When most of us hear the word “recycling”, what usually comes to mind? For many of us, it’s empty gallons of milk, paper products, and aluminum cans. Little do some know that we can do something about that broken laptop, ruined hard drive, and other electronic products. Recycling electronic waste is an important part of keeping our environment clean. Here are some products you  can recycle that you might not be aware of, as well as some of the environmental effects:

Circuit Boards: Computer circuit boards contain heavy metals that can reach deadly toxicity levels. Chromium, silver, antimony, zinc, copper, tin, and mercury can be found in these machines, all elements that can be harmful. Over one-hundred thousand computers are “left for dead” a day. With such high numbers, not properly disposing of them can add up to some serious consequences in the long run.

If these toxins eventually reach our water supply – which they undoubtedly will, if trends don’t change – we could be in serious trouble.

Monitors: Many people don’t realize that their computer monitors contain lead, which helps to shield them from radiation as they sit in front of their screens. It’s no mystery that lead poisoning has had its scares around the world, and how serious it can be at high levels. Landfills certainly are not the place for such things, especially when recycling is such a simple option.

Computer Chips and Semiconductors: This is where you can find cadmium. Cadmium has no positive use for human’s bodies, and can only be poinonous, even at low levels. It can produce extreme sickness, starting with simple headaches and fevers, eventually hitting the respiratory system, causing tracheobronchitis, and sometimes leading to death. The quicker you can recycle these parts of your machines, the better – and avoiding exposure is key.

Batteries: Most educated people are aware of the levels of mercury that are present in batteries, but mercury can also be found in switches and relays. With prolonged exposure, mercury can cause vision loss, hearing loss, and difficulties in speech.

So you see, recycling certainly isn’t limited to common household items that we normally think of. Rather, electronic devices contain plenty of harmful elements that can be recycled and should be recycled. There are plenty of companies that are willing to pick up your used electronic devices, and all it takes is a phone call or quick consultation, leaving very little of the work on your shoulders.

Monitor Recycling NC

Electronics Recycling Charlotte

Article by David Thomson

Today, many companies are offering the used ink cartridges with discounts on the new ones in exchange. On the other hand, the used ones can be exchanged with the new cartridges. These companies simply break down the used ones, clean them, and get them ready for refilling. These cartridges that are manufactured again are then again introduced in the market in order to sale them. This process involved causes no harm to the living environment because it generates no toxic fumes.

An Environmental Friendly Approach

In the present times, a great number of offices prefer the recycled or used ink cartridges. In many parts of the world, areas, this recycling of the cartridges has become a law in order to protect the living environment. This helps to reduce the level of wastes that are generated by the use of plastics as well as chemicals.

A cartridge for ink is made with the use of plastics and chemicals. Therefore, it is important to dispose them off in a proper way because it can release harmful fumes that can raise alarm to the health of human beings as well as animals.

It has been observed that some recycling programs offer the options of inkjet cartridges that are not eco friendly. These manufacturers melt down the cartridges along with plastics and other waste materials into a malleable form that is not properly processed.

This is very disastrous for the health of the human beings. Therefore, it is highly advisable to dispose the used ink cartridges in way that is safe enough. On the other hand, it is beneficial to send a cartridge that is already used by its user to a remanufacturing company, rather than sending it to a regular plant of recycling.

Epson-Quality Ink Cartridge Supplier

In addition to that, there are many well know companies that have been supplying the printers as well as ink cartridges for a longer period of time. Epson is one such company that has made its remarkable presence in the existing market for the same. These products have been proved highly useful as far as the maintenance of the accounts and long balance sheets are concerned. The ink cartridge is extremely important for the working of any model printer. Normally, an Epson printer uses the cartridges of the same brand.

These cartridges have features of quick-dry and also have acid-free ink. They do not smudge on any paper. The users must know that different models come with different ink packets that are compatible enough. Every different model needs different type of ink. But, sometimes it can cause damage to the working of a printer. Therefore, while making a purchase of them, it is necessary to go for quality.

Also, low priced cartridges are easy to find in the market now, but while placing an order for them, it is good to find an Epson dealer in the nearby locality. Epson stores are opened in various countries, where they are readily offering a wide variety of these cartridges. They have competitive rates as compared to the other available brands. But, it will do great benefits, if you are not using a cheaper ink cartridge to ensure safety of your printer.

