Retired 3000s pose problems of disposal
December 17, 2008
As companies migrate away from the HP 3000, some are discovering one last task which takes some extra effort to find a solution: How to dispose of a venerable computer asset by using the right salvage resources?
When you want to get that system out of the computer room, where can you take it? Like any computer system, specialized recycling companies need to be called. Christian Schneider of PIR Group has a Series 937 on hand the company hasn't powered up in five years. Disposal of about 75 pounds of computer and terminal is an unsolved issue at the development and integration company.
Schneider also noted that such systems are not lightweight, so shipping them off as a generous donation can require some freight expense.
Let's see, the SCSI SE drive weighs about 50 lbs.The 937LX is probably 20 lbs. The 12-inch terminal and keyboard are nominal. I was going to donate ours to a Chicago historical organization, but they already had one. Scrappers won't take it. The plastic housing is now listed as hazardous material. I was considering using it as a boat anchor, but it would kill the surrounding fish.
To be fair, there are many better options for disposing of an aged 3000 than being a boat anchor. There are scrappers which specialize in used computers. Like in Chicago, where there's Computer Recycling Chicago.com.
Depending on the model of HP 3000, many have value in their spare parts. An owner who's getting rid of a 3000 shouldn't expect much compensation for a system they're selling off for parts. But the operators in the 3000 community who are both selling used systems as well as supporting these servers need a supply of components. How much they need depends on the limitations of available warehouse space.
Governments are beginning to insist on responsible recycling. Purchasing a computer in California now includes a recycling fee built into the sale at retail and consumer spots like Best Buy. But Goodwill Industries' Reconnect takes on many computers, regardless of their working status.
Some vendors such as Apple have begun a free recycling program for systems which are being replaced by newer Apple models. You don't have to get rid of an Apple product, like an enterprise X Server, to use the free Apple service. You just need to buy an Apple product through Apple's Online Store or one of its retail stores. HP is not so generous, charging from $1 to $120 per item for recycling in the United States.
Just don't consider that boat anchor idea as more than a joke. You don't want to be a part of the Buy N Large movement that makes the movie WALL-E storyline a possibility.