Recycling computers, CRTs and Monitors

So i have been collecting e-waste seeing that i own a computer repair business. right now i have about 40k lbs that i need to scrap and in doing some research i am finding that it pays off to take it apart and separate the different material. i have a couple questions on how and what i should take apart.

1. right now i get the following rates

$0.25/lb - Complete Desktops
$0.18/lb - CRT TV / Monitors
$0.02/lb - Everything Else (Printers, Misc Electronics, etc)

With those rates is it worth taking apart, i guess on avg how much per pound do you make if you take apart a desktop computer and sell the parts individually / how much do you think i could get out of the 40k lbs that i have?

2. CRT TV/Monitors here in the state of California, the state pays to recycle them. Is it worth taking the electronic boards out of them, and will the recycling center still take them... my understanding is they are looking for the tube?

3. Is it work taking part all the misc electronics (printers, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc)

4. Does anyone have and recommendations for recycling centers in the Los Angeles / Southern California area?

Thanks
Mike

Is there anything that may fall into the more than scrap value category (DDR2 RAM, SATA HDDs, ...) If so, selling them separate will be the best way to go.

For that much stuff, though, you'll be able to get some pretty good bulk shipping rates. I'd talk to our resident freight shipper.

I'd buy a cheap scale that measures in ounces, and goes up to a few pounds. Then, weigh a stick of RAM, a Hard Drive PCB, motherboards, and start building a data table. Then, you can convert per pound numbers into per piece numbers.

You're likely sitting on a good pay day, though...

I read on one of those conspiracy sites that there is people/aliens that live on the dark side of the moon.

I'm not kidding. There are many that believe in such things.

The site is Alex Jones infowars. It is like the tabloid papers. I always enjoyed reading the tabloid papers I would end up with. My favorite was the Globe as they had the most entertaining made up stuff. My favorite story was a baby born in the UK that was the reincarnation of John Wayne as it talked like him,lol.

When a person realizes that there are many that choose to believe such things, it makes the world a very interesting place indeed.

I agree on unloading CRTs. You never know how long that arrangement can last. I'd leave them whole, and have a box truck headed out tomorrow if I were in your shoes.

As for reselling towers whole, it'll depend on what there is. If they're prime models (Such as an OptiPlex 745), I know that they'll bring more than the $5-10 in scrap value- likely so even after shipping. If they're Pentium IIs, though, I'd break them down. But, I wouldn't eliminate buyers for the computers- or some parts of them. Again, the viability of that option will depend on what you have in those 40,000#.

If the printers are working LaserJets, I'd resell them whole. The LaserJet 4200/4250/4300/4350 models bring good money, still. If they're inkjets, I'd send them off as shred.

40,000 pounds of ewaste? That's a lot my friend.
At $0.18/lb for CRT's I'd be loading the truck right now.
Now Mike before they change their minds.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by Hellbringer

2. CRT TV/Monitors here in the state of California, the state pays to recycle them. Is it worth taking the electronic boards out of them, and will the recycling center still take them... my understanding is they are looking for the tube?

Well there's one of billions of reasons the state is broke.

Reality is one thing, fantasy is another! Too much sun and I'm a nonbeliever in any of those numbers being suggested by a one time poster. Yes there is a buy back program for TV's and monitors here in California, paid for by everyone, at time of purchase. Most do not collect the $3 to $5 refund, do to all of the "hoops" you need to jump through to get it. Sadly way too many are then illegally disposed of and I doubt this OP is a state certified E-steward, as he would have already had his question answered.

if you have someone PAYING you for CRTs , sell them PERIOD ! DO NOT take them apart . AND send them my way. I would be glad to GIVE them some. Several hundred not processed and about 1600 tubes already processed.

I think it's someone posing as a newbie. Maybe a late April fools joke.

I believe the Surface of the Sun is a different time zone so they might be a few days off from the earth time zones.

Those that live on the dark side of the moon may also.

EARTH PEOPLE the sun and moon people want your scrap metals and E-waste.