4 Facts about Technology Recycling that You May Not Know

technology_recycling_facts1.  99% or more of the material in corporate electronics can be recycled, if it is processed by a certified technology recycler.

All of the metals get sorted, smelted and eventually reused to manufacture new items.  The properties of plastic change each time they are recycled, so the plastics from electronic devices usually get made into pellets, which are then used for other plastic products, including furniture and containers—depending on the type of plastic being recycled.

 

Unleaded glass can be ground down and reused for new glass products; batteries can be broken down into their components and then recycled, mostly into new batteries.  Ensure that your technology recycling company processes all materials for reuse—not just the easy-to-process or high-value materials.

 

2.  Corporate electronics do contain some hazardous materials.

 

However, a certified technology recycler will have proper procedures in place to process them according to industry regulations & standards —ensuring safety as well as compliance.

 

For example, LCDs contain mercury; CRTs contain lead, and systems contain cadmium and brominated flame retardants.  Many items contain batteries, which could contain hazards, including lead, lithium, acid as well as recoverable metals, such as nickel.  Some companies still have older electronic systems—usually stored away and out of use for a long time before they send it to a recycler —that contain mercury or PCBs.

 

This is a major reason that many states and municipalities have restrictions or bans on putting electronics into landfills.  This is also why you should be wary of non-certified companies or even individuals who say they will take non-working items and rebuild them.  How they handle these materials and what they do with any “leftovers” should be of concern.

 

3.  Why does proper and safe recycling of electronics often cost more money than the materials are worth?

 

Electronics are not designed for recycling.  The materials used and the various physical designs make recycling a challenge. While some companies claim to offer “green electronics,” we are in reality still far away from truly green products.  Almost all electronics, including telecommunication products, computers, networking devices and printers, were not designed or manufactured with recycling in mind.

 

Electronics are not easy to disassemble, and the components are not easy to separate out.  In addition, the materials used were not selected for their recyclability.  The hazardous materials mentioned above require special handling and storage processes.  There are dedicated technology recycling companies, because electronic recycling requires specialized capabilities, procedures and equipment.  Certified electronics recyclers (www.r2rios.org) comply with all safety and environmental requirements, while delivering the most cost-effective services.

 

4.  Electronics is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the US. 

 

According to an IDC survey, while American households account for most of the new electronics market, they only contribute about 26% to the electronics recycling market.

 

Companies can impact this trend by holding employee recycling events once a year.  These events present an opportunity to educate your employees, provide a service to them and your community at large, and create an additional positive impact by disseminating knowledge about recycling and protecting the environment.  You and your employees could help divert thousands of pounds of electronic waste from landfills to recycling.  Your technology recycling partner should be able to help you stage employee recycling events.

 

For more information on technology recycling services, contact Lifespan today.  Lifespan provides technology recycling and disposal, data destruction, hardware resale, and a full range of IT asset disposition services to corporations, OEMs and municipalities nationwide.

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