62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer: (And Other Discarded Electronics)

Computer hacking takes on a whole new meaning when you’re going at it with a screwdriver and hammer: announcing the most wildly inventive, eco-friendly craft book on repurposing everyday objects since Generation T. Except in this case the raw material isn’t a T-shirt, but the stuff we all have lying around and have no idea what to do with, or even how to get rid of properly—your old cell phone, a broken printer, irredeemable iPod, busted digital camera, mysterious thatches of cables and wires,

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Article by Joseph Zabrosky

How does electronics recycling help? One cell phone can contaminate one hundred fifty-eight gallons of water? Two and a half ounces of oil are used to make one inkjet cartridge, and in 2004 the number of inkjet cartridges thrown away, if stacked end-to-end, would circle the earth? In short, electronics recycling helps not only you, but everyone around you. It’s one of those things where what you do personally actually helps others.

Electronics recycling has been ramped up via rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence. This makes for a fast-growing surplus of electronic waste around the world. Electronic waste is a “rapidly expanding” problem. Technical solutions are available, but in most cases a bundle of prerequisites such as legal framework, a collection system, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before application of that technical solution. Whether its been applied or not, electronics recycling, in the present, helps.

In America, an estimated seventy percent of heavy metals in landfills comes from discarded electronics, while electronic waste represents only two percent of America’s trash in landfills. The EPA says that unwanted electronics totaled two million tons in 2005 and that discarded electronics represented five to six times as much weight as recycled electronics – hats off to electronics recycling! So it makes sense when the Consumer Electronics Association estimates that U.S. households spend an average of fourteen hundred dollars annually on an average of twenty-four electronic items, leading to speculations of millions of tons of valuable metals in desk drawers. Relative to this, the U.S. National Safety Council estimates that seventy-five percent of all personal computers ever sold are dust collectors – surplus electronics. Moving on to mobile phones, seven percent of cell phone owners still throw away their old ones. That’s a large market for electronics recycling on a national level.

The importance of electronics recycling is evident when taking a closer look at electronic waste. Up to thirty-eight separate chemical elements are incorporated in electronic waste. Many of the plastics used in electronic equipment contain flame retardants. These are typically halogens added to the plastic resin, making the plastics difficult to recycle. Because the flame retardants are additives, they easily leach off the material in hot weather. This causes a problem because when disposed of, electronic waste is normally left outside and the flame retardants leach into the soil. Recorded levels are ninety-three times higher than soil with no contact with electronic waste. The unsustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is a great reason to advocate electronics recycling or re-using electronic waste.

If you would like to help us with America’s, and the world’s, electronics recycling problem, we promise to help you by clearing out some space in your home, and saving you some money at tax time. It won’t cost you a penny to do what is right as we can show you how to do all of this utilizing free shipping. In other words your recycled items will be picked up at your doorstep for free. You will also have available to you a Tax Deductible Donation Acknowledgment that will be filled with an amount you believe the electronics you just donated are worth. This can be used to claim on your taxes at the end of the year. Electronics recycling, or I should say recycling in general, is politically right these days, affording us this special opportunity.

Recycle those old electronics. Find a location at GreenerGadgets.org! Or donate it!
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It is always difficult to give up a cellular phone, when it is the case that it just cannot be fixed.  Especially if that phone has some sentimental value to you.  Perhaps it was your very first cell phone?  There are companies that will give it their best shot, repairing your technology, via informative professionals.  If and when your professional tells you it is due time to get a new device, it is earth conscious to consider recycling that piece of technology.

Recycling is a new concept with respects to cellular phones, and has become quite popular amongst the environmentally conscious. As of last year there were over 110 million phones that were being wrongly discarded in the United States alone.  Harsh chemicals can affect the grounds surface after only months.  

It is always in the best interest of the cell phone owner to completely clean data and personal information off the phone before donating, selling or giving it to anyone.  The owner’s manual for the cellular phone will most likely contain the directions for which to complete this action safely and securely.

Before permanently removing the sensitive information, always check to see if your new provider can copy the data onto your new phone.  This saves not only time, but the possibility of human error to transferring the data.

