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What is the best way to dispose of a damaged power supply unit?

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If you have a damaged power supply unit (PSU) in your computer, you might be wondering what is the best way to dispose of it. A PSU is a vital component that converts alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet to direct current (DC) for your computer components. However, a faulty or damaged PSU can cause serious problems, such as overheating, short circuits, fire hazards, or data loss. Therefore, you should not keep or reuse a damaged PSU, but rather dispose of it properly and safely. In this article, we will explain how to do that in four steps.

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Chuck Gollnick

Senior Electrical Engineer & New-Product Developer

1 Identify the damage

The first step is to identify the type and extent of the damage to your PSU. You should not open the PSU case, as it contains capacitors that can store high voltage even when unplugged. Instead, you should look for signs of physical damage, such as cracks, burns, smoke, sparks, or leaks. You should also listen for unusual noises, such as buzzing, clicking, or grinding. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should unplug the PSU from the power source and disconnect it from the computer.

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2 Remove the PSU

The second step in the process is to remove the PSU from the computer case. To do this safely, you will need a screwdriver, a pair of gloves, protective eyewear, and to avoid touching any metal parts of the PSU. Start by turning off the computer and unplugging it from the power source. Then open the computer case and locate the PSU, which is usually at the top or bottom of the case with a fan and power cord. Disconnect the power cord from both the PSU and wall outlet, and then disconnect all cables that connect the PSU to other components such as the motherboard, hard drive, and optical drive. Finally, unscrew any screws that secure the PSU to the case and carefully pull it out.

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3 Store the PSU

The third step is to store the PSU until you can dispose of it. You should not leave the PSU in a place where it can be exposed to moisture, heat, or direct sunlight. You should also keep it away from children, pets, and other people who might be unaware of the danger. You can wrap the PSU in a plastic bag or a bubble wrap and place it in a cardboard box or a bin. You should also label the box or the bin with a warning sign, such as "Damaged Power Supply Unit - Do Not Use".

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4 Dispose of the PSU

The final step is to dispose of the PSU in an environmentally friendly and responsible way. You should not throw the PSU in the regular trash, as it contains hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, that can harm the environment and human health. You should also not sell or donate the PSU, as it can pose a risk to the buyer or the recipient. Instead, you should take the PSU to a local electronic waste (e-waste) recycling center or program. You can find one near you by searching online or contacting your local authorities. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer or the retailer of the PSU and ask if they have a take-back or recycling program for their products. By disposing of the PSU properly, you can prevent pollution, conserve resources, and protect yourself and others from harm.

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Chuck Gollnick

Senior Electrical Engineer & New-Product Developer
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A PSU from consumer or industrial electronics that is less than about 15 years old will not contain significant amounts of lead, mercury, or cadmium. On older PSUs, mercury and cadmium were uncommon, but lead abundant. Ideally, a scrapped PSU should be disassembled and all of its parts correctly recycled. In the USA, the practical reality in 2024 is that you should remove the circuit board(s) from any metal chassis. The chassis — be it steel or aluminum — is highly and readily recycled in your typical mixed-material recycling stream. You might be able to recycle the circuit boards at specialty recyclers who will grind it to a powder and use chemical processes to recover gold, lead, and tin before sending the rest to a landfill.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Landon Robinson

Electronic Repair Technician
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Power supplies typically let you know that something bad is going on with them leading up to them failing, the computer has been acting odd in some way or the fans just seem to be slower or quieter than they had been, sometimes though they just fail with no warning. Whether or not to open it up really depends on your experience level and whether or not it is worth your time. Sometimes all they need is the fan replaced and they work fine for years.

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What is the best way to dispose of a damaged power supply unit?

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2

3

4

5

1 Identify the damage

2 Remove the PSU

3 Store the PSU

4 Dispose of the PSU

5 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Hardware

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What is the best way to dispose of a damaged power supply unit?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify the damage

2 Remove the PSU

3 Store the PSU

4 Dispose of the PSU

5 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Hardware

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