal, requiring specialized methods to prevent harmful toxins from leaching into the environment.
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: Found in laptops, tablets, and other portable devices, lithium-ion batteries require special care due to their potential fire hazards and the presence of toxic chemicals.  Safely recycling these batteries involves dedicated handling processes and adherence to regulatory standards, making them costly to recycle properly.
  • Old Printers and Copiers: These devices often contain hazardous toner, rare metals, and difficult-to-recycle plastics, adding to the complexity and cost of their recycling.

The Costs of Being a Certified Recycler

As an R2v3 Certified ITAD Provider, we are committed to the highest environmental standards, which come with significant responsibilities and costs.  Safely managing and recycling negative value items requires:
  • Advanced Recycling Technologies: Specialized equipment is necessary to dismantle and process hazardous materials like lead from CRTs and lithium-ion batteries.
  • Compliance and Safety Standards: Adhering to strict federal, state, and local regulations in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia ensures the safety of both our employees and the environment.  This includes compliance with regulations for handling dangerous goods such as lithium-ion batteries.
  • Audits and Certifications: Maintaining our R2v3 certification involves frequent audits and updates to our recycling processes, ensuring we meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

While these measures are essential to ensure safe and compliant recycling, they do introduce substantial costs into the process.

The Role of Reuse in Offsetting Recycling Costs

At A Better Way ITAD, we are firm believers in reuse and refurbishment as the most sustainable way to manage IT assets. Reuse helps reduce the financial burden of recycling negative value items by generating revenue from refurbished equipment that can be sold back into the marketplace. Devices such as:
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Servers

These are often refurbished and resold, providing an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative for consumers and businesses while helping to offset the costs of responsibly recycling equipment that has no resale value, like CRT monitors and lithium-ion batteries.

Why Responsible Recycling Matters

Recycling negative value IT equipment, such as CRTs and lithium-ion batteries, is critical to preventing environmental contamination.  Improper disposal of these items can lead to serious consequences, including the release of harmful substances like lead, mercury, and flammable materials from lithium-ion batteries.  This is why we follow stringent recycling protocols and only work with approved downstream vendors that meet the highest environmental standards.
Our expertise in managing complex, hazardous materials ensures that your e-waste is processed with the utmost care, meeting all necessary regulatory and environmental requirements.

Supporting Sustainable Recycling in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia

By choosing A Better Way Computer Recycling, you’re partnering with a company that prioritizes reuse and sustainable recycling practices.  Our goal is to make the recycling of negative value items more cost-effective while adhering to strict environmental standards.  We proudly serve Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia, offering businesses and organizations a reliable, expert-driven solution for managing their electronic waste.

Get in Touch for Cost-Effective Recycling Solutions

If you have negative value items like CRTs, lithium-ion batteries, printers, or other outdated electronics, we can help.  At A Better Way Computer Recycling, we combine responsible recycling with our reuse programs to deliver a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for your electronic waste.
​
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your electronics recycling needs in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Contact Us!
]]><![CDATA[Sustainable E-Waste Management: The Importance of Choosing R2v3 Certified Electronic Recycling Services]]>Thu, 18 May 2023 19:07:24 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/sustainable-e-waste-management-the-importance-of-choosing-r2v3-certified-electronic-recycling-services
In today's digital age, the continuous advancements in technology are staggering. As new devices replace outdated ones, companies often find themselves wrestling with a mounting problem – the proper disposal of electronic waste, or e-waste. E-waste includes everything from outdated computers, tablets, smartphones, and printers to televisions, copiers, and more. 

E-waste management is a critical issue, not just from an environmental perspective but also for data security. Therefore, it is paramount that companies opt for an effective solution to handle their e-waste. This is where R2v3 Certified Electronic Recycling services come in.

What is R2v3 Certification?

The Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) is a set of guidelines for recycling electronic waste. R2 certification, now in its third iteration (v3), is globally recognized as a leading standard for electronics repair and recycling. The standard focuses on several critical areas, including data security, environmental responsibility, supply chain management, and worker health and safety.

Why Use an R2v3 Certified Electronic Recycling Company?

1. Environmental Stewardship: The improper disposal of e-waste can lead to the leakage of hazardous substances into the environment, causing harm to ecosystems and potentially to human health. R2v3 certified recyclers are required to adhere to strict environmental standards that minimize the risk of harmful waste entering the environment.

