My last post inspired me to write about e-waste. The key point to remember is NO piece of electronic equipment should end up in the landfill. Here are some simple ways to recycle your unwanted electronics:
* Donate working equipment to a charity or school
* Donate working equipment to friends or family
* Return to the manufacturer (if available)
* Many office supply stores offer free recycling of toner and ink cartridges
* Drop off your unwanted stuff to independent recyclers
* Bring e-waste to your local landfill
Living in the Waterloo Region
If you live in the Waterloo Region, there are a few options available to you:
* Take e-waste to the Waterloo or Cambridge Waste Transfer Stations (cost $10 per item for the first four e-waste items, and $25 for each additional e-waste item). The charges are for LARGE items only. keyboards, mouse, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, etc. can be dropped off at no charge
* Old notebook computers, LCD monitors, or pocket PCs of any manufacturer can be recycled free of charge through Toshiba Canada. For these items ONLY, a UPS courier will pick up the shipment for free, and deliver you a free USB flash drive within 8 - 10 weeks as a thank you. For more information, please see the Toshiba Canada website.
A great resource to check out is the Workplace Waste Reduction & Recycling Directory found on the Region of Waterloo website. The directory provides information on companies who will help you recycle your unwanted stuff (appliances, ashphalt, brick, clean fill, etc). Is definitely worth having a look for future reference.
Non-Waterloo Region Residents
If you are having difficulties finding places to take your e-waste, drop Bentley or myself a line and we will do our best to help you find a facility or company to take your waste from you.
Technorati Tags: computer recycling, E-Waste, Waterloo Region recycling, sustainable living, electronic waste reduction
Written by steve on May 3rd, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Waste Management.
Probably not the best title that I could come up with but it is a Thursday morning and my coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. A few days ago, Apple announced their plan to boost their already existent eco-initiatives. I need to disclose that I am a supporter of Apple and own a few MACs in my office. I am happy to read that Apple is being more transparent about their plans to reduce chemicals in their products. As you will read in the Press Release, Steve Jobs mentions that share holders, customers and and employees expect Apple to be a leader in all areas, including being green.
In a press release named, “A Greener Apple”, Steve Jobs outlined Apple’s eco-friendly strategy. Here are some of the key points:
Removing Toxic Chemicals
* Apple stopped using CRTs (lead containing screens and Monitors) in 2006
* Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of arsenic in all of its displays by the end of 2008
* Plans to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury by switching from fluorescent lamps to LED backlighting
* Plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.
Recycling (E-Waste)
* Apple recycled 13 million pounds of e-waste in 2006
* Predict by 2010 they will recycle 19 million pounds per year
* Free iPod recycling in the US (10 % discount to trade in old iPod)
* Apple products are designed using high quality materials that are in high demand from recyclers
I was quite surprised to see Dell and HP named throughout the Press Release. You can clearly see that Jobs wants the eco-title.
I hope that in the fight for eco-supremacy, it will bring about innovation and change to the industry as a whole. Apple has shown innovation with many of the products and packaging design. I believe that they are making strides in becoming a more earth-friendly company.
As it stands right now, many computer and technology companies offer recycling programs for their products. Off the top of my head I know that Toshiba and HP offer recycling programs. There are many other ways to get rid of your unwanted e-waste. Do a quick search in Google and you will find a ton of options.
Technorati Tags: computer recycling, Apple, Steve Jobs, sustainable living, A Greener Apple, electronic waste reduction
Written by steve on May 3rd, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Green Business and Waste Management.
