Resource recovery strategies for end-of-life business machines

Abstract

This paper identifies the critical aspects of an effective resource recovery strategy for computer equipment and highlights common issues which should be resolved if an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of computer equipment is to undertake product take back. The roles of procurement, development, manufacturing, and marketing are also described as they interact with recovery centers to increase their effectiveness and financial performance. An overview is provided of a typical recovery center operation to reduce end-of-life machines and manufacturing scrap to raw material streams which can be recycled into new products or sold into noncomputer applications.<>