2. Data Security: One of the significant risks associated with disposing of electronic devices is the potential for data breaches. Devices often contain sensitive information that, if not properly deleted, can fall into the wrong hands. R2v3 certified recyclers must follow stringent data destruction protocols, ensuring that all data is permanently erased or destroyed before recycling or disposal.

3. Compliance With Regulations: R2v3 certified recyclers comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, protecting your company from potential legal liabilities associated with improper e-waste disposal.

4. Transparent Tracking: With R2v3 certification, recyclers must maintain detailed records of their recycling processes, giving you full transparency into the lifecycle of your discarded electronics.

5. Sustainable Practices: R2v3 certified recyclers are committed to extending the lifecycle of electronics through repair and refurbishment practices, reducing the demand for new electronics and contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing an R2v3 certified e-waste recycling company for your business not only safeguards the environment and your data but also demonstrates your commitment to corporate social responsibility. By taking this step, your company can actively contribute to the global effort to reduce the harmful effects of e-waste and promote sustainable business practices.

While the management of e-waste can be a daunting task for any organization, using an R2v3 certified recycler can significantly ease this burden. Partnering with a certified recycler ensures your company's e-waste is handled responsibly, securely, and sustainably, making it a sound business decision and a step in the right direction for the planet.

Contact us today to get started!]]><![CDATA[Holiday Light Recycling Has Begun at A Better Way!]]>Wed, 21 Dec 2022 01:05:30 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/holiday-light-recycling-has-begun-at-a-better-way
​It doesn't matter if you have one strand of lights or a whole box full.  A Better Way Computer Recycling is proud to offer residents in the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia area free Christmas Holiday light recycling.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be decking the halls with twinkling lights and festive decorations. While these lights can bring joy and cheer to our homes, they can also create a significant amount of waste if they are not disposed of properly. That's why it's important to recycle your holiday lights and help reduce their environmental impact.

One of the main benefits of recycling your holiday lights is that it helps to conserve natural resources. Many holiday lights are made from materials like copper, plastic, and glass, which can be extracted from the earth through mining and drilling. These processes can have negative impacts on the environment, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. By recycling these materials, we can reduce the demand for new resources and reduce the environmental impacts of resource extraction.

Another reason to recycle your holiday lights is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away around 25% more trash during the holiday season than any other time of year. This includes an estimated 50 million holiday lights that are discarded each year. By recycling these lights, we can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimize the negative impacts on the environment.

Recycling your holiday lights is also a way to support the circular economy. The circular economy is a model in which resources are used and re-used as much as possible, rather than being thrown away after a single use. By recycling our holiday lights, we can close the loop and extend the life of these resources, rather than sending them to a landfill where they will sit for hundreds of years.

So, as you start to bring out your holiday decorations this year, make sure to recycle your lights and do your part to protect the environment.  With a little effort, we can all help to reduce the environmental impact of our holiday celebrations.

Lights can be dropped off during regular business hours.  There is no minimum or maximum.  No appointment necessary!

Contact us for more details!


]]><![CDATA[A Better Way is moving to a new location!  7/1/2020]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/a-better-way-is-moving-to-a-new-locationA Better Way Computer Recycling is moving to a larger facility effective July 1st, 2020.  Please call ahead if you plan on making a drop-off.

Please note all outside doors are locked 24/7.  You will need to call us ahead of time to schedule a drop-off.  

New address starting 7/1/2020:

899 Airport Park Rd.
STE K
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Please feel free to call us if you have any questions.  

410-381-5588
]]><![CDATA[Maryland IT Recycling Firm one of first in state to receive R2:2013 Certification.]]>Thu, 14 Aug 2014 17:39:17 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/maryland-it-recycling-firm-one-of-first-in-state-to-receive-r22013-certificationElkridge, Md. (August 14th, 2014) – The security and privacy of customer data and information always seems to be top of mind for companies and consumers nowadays, but what happens when the hardware and systems a company is using are retired? Paper files get shredded, but how can companies make sure their data doesn’t get thrown out with the digital bath water?

 

In an area that’s becoming increasingly known as the nation’s digital security capital, the DC-Baltimore corridor has an overwhelming number of agencies and contractors that need to be sure their customer data or proprietary information is being disposed of properly. A Better Way Computer Recycling, Maryland’s leading electronics recycler, works to responsibly dispose of computers and other electronic equipment in a way that companies can not only feel secure about, but also environmentally proud of.

