Personal computers (PCs) are among the durable goods of shortest life cycle. Given the increased population of PCs, and their quick turnover, their disposal represents a considerable environmental concern. However, many users do not require the latest technology for running their applications. This opens an opportunity for renovated or remanufactured machines. This paper addresses the complexity of PC manufacturing and the difficulties in developing adequate recovery processes. A recovery process is proposed and evaluated. It allows the coexistence of two markets: one for remanufactured PCs and another for all-new PCs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.