Why Is Computer Recycling a Smart Move for Your Business?

Computer technology advances at a rapid pace, and today’s state-of-the-art machines can quickly become tomorrow’s outdated relics. Practically speaking, this means that many technologically oriented businesses have lots of old machines in storage that no longer serve a useful function. Instead of keeping obsolete equipment around, it makes much more sense to take advantage of local recycling programs.

Discarded computers and peripheral equipment belong to a class of material commonly known as electronics waste or E-waste. Examples of this material typically accepted at recycling centers include desktop machines, laptops, batteries, hard drives and motherboards. Safe disposal of these products is critically important, since they contain a broad range of highly toxic chemicals, including substances such as mercury, cadmium, lead, beryllium and hexavalent chromium. In addition, an improperly disposed battery from a laptop or desktop machine can explode if exposed to fire. Plastics inside a discarded machine can emit toxic fumes when burned.

One of the chief reasons why it makes sense for a business to recycle old computers is to reduce any need for onsite equipment storage facilities. Outdated machines can easily pile up and take away space from other current or planned activities. Periodic recycling can clear out this space and make it available for income-generating use.

Proper recycling of E-waste also makes sense because much of this material may not actually be worthless. When safely broken down and separated, many of the materials used to make computers retain a significant amount of value. Some processing centers have programs that pay cash for any reusable materials. Even when monetary rewards don’t factor into the equation, a business can substantially boost its reputation and community standing by donating unused computers and other electronics to a local nonprofit organization. Such a donation may also qualify for a business for a tax deduction.

It’s illegal in many jurisdictions to put scrapped computer equipment in the trash with everyday household waste. Proper E-waste recycling limits the chances that the dangerous chemicals in old machines will leech into groundwater supplies. By making sure that proper disposal takes place, businesses act as good neighbors to the other members of their communities. In addition, they also avoid the penalties and reputation damage that come with breaking the law.

Businesses that recycle their electronics can also promote conservation efforts by reducing the need to allocate new resources for the computer manufacturing process. In addition, businesses that properly discard their old equipment help support the viability of recycling companies that handle E-waste, and thereby help support their area’s local economy. Visit this site for more information on why computer recycling in San Jose is actually an intelligent move for your business.

Reducing E-waste Is a Complex Process

You probably own a laptop or cell phone, but you might not realize all the steps that go into the disposal of these items. Despite the complexity involved, more and more companies are working to cut down on e-waste.

What You Didn’t Know About Recycling

We all know what recycling is and that it is used to benefit the environment. However, there is a lot more about this process that most people don’t know about. Although more than 87 percent of Americans have access to recycling programs, many people still neglect to save reusable items or don’t know how to do it properly. Whether you are a dedicated recycler or you are too lazy to sort out your trash, learning more about this process can motivate you and help you to be more appreciative of the effects it has on the environment and your community.

Americans throw out a lot of garbage each year—more than 200 million tons. However, people only recycle about 30 percent of their trash when about 75 percent of it is actually recoverable. If people saved everything they could, this would greatly reduce the amount of waste that is dumped in landfills each year.

Some of the easiest items to recycle are bottles and jars made from glass. These glass containers can make their way to a store shelf as soon as 30 days after they have been collected. However, Americans dispose of about 28 billion jars and bottles each year. Imagine the money and resources that could be saved if all of these items were reused instead of thrown out.

Another item that can be greatly beneficial when recycled is paper. This can be reused to make other supplies such as tissue, insulation, and paperboard. However, less than half of all office paper is saved. When recycled paper is used, 74 percent less air pollution is generated and about 50 percent less water is wasted. Reusing paper can be extremely beneficial to the environment, as it also saves trees, landfill space, oil, and electricity.

Other materials that should consistently be recycled include metal and plastic. When plastic is reused, about 88 percent of the energy used to make it is saved. In addition, converting cans made of tin or steel will restore about 74 percent of the energy used to make them. This can quickly add up, as Americans use more than 100 million steel and tin cans every day. Aluminum cans should also be recovered, as each one can save the amount of energy needed to power a 100-watt light bulb for up to 20 hours.

Although recycling takes a little extra time, it can be well worth it in the end. When everyone comes together, both the community and the environment can be benefited. To learn more interesting facts about recycling, visit a recycling center in San Jose.

OHIO’S WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY HAS $6.7 BILLION ANNUAL IMPACT ON STATE’S ECONOMY

At its Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, May 13, the Ohio Chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) released statewide economic impact data on the waste and recycling industry for the first time... read more

4 Great Reasons to Recycle Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used manufacturing alloys. It is popular for many fine qualities, and several different metals are required to help achieve each.

1. Resource Conservation

Comprised mainly of iron and carbon, this durable alloy may also have various levels of these additives:

● tungsten
● titanium
● molybdenum
● valadium
● nickel
● chromium

Very scarce, these metals may be harvested from only a handful of places throughout the world, and the environmental impact of such extraction is extremely damaging to local environments as well as detrimental to natural resource banks.

Recycling these elements from already used products helps to conserve resources for years to come.

2. Proven Material Quality

Commonly used in the automotive, construction, and transportation industries, as well as in production of a host of everyday products, the varied qualities of stainless steel alloys are relatively consistent. Recycling within the industry makes good sense, then, as the durability, strength, and other properties of the materials are already known.

3. Reduction of Medical Costs

Stainless steel is highly desirable for construction of medical equipment and utensils as it is extremely resistant to bacterial colonization and easy to clean. Relying on recycled materials for the development and production of new equipment helps to reduce the cost of healthcare.

4. Reduction of Home Waste

Homes rely on stainless steel for various products within their kitchens, baths, and basic construction. Retaining its strength and luster through the recycling process, the basic material still performs well and looks great after it has been reclaimed. Consumers who purchase items produced from recycled steel take part in the reduction of waste and world improvement.

For more information on stainless steel recycling in San Jose, visit this website.

Right and Wrong Recycling

Not all e-cycling centers are equal. If the process is done incorrectly, the chemicals and fumes hurt workers and the environment. Give your old electronics to a company that follows recycling laws.

Showa Denko reports success in UBC recycling program

The Japan-based manufacturing conglomerate Showa Denko (SDK), along with its various divisions, collected about 5.24 million used aluminum cans (UBCs) for recycling last year… read more