Archive for the ‘Recycling Information’ Category

Recompute’s Sustainable Desktop PC

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Before we get started let’s take a step back and think about the history of computers. Sure we all hear these stories that the first computer occupied a whole room and looked more like something from a sci-fi movie than the laptops the public is now using. Needless to say computers have come a long way from where they once were. The technology is always improving and the only question to ask is, what are they going to do next? Well my recycling friends, Brenden Macalusa how found the answer.

In a day and age where concern for the environment has emerged as a whole entity itself, this Green movement has really caught the attention of individuals. Recycle, recycle, recycle, sure it is easier said than done but wait until you here what Macalusa has done to recycle. What started off as senior thesis, Macalusa has developed and design a fully working sustainable desktop PC. I know, right? How can you manage to make a whole computer recyclable, you ask? Well, to start the case of the computer is made up of %100 corrugated cardboard (recyclable and renewable), but that is just a topping on the pizza. Recompute is designed to address sustainability in all three main life stages.

The first stage is the manufacturing which starts with the cardboard case but that is not the only sustainable act through this process. Unlike normal computers Recompute only uses three major electrical components: A motherboard with processor & memory, power supply and a hard drive, thus keeping electronic components to a bare minimum.

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The second life stage is the use of Recompute. Recompute’s design allows users to take advantage of existing hardware. For example, you can use the keyboard from an old computer or use a portable hard drive. For extra flexibility the Recompute has eight USB ports compared to most computers that have between two and four. This allows users to add and subtract hardware as it is needed.

The final stage for Recompute that makes it sustainable is disposal. Most electronics such as computers end up in landfills and become e-waste, which contains toxic heavy metals. The e-waste ends up in landfills because often it is easier to just throw them away than to dismantle piece by piece. The Recompute can be easily dismantled with out any tools making the electronics and of course case easily recyclable.

Recycle Week in the UK (June 22-28)

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Recycle Week, an annual event, began on Monday June 22, 2009 in the UK and will continue through Sunday June 28, 2009.

This year, the theme for Recycle Week is ‘let’s waste less…’ encouraging all of us to try something new in an effort to go greener and cut back on the waste we all produce.

From recycling more of everyday items like glass and plastic bottles to reusing carrier bags or composting at home, there are lots of opportunities to promote how we can all reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill.

“Recycle Week is now in its fifth year and this is the first time we’ll be promoting a waste reduction message” said Jane Hall from Recycle Now. “As part of this we’re encouraging people to sign up and pledge to either try something new or do more of what we already do.”

Across the country there will be lots of events taking place to highlight local recycling services and ways that can help us all do our bit.

You can find out what is happening in your area by entering your postcode on the Event Finder.

Whatever pledge(s) you choose to do – your efforts really will help to make a difference.

Check out some of the latest pledges and be sure to state your own pledge:

Lucy: I will go waste-free for a day or Liz will make sure that I walk to work.
Darwin: I should be made to bake someone a cake if I do not recycle my waste electrical.
Jane: If I don’t home compost all my kitchen and garden waste, John should make me clean the kitchen.

The Cell Phone Recycling Process

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Have you ever wondered what happened to your old cell phone when you chose to recycle it?  This video outlines the path of a cell phone as it is broken down and its hazardous components are prepared for usage in other devices.

The Toxicity of Cell Phones

Sunday, May 31st, 2009
  • The circuit boards in cell phones contain myriad toxins such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc.
  • Brominated flame retardants are found in the plastic housing, printed wiring board, and cables.
  • The lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries contain heavy metals such as cobalt, zinc, and copper.
  • Many of these chemicals are Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) and have the potential to be released into the air and groundwater when burned in incinerators or disposed of in landfills, thus creating unnecessary threats to human health and the environment.
  • Preliminary testing by the Department of Toxic Substances Control has shown that cell phones are likely to be determined hazardous at end-of-life and will require management under Universal Waste regulations.
  • Universal Wastes must be recycled or managed as hazardous waste. Disposal at an unauthorized site or landfill is a serious crime as well as a serious environmental threat.
  • Additional research by Dr. Timothy Townsend of the University of Florida for the US EPA has also found cell phones to leach hazardous levels of lead when disposed in landfill conditions.

Wireless Cell Phone Recycling Facts

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
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  • Over 70% of Americans do not know that they can recycle their old cell phone.
  • Less than 5% of obsolete cell phones are refurbished or recycled.
  • In a recent survey, only 2.3% of Americans recycled their old cell phones.
  • Cell phone manufacturers and service providers have voluntarily implemented recycling programs and recognize that retail “take-back” of old phones represents the lowest cost and most convenient recycling model.
  • Unfortunately, these programs are not well advertised and inconsistent. Only a fraction of retail cell phone outlets are currently providing their customers with recycling options.
  • Of those who turned in their old cell phone to their service provider, only 18% were offered recycling as an option.
  • Surveys suggest that 90% of Americans would recycle their cell phone if there was a convenient drop-off location at a store near them.

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