As customers rush to buy the latest mobile phones, tablet computers, TV sets and computers, what exactly happens to the older stuff? A great deal of these old electronics have parts such as mercury or lead that could contaminate dirt or water if the item is just thrown away, and a lot of other parts are recyclable. A bunch of US states have passed laws mandating “e-cycling” of electronics, and established quotas for the quantity of product to be collected.
Go Green by E-Cycling
Knoxville as well as Knox Area authorities both have programs that encourage e-cycling. The effort has expanded from recycling events held a couple of times a year to the daily compilation of electronic devices at the specific city and county facilities. Many companies additionally supply e-cycled products, as do nonprofits such as Goodwill Knoxville as well as Sunshine Industries.
In 2001, the city started accepting computer system devices at its Solid Waste Transfer Station, 1033 Elm St., and at e-cycling occasions. John Homa, Knoxville’s strong waste project supervisor, stated the amount of digital gear recycled grew for many years and peaked after the switch to electronic television. It has settled back to an average of about 30 tons a year now, he said.
The reduced tonnage today may have a lot to do with the changing nature of electronic devices, stated Drew Thurman, conformity manager with the county’s solid waste program. More electronic equipment is turning up at the facilities, yet the things are normally smaller sized, Thurman said.
Dos and Don’ts of E-Cycling
As well as several of the heavier digital gadgets, such as the older tube TV sets, are not desirable for recycling. It is just not cost effective, Thurman claimed. The region centers will not accept tube TVs, console TVs, big-screen TVs or rear-projection TVs, claimed Tom Salter, Knox Region’s solid waste supervisor. Homa claimed the Elm Street facility will certainly take Television Set that are 21 inches or smaller, but others have to go to a landfill.
Like the city, the county started out holding semiannual events at which people could bring their old computers, phones, and other items for recycling. As people began taking these things to the ease facilities, the crowds at e-cycling events grew thinner and also the events were ceased. Not only were city governments offering e-cycling, however companies and companies were participating, too.
Businesses that Encourage E-Cycling, But There Are Catches
Best Buy is among sellers that will allow consumers to sell old electronics and get a shop gift card in return. Goodwill in Knoxville has a contract with Dell to recycle their computers. Sunshine Industries, which offers protocols and also works for people with intellectual disabilities, operates Sun E-cycle, a program in which old digital gadgets are not just recycled for their products, but wiped clean as security for the previous proprietors.
Sun E-cycle accepts most computer and digital equipment, except tube-type televisions or CRT displays, although level screens are approved.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that for every 1 million mobile phones recycled, 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and also 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered.