Considering iPhone repair or Blackberry repair is one option, although large numbers of individuals are now choosing to either sell their phones for cash (wherein they will be recycled), or formally recycle the phones themselves.

There are a multitude of ways in which to recycle a cellular phone, if an individual is looking to rid themselves of it.  In the case that providers are changed, or you are choosing to upgrade to a different variety of phone; the cellular phone can still be recycled.  

Donating to Soldiers:  There are several companies online and offline that are now sending cell phones overseas to our active troops.  In the case that they would lose their phone, or need one temporarily to contact their families back home, this is a fantastic option.

Give to a Family Member or Friend:  After clearing all data from a cellular phone, it is often the case that a family member or friend can use that cell phone with the same provider.  In some cases there may be a fee to use the phone under a different name, but it can save somebody close to you from having to purchase a brand new phone.

Sell it Locally:  Often times there are individuals looking to get a cell phone for less of an upfront cost, as start-up packages for cell phones can be quite pricey.  Post an add for your phone and all accessories it contains, in your:  local newspaper, online, or via word of mouth.

Recycling items is always for the well-being of the earth and the individuals that live upon it.  In recycling cellular phones, there are many options, that keep it out of the ground, and possibly in the hands of another person.  Sometime, living green can start with one simple and progressive step.

More Cell Phone Recycle Articles

Green Enamel Recycle Symbol – Cell Phone Charm [Jewelry]

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Recycle Skin Vinyl Decal Wrap for Motorola Droid X cell phone

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Flooring surfaces that are a combination of some of the highest quality recycled SBR rubber called Recycled rubber mats, which are 100 percent post-consumer usage. People use these recycled materials in order to create an extensive array of about 54 standard beautiful color coordinated mixtures for an amazing interior. You can use versatilely for almost commercial or residential environment. These recycled products won’t make a good rubber mat. In addition, this fantastic product is extremely suitable for your needs because it supplies you with an environmentally safe and resilient surfacing material.

Environmentally Safe – These mats are environmental safe, more so than your conventional rubber mats. The truth is, if you buy one of these mats, you can rest assured of one thing- you are setting a good example in the fight to protect the environment. Instead of letting millions of tires go to landfills to be burned and further hurt the environment, the manufacturers of these mats came up with a brilliant idea to recycle them and use them to make mats that can be used as a rubber tile surfacing option, decking, driveways, parks, playgrounds and walkways. These same recycled rubber mats are also used in a gym and weight room as flooring. Think about it, you will be helping the earth’s atmosphere while at the same time enjoying the benefits of a beautiful mat in your home or office.

Guaranteed Satisfaction – Buying one of these mats online is the way to go when you are ordering your mat. The thing is you will benefit from the fact that these mats are extremely durable and even reversible. In addition to these great features, you should also take note that these mats are specially-designed to be resistant to stains, fungus and microbes that can easily destroy your mat and make for an unhealthy situation. The recycled rubber mats are a must have, not only will you be helping the environment but you will stand to benefit from the numerous fascinating features that they offer. Go online now and purchase one or two these affordable, smart mats.
 

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Article by Amy C.

Three billion is the magic number. Over 3billion batteries are thrown away each year in the United States. If you laid the AA batteries that get thrown into the land fields end to end they would circle the globe at least 6 times. They pollute our lakes and streams, they leak the acids and toxins into the ground and it eventually enters the water table. You can recycle your batteries to avoid causing any more damage and taking up valuable space in our nation’s landfills. Below are a few tips on just how to go about recycling your batteries.

1. Nickel cadmium batteries that get used up wind up in the landfill by buying rechargeable batteries you take yourself and your family out of this chain of events. One rechargeable has the life span of over 300 regular single use batteries.

2. Use an online locator to find places near you that will take your old batteries for reclamation. By recycling these batteries you prevent the harmful substances from ever going into the earth. Some stores even have battery boxes for this purpose . 3. Recycle the batteries from your cell phones, laptops and cordless phones. All of the cordless items that we use have batteries in them. The average person throws away at least 8-10 of these items a year and along with them the batteries inside.

4. Car batteries are the ones that started the entire recycling craze. Your dealer or mechanic will be able to get dead batteries to the right reclamation center.

5. Some of the nickel cadmium batteries will have a recycling logo on them. These batteries were originally designed to be recycled alkaline batteries are not.