 

Already a R2:2008 Certified Recycler, A Better Way Computer Recycling has achieved Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2:2013) certification—one of the electronics recycling industry’s most noteworthy designations—for its flagship Elkridge, Md. warehouse location. This means that companies can recycle their old computers and electronics with A Better Way Computer Recycling and be sure that their “e-waste” is properly and securely disposed of. With an on-site industrial shredder, companies can be sure their data is truly destroyed and hard drives can’t be accessed after they’re properly recycled.

 

“We like to be on the forefront of the industry and being one of the first R2:2013 recyclers in Maryland proves that” said Jeremy Limmer, co-founder of A Better Way Computer Recycling, “This updated certification will give not only our customers peace of mind but also our staff.  We’ve taken many steps to make sure we provide a safe working environment for our employees, protect our environment, and provide bulletproof electronic recycling and data destruction for our customers.”

 

To achieve this prestigious certification, A Better Way Computer Recycling was evaluated by independent third-party auditors that thoroughly analyzed the company’s programs and operations, rating them for proper protocol in more than 50 functional areas. Companies that hold the R2:2013 Certification have been identified as best-in-class for the areas of data security, environmental practices, proper e-waste disposal, and appropriate equipment repurposing.

 

In addition to its new R2:2013 certification, A Better Way Computer Recycling assists companies with:

·         Computer and Electronic recycling with full asset management tracking capabilities using bar code technology.

·         Certified Data Destruction by purging, degaussing, or shredding hard drives and any magnetic media.

·         Electronic waste consulting.

·         De-installation of data/server rooms, offices, warehouses, etc.

·         Custom electronic recycling programs setup for individual needs and requirements.

·         Electronics logistics and transportation.

 

A Better Way Computer Recycling is also recognized as an official Call2Recycle drop-off center, where local business and citizens can dispose of rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Visit ABetterWayRecycling.com for more information.

 

About A Better Way Computer Recycling

As a family-owned and run business, A Better Way Computer Recycling provides businesses and individuals with an environmentally responsible alternative to throwing away obsolete equipment. As a growing problem across the country, more and more people are throwing away outdated computers and electronics every year, with this waste ending up in landfills halfway around the world. With no-toxic landfill and no-toxic export policies, A Better Way Computer Recycling seeks to provide a solution to this alarming trend, putting the environment first instead of the almighty dollar, like so many other computer recycling companies. For more information on A Better Way Computer Recycling or to find out about the company’s services, visit www.abetterwayrecycling.com.

 

# # #

 

ã 2014 A Better Way Computer Recycling. All rights reserved.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nikki Gerding, 410-381-5588x204, Nikki@abetterwayrecycling.com

]]><![CDATA[ABWCR Achieves R2:2008 & ISO 14001:2004 Certifications]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2013 02:35:27 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/abwcr-achieves-r22008-iso-140012004-certifications
Data Breach from Discarded Computers Remains Top Concern for IT Managers

Leading Area Technology Recycling Firm Achieves Top Industry Designation for Responsible Recycling Practices






Elkridge, Md. (October 1, 2013) – The security and privacy of customer data and information always seems to be top of mind for companies and consumers nowadays, but what happens when the hardware and systems a company is using are trashed? Paper files get shredded, but how can companies make sure their data doesn’t get thrown out with the digital bath water?



In an area that’s becoming increasingly known as the nation’s digital security capital, the DC-Baltimore corridor has an overwhelming number of agencies and contractors that need to be sure their customer data or proprietary information is being disposed of properly. A Better Way Computer Recycling, Maryland’s leading electronics recycler, works to responsibly dispose of computers and other electronic equipment in a way that companies can not only feel secure about, but also environmentally proud of. 



And now, companies can feel even safer. A Better Way has achieved Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2:2008) certification—one of the electronics recycling industry’s most noteworthy designations—for its flagship Elkridge, Md. warehouse location. This means that companies can recycle their old computers and electronics with A Better Way and be sure that their “e-waste” is properly and securely disposed of. With an on-site industrial shredder, companies can be sure their data is truly destroyed and hard drives can’t be accessed after they’re properly recycled.



“We take the security of our customers’ data very seriously,” said Jeremy Limmer, co-founder of A Better Way Computer Recycling, “so preparing ourselves to achieve this certification felt natural. We’re very proud of this milestone and we’re looking forward to helping even more companies in this area recycle their old computers and electronics in a way that they can feel secure about while also helping our local environment.”



To achieve this prestigious certification, A Better Way was evaluated by independent third-party auditors that thoroughly analyzed the company’s programs and operations, rating them for proper protocol in more than 50 functional areas. Companies that hold the R2:2008 Certification have been identified as best-in-class for the areas of data security, environmental practices, proper e-waste disposal, and appropriate equipment repurposing.



