How to Recycle E-Waste - Tips for Safely Disposing of Electronics

E-waste is the latest term for all your leftover electronics.  With technology progressing so fast, many people have tons of old TVs, computers, cell phones, and other old stuff just lying around the house which are no longer being used.

Pile of e-Waste / Electronic waste. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although it may seem like the easiest solution, it’s important not to just throw your electronics away.  They contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can fill landfills and pollute the environment around them.  These materials can pollute the air, water, soil, and potentially harm other living creatures including you and your family.  In fact, in many places, it is illegal to throw these items away.  There are quick and easy ways to reuse and recycle your electronics that are safer for the world around you.

It generally isn’t too difficult to find a local place to recycle your junk.  Some places, particularly in areas where recycling is mandatory, have drop off sites, but if not there are generally businesses that will have recycling events or will take the waste all the time.  They are willing to recycle for you because it gets you in the door of the store.  If no one is advertising recycling in your area, ask at local electronic stores.  If they don’t recycle, ask if they know who does.

There are also quite a few places that offer to recycle your ewaste, but be wary of what is happening to it once it gets into their hands.  Many companies have large collections only to simply send the products overseas to be thrown in landfills there.  This not only harms the environment, it can also harm the people in that area that don’t have the same standard of living as we do.  Be sure to look into the place that is claiming to recycle your old stuff.

Workers gather computers, printers, and other electronics during Ewaste at Naval Air Station North Island. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you don’t want to just recycle your ewaste, why not do something good with it by donating it to a charity?  There are many charities now that will take your old cell phones and recycle them, then use the money to support a cause - often something environmental.  You can research these organizations online, or even look around in your local community.  A local zoo or nature center is a good place to start asking.

While many people rush to recycle their old ewaste, if it still works, or even if it doesn’t, you may consider selling it or donating it to a local charity.  Just because an electronic device isn’t the newest, latest thing doesn’t mean that someone doesn’t want it.  TVs can be used by families in need to stay up on the news, and old computers, even if they’re not working, can be taken apart and used for parts. 

If you don’t believe people will want your “ancient” electronics, do some quick searching on YouTube.  People are using electronics for tons of crazy things nowadays, from art to planters and more.  If you want an idea on whether you can sell it or should just give it away, do a quick search on eBay and see what similar items are going for.

By taking a bit of extra time to recycle your old electronics, you’ll be doing the environment a world of good, and might make a little money for yourself in the process.

8 Tips for Recycling at Work

There was a time when recycling just wasn't a priority for most people. But with increased awareness of its environmental benefits and greater access to recycling facilities, many households are making it a point to recycle anything they can. This has made a huge impact on usage of energy and natural resources.

Businesses, on the other hand, have not taken to recycling like individual consumers have. Manufacturing operations often recycle scraps in order to save money, but they often fail to recycle things that they themselves can't reuse. And other businesses frequently do not recycle anything at all.

Recycling Bins. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Businesses may be reluctant to start recycling programs because they do not want to use company resources to administer them. It's often up to employees to suggest recycling, and they may even have to volunteer to oversee it. If you're interested in starting a recycling program at your workplace, here are some tips to help make it a reality.

1. Schedule a meeting with your boss. If you just mention recycling in passing, there's a good chance you'll be ignored. But if you set up a meeting and make a convincing presentation, your boss is more likely to take you seriously. If you can get some co-workers to help you out, that's even better.

2. Point out the benefits for the company. Recycling can save your company money, and it can enhance its image as a responsible corporate citizen. These are the types of arguments that those in charge are most likely to listen to.

3. Prepare a plan for recycling. Research recycling service providers, and come up with some ideas about how to operate the program. Your boss will have the final say, but if you do some of the legwork for him, he is more likely to give his approval.

4. Volunteer to help get things rolling. If you're willing to aid in setting up a recycling program, that's one less thing your boss has to deal with.

Once you've gotten approval, you'll need to spread awareness and make sure that as much waste as possible is recycled. Here are some suggestions that will help.

Recycling bin sign. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. Make sure employees understand what can and cannot be recycled. Have a meeting to discuss this and answer any questions if possible. If not, send out an email with guidelines and make yourself available to those with questions.

7. Post recycling rules in a conspicuous place. It's easy to forget what is and isn't recyclable. Making that information readily available will increase participation rates.

8. Place recycling containers in convenient places, and mark them clearly. Those who can recycle without giving it much thought are more likely to do so than those who have to seek out containers.

Recycling at work is good for the environment and your company. It may, however, take some convincing to get the approval of the higher-ups. But if you make a solid case and do everything you can to help get a recycling program going, it will be hard for them to say no.

Recycling 101 - How, Why and What to Recycle

Most of us want to recycle.  However, understanding what’s recyclable and what isn’t can be overwhelming.  Some communities offer support including bins to sort your items in and clear definitions about what is acceptable.  Yet other communities leave their residents more or less alone to figure it out for themselves.  Regardless, here’s the low-down on how to understand recycling and what to do with those extras like cell phones, paint cans and computers.

What is Recyclable?

Essentially just about everything is recyclable however, most recycling programs divide items into four main categories:

* Paper
* Plastic
* Metal
* Glass

Paper items include newspapers, magazines, paper bags, books, cardboard and cardstock.  Just about any type of paper can be recycled and most programs do not limit types of paper however, some do not take cardboard or glossy magazines - check with your local recycling program to be sure.

Plastic is typically where it gets confusing.  Here’s a basic rundown of plastic types and how they’re labeled for recycling.

Resin identification code 4 for low density polyethylene (LDPE) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. PET (polyethylene terephthalate): Soda and water bottles are made from this type of plastic.

2. HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Milk, juice and detergent bottles are made from this type of plastic. 

3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Plumbing pipe, shower curtains, and some plastic toys and infant materials.

4. LDPE (low-density polyethylene): Grocery bags and food wrap are made from this plastic

5. PP (polypropylene): Many food storage containers are made from this type of plastic.

6. PS (polystyrene): Also called Styrofoam, this plastic is used to make take out containers, cups and packing materials.

7. Other: Anything labeled 7 cannot be recycled.  This includes many squeezable bottles, older reusable water bottles and dishes.  This type of plastic leaches Bisphenol A, which is toxic and best not to be used anyway. 

Metal items include tin food cans, which commonly hold tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables, as well as soda cans and coffee cans.

Glass items include any glass bottles or jars. However, some recycling programs only take certain colors of glass, or may require the colors to be sorted separately, so check with your local area recyclers if unsure.

Glass and plastic (bottles) recycling in Poland.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For those extra items like cell phones and computers or items like paint cans or car batteries, check with your local recycling center to find out if they offer special drop off days.  If they do not, often you can find recycling businesses in your community.  They may charge a small fee but it’s better than tossing them into a landfill.  Online you’ll also find many companies that will actually pay you for your used cell phones and computers. 

Preparing Items For Recycling

The steps to recycle and to prepare your items are easy. In most all cases, you need to simply wash them.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to scrub them clean, a simple rinsing will get the job done.

Remove caps from plastic and glass items.  They’re not recyclable - unless you have a specific source that you know will take them.

Recycling is a relatively easy way to be environmentally conscious.  If your community doesn’t offer curbside service then a sorting bin and a monthly trip to the recycling center while you’re running other errands will get the job done without too much time and effort.  Don’t let recycling intimidate you, it’s easy and well worth the effort.

Exploring the Benefits of Detoxing for Fitness and Health

When you complete a detox program, and begin living and eating cleaner and healthier, you will begin to notice that your body will actually tell you when you are becoming toxic again. One of the benefits of living holistically is that you become more in tune with your body, and if you listen to the signs, you will start to notice when your toxic load is increasing.

There are times that you feel sluggish and unusually tired or stressed out. Your body may experience continuous aching, you may have diarrhea or constipation, and feelings of clumsiness. Rapid weight gain and the incapacity to lose the excess weight can also be signs of having excess toxins in the body. (I have noticed on numerous occasions that a sudden onset of such symptoms can be alleviated with a good bowel movement and a big glass of clean water - such a simple remedy has made me feel worlds better within minutes, as long as I pay attention and notice the symptoms of toxic stress taking hold.)

Image via WikipediaMost toxins found in the body are found and stored in your fat cells. For Americans who are eating the usual American diet, you are essentially feeding garbage to your cells. In detoxing your body and cleaning that unwanted garbage from your cells, you should pay attention to your elimination organs.

There are particular organs in your body that deal with cell waste management. These organs play a major role in the detoxing process for a fit and healthy body.

1.    Your liver is the organ that filters and removes the unwanted chemicals in the body. It sorts out the toxins and sends them to the appropriate organ for elimination during the process of circulation. The principal elimination organs will back up the liver on where these toxins will be stored and then eliminated.

2.    The lymph glands also play an important role in eliminating toxins. A network of tubing carries excess waste out of the cells and to the final elimination organs. The appendix, thymus, tonsils, and spleen are major lymphatic glands that help the major organs of the body in cleansing and detoxing.

Image via Wikipedia3.    The kidneys help in the water management of the body. They are the ones that keep the chemistry of the blood properly alkaline by eliminating the dissolved acid waste. You can help your kidneys to function well by drinking plenty of clean, fresh water. It is much better if you drink fresh alkaline juices and purified water.

4.    The lungs also help keep the blood purified. They allow fresh oxygen to go directly to the bloodstream. And oxygen is responsible in removing waste gases that are found in every cell of the body. Deep breathing and fresh air is very helpful in keeping the lungs healthy and free from toxins. If you live in an urban area, it is recommended that you find an oxygen rich area where you can perform deep breathing. A park with a lot of green trees and grass is a good oxygen-rich environment, as is a lush and healthy organic garden.

5.    The colon is a solid waste management organ in your body. Medical practitioners have found many peolpe can have up to 80-pounds of mucus and rubber-like solid waste that are found on the walls of the colon. (Yes, it sounds disgusting, but it's in there!) Detoxing and cleaning the colon sometimes be a tough thing to do. However, having a free waste colon can certainly provide you with a much a cleaner and healthier body.

If you are undertaking a detox program, and start experiencing some unpleasant signs of detoxification, you may taking a walk, or getting some other form of regular exercise. Exercise is an essential key in having a fit and healthy body. Many diet doctors also suggest that you drink plenty of lemon water. This is an effective way of maintaining good circulation and can increase the rate of detoxification inside the body.

Examples of Detox Systems:
    

Video - Scenes From a Landfill

If you are unable to go visit a landfill as suggested in our last post, here is a short video you may wish to share with the kids. Be sure to keep an eye on the bottom of the screen for some interesting facts. As the video is only 3 minutes long, you will probably want to spend a bit of time discussing it afterward. Although it's short, it will definitely give you a lot to think about!

Life at the Landfill
Sight and sounds from Tomoka Landfill, home of hundreds of birds and dumping ground for 1500 tons of garbage each day. Video by Ron Hurtibise

 

Related Articles on Landfills:

• Is there anything we can do to the trash in landfills to make it break down faster? (greenanswers.com)
• Seven former North County landfills leaking contaminants-NC TIMES (sanelijolife.wordpress.com)
• Four United Biscuits Sites Eliminate Landfill Waste (greenbiz.com)