The lead acid in batteries is so harmful to the environment and to humans that they cannot be allowed to sit in a landfill. That is why more than 97% of them are being recycled every year. 50% of the lead supply today comes from this source. Only a small portion of the batteries from cordless devices gets recycled but the push is on to make the consumer more aware and set up collection centers for these batteries.It is all about stopping the hazardous materials inside from getting into the soil and from there the water table. Although some batteries pose less of a threat we would like to see all batteries as a part of the recycling effort. We will never get away from the use of lead batteries entirely but we can take greater care of how they are disposed of. Anything one can do to save the environment, whether it be using a solar fountains or rain barrels, or just recycle the batteries correctly, it goes long way to keep our planet Earth in a healthy ecological condition.

More Recycle Batteries Articles

One of the most important decisions facing designers of plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles is related to battery choice. Now, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have used a life cycle analysis to examine three vehicle battery types to determine which does the best job of powering the vehicle while causing the least amount of environmental impact during its production.

Their results, published in the latest edition of the scientific journal Environmental Science and Technology, show that on a per-storage basis, the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery had the most environmental impact, followed by the nickel cobalt manganese lithium-ion  (NCM) and iron phosphate lithium-ion (LFP) batteries for all impacts considered, except ozone depletion potential. The researchers also found higher life cycle global warming emissions than have been previously reported.

The researchers, Guillaume Majeau-Bettez, a PhD candidate in NTNU’s Industrial Ecology Program; Troy R. Hawkins, a researcher in the programme; and Anders Hammer Str?mman, an associate professor in the program, conducted a life cycle analysis of the three battery types and looked at 11 different types of environmental impacts from their production. These impacts included everything from greenhouse gas emissions to freshwater ecotoxicity, freshwater eutrophication and human toxicity.

The researchers were surprised to find that except for ozone depletion potential, the NiMH battery performed significantly worse than the two Li-ion batteries for all impact categories. The researchers attributed this difference to the greater use phase efficiency of Li-ion relative to NiMH, and the fact that each kilogram of Li-ion battery is expected to store between 2 to 3 times more energy than the other battery types over the course of its lifetime.

“The NCM and LFP batteries contain at least an order of magnitude less nickel and virtually no rare earth metals,” the researchers also observed. “Among Li-ion batteries, our analysis points to overall environmental benefits of LFP relative to NCM, which can be explained by a greater lifetime expectancy and the use of less environmentally intensive materials.”

For all three batteries, the energy requirements for their manufacture were a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions. One component of the analysis demonstrated the environmental significance of using polytetrafluoroethylene as dispersant/binder in the electrode paste. Its production was responsible for more than 97% of the ozone depletion potential of all three batteries, along with 14 -15% of the greenhouse gas production from the two Li-ion batteries, mostly due to the halogenated methane emissions. The final shipping and the production of the cell containers, module packaging, separator material, and electrolyte contribute relatively little to causing environmental damage, with collectively less than 10% of any impact category.

The researchers also point out the importance of the choice of the functional unit for the life cycle analysis. While the production of NiMH causes the least greenhouse gas emissions impact per kilogram, its lower energy density makes it score worst both relative to its nominal energy capacity and the researchers’ storage-based functional unit. Similarly, the greenhouse gas impacts of LFP and NCM production are roughly equal for a given mass or nominal energy capacity, but the greater life expectancy of LFP confers a net environmental advantage to this type of battery for a per-energy-delivered functional unit.

“A shift from NiMH to Li-ion may thus be viewed positively,” the researchers concluded. “Though associated with important uncertainties, our results point to a higher than expected level of environmental impacts for the production and use of traction batteries. This inventory and life cycle analysis provide a basis for further benchmarking and focused development policies for the industry.

Samsung Haven SCH-U320 Cell Phone Large display and keypad for Verizon

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Samsung Haven SCH-U320 Cell Phone for Verizon. This replacement for the Knack is extremely similar, combining easy-to-use menus with a design and features ideal for those with less-than-perfect hearing and/or vision. Key features include a large display and keypad, TTY, maximum hearing aid compatibility, dedicated keys for both 911 and an emergency contact, speakerphone, and full voice control.. Includes:. Phone ; Battery ; Travel Charger ;Dimensions:. Weight: 3.4

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