In addition to its new R2:2008 certification, A Better Way Computer Recycling assists companies with:

  • Computer and Electronic recycling with full asset management tracking capabilities using bar code technology.
  • Certified Data Destruction by purging, degaussing, or shredding hard drives and any magnetic media.
  • Consignment Services for equipment too valuable for recycling.
  • Electronic waste consulting.
  • De-installation of data/server rooms, offices, warehouses, etc.
  • Custom electronic recycling programs setup for individual needs and requirements.
  • Electronics logistics and transportation.


A Better Way Computer Recycling is also recognized as an official Call2Recycle drop-off center, where local business and citizens can dispose of rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Visit ABetterWayRecycling.com for more information.



About A Better Way Computer Recycling

As a family-owned and run business, A Better Way Computer Recycling provides businesses and individuals with an environmentally responsible alternative to throwing away obsolete equipment. As a growing problem across the country, more and more people are throwing away outdated computers and electronics every year, with this waste ending up in landfills halfway around the world. With no-toxic landfill and no-toxic export policies, A Better Way Computer Recycling seeks to provide a solution to this alarming trend, putting the environment first instead of the almighty dollar, like so many other computer recycling companies. For more information on A Better Way Computer Recycling or to find out about the company’s services, visit www.abetterwayrecycling.com.

]]><![CDATA[Local Computer & Electronic Recycler Recognized as Official Call2Recycle Drop-Off Center]]>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:10:56 GMThttps://www.abetterwayrecycling.com/news/local-computer-electronic-recycler-recognized-as-official-call2recycle-drop-off-center
Call2Recycle Drop Off Center
A Better Way Computer Recycling Selected as Environmentally-Friendly Option for Local Rechargeable Battery & Cell Phone Collection.

Columbia, Md. (July 15, 2011) – Local Maryland consumers and businesses no longer need to deal with the ever-present challenge of what to do with their old cell phones or rechargeable batteries, thanks to leading computer and electronics recycler A Better Way Computer Recycling. The local family-owned company was recently selected as an official Call2Recycle® drop-off center, giving consumers and businesses a regional option for disposing of rechargeable batteries or cell phones at no cost.

The Call2Recycle program, created in 1994, is the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since its inception, the program has diverted 50 million pounds of rechargeable batteries from the solid waste stream and established a network of 30,000 drop-off locations, of which A Better Way Computer Recycling is now a proud member.

“The importance of battery recycling and its positive effects on our environment is an issue that needs to be stewarded more at the local level to help raise awareness among both individuals and organizations and we’re looking forward to being a part of this movement,” said Jeremy Limmer of A Better Way Computer Recycling.

As an official drop-off center for the general public, A Better Way Computer Recycling is able to further its mission of sustainable and ethical electronics and computer disposal. Going beyond any mere government recycling standards, A Better Way Computer Recycling’s participation in the Call2Recycle program is another way in which the company is making efforts to have a major impact on environmental preservation as well as fulfill the sustainability desires of the general

A Better Way Computer Recycling was also recently selected as a Microsoft® Registered Refurbisher, allowing the company to sell refurbished PCs with Microsoft software to businesses, educational institutions, non-profit charitable organizations, government programs, individuals, and other eligible customers, giving these constituents the opportunity to obtain needed technology within limited budget constraints.

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About A Better Way Computer Recycling

As a family-owned and run business, A Better Way Computer Recycling provides businesses and individuals with an environmentally responsible alternative to throwing away obsolete equipment. As a growing problem across the country, more and more people are throwing away outdated computers and electronics every year, with this waste ending up in landfills halfway around the world. With no-toxic landfill and no-toxic export policies, A Better Way Computer Recycling seeks to provide a solution to this alarming trend, putting the environment first instead of the almighty dollar, like so many other computer recycling companies. For more information on A Better Way Computer Recycling or to find out about the company’s services, visit www.abetterwayrecycling.com.

About Call2Recycle

Call2Recycle is the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since 1994, Call2Recycle has diverted more than 60 million pounds of rechargeable batteries from local landfills and established a network of 30,000 recycling drop-off locations. Advancing green business practices and environmental sustainability, Call2Recycle is the most active voice promoting eco-safe reclamation and recycling of rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Call2Recycle is operated by the non-profit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). Learn more at call2recycle.org or 877.723.1297. Become a follower or fan at twitter.com/call2recycle or facebook.com/call2recycle.

Last Updated on Friday, 22 July 2011 15:46
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