Recycle Technologies Complete E-Waste Recycling Process

Technology has not only changed the way we think but also the way we live our lives. But electronic waste remains the same. Televisions and VHS tapes were plaguing our landfills now smartphones and laptops are. The amount of e-waste we generate has risen exponentially. And technology is to blame.

Of course, it makes life easier but unless we have policies in place to properly dispose of electronic waste then all of this is just wishful thinking. As new electronics enter the market, electronic waste becomes a growing concern for many. It has sadly become the fastest-growing waste stream in the world.

E-waste is a broader term and has multiple subcategories that reference items as electronic waste.

These are:

 

Small Devices

Items in this category are smaller electronics and appliances. Both are treated as the main source of e-waste. These include:

 

Large Devices

Items in this category are a source of e-waste. These are:

  

Currently, the above items are ever-increasing as per weight, Recycle Technologies is concerned and is up for the challenge in properly disposing of the above devices. Our Recycling Facilities can process these devices in numbers. The circuit boards and the batteries are the mainstay of electronic waste and a major cause. With our team of professionals, you can count on us to properly dispose of this waste responsibly. For businesses and government agencies looking for a certified e-waste recycler, click here.

Why is E-waste at a critical junction?

Before venturing into how electronic waste works, it is essential to understand why it is necessary. Proper handling of waste management helps us offset the negative impacts of e-waste. It provides you with several benefits by keeping the materials in circulation. This circulation is commonly known as the circular economy. State and Federal regulators are advocating for a permanent solution to the growing e-waste problem. 

Consumers have a choice: they can responsibly recycle or find a way to reuse. Throwing them into the trash is not a viable choice. This can have unforeseen circumstances including you serving jail time. Be sure to check low recycling laws before committing this mistake.  The needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many.

What happens when electronic waste is not probably managed?

 Improper managing e-waste which includes sending them to landfills may lead to dire consequences. This action may cause the release of toxic chemicals into the air, water, and ground. Your inability to not do the right thing will result in these pollutants exposure:

Heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium are a major concern since they can do the most damage. A single drop of these can contaminate acres of soil. E-waste recycling must be on your agenda.  If not then new resources will be required to be mined to create new electronics. If we recover the same resource through recycling our dependence on virgin resources will cease to exist.

Does Recycling e-waste benefit us?

Yes, recycling e-waste does benefit us. It allows us to recover materials that are crucial for the manufacturing of new products. Gold, Copper, Glass, Aluminum, and plastic are up for grabs using recycling as a process. Research has shown that the value of materials in e-waste is worth 60 billion USD. 

As more materials are recycled enter back into the supply chain. This helps companies create new products instead of mining for new natural resources. Thus, reducing our environmental impact, reducing toxic exposure, and creating sustainability.

Recycling helps create more than 681,000 jobs with 5.5 billion USD in taxes and 37.8 billion USD in wages. For every 1000 tons of material recycled, a new job opportunity happens. However, we produce 6918 kilotons of e-waste with a recycling rate of only 15 %.  

E-waste

 What challenges do most certified e-waste recyclers face?

 

Not properly disposing of those harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other substances can create difficulties in the recycling process. This is more problematic when e-waste is exported instead of recycled locally. It can have a severe environmental impact which will lead to an increase in emissions.

This can all be avoided if your e-waste is being taken by a certified e-waste recycler such as Recycle Technologies. The Single Stream facility is problematic at best. Recycling a microwave is not the same as recycling a smartphone. The sorting and separation of materials present in these devices pose a time-consuming risk. Recycle Technologies has systems in place that solve your e-waste problems faster than you can imagine.

 E-waste Recycling Process

Step 1 Collection

The first phase of the recycling process is the collection of electronic products. The mixed e-waste is then separated, so the flow doesn’t stop.  Multiple items are sorted and put in designated areas. As the process of batteries is much different than what we normally do with electronics. Not adhering to this can lead to recycling contamination.

Step 2 Storage

Displays and screens are contaminated with lead. So, storing this e-waste is paramount. The glass present in these monitors is at the end of its supply chain.

Step 3 Shredding

Shredding helps us turn e-waste into smaller bits. This helps us to properly sort out valuable materials. Many electronics such as circuit boards are a mix of materials. Breaking them down is essential.

Step 4 Separation

A large magnet helps us separate the various resources that have passed through our shredder. We also rely on water to help us in the separation process. This purifies the resources.

Step 5 Recovery

After the materials are separated, they are ready for sale and reuse. Certain materials join another recycling stream.

Also Read: 6 Recycling Myths Busted by Recycle Technologies

Conclusion

Recycle Technologies is a certified Electronic waste Recycler. We have four major recycling facilities in Wisconsin and Minnesota that can process countless e-waste. Our process is simpler because our employees are the most proficient. That is why we can process so much e-waste.  We can help you lessen your e-waste liability by recycling it responsibly.  Make a difference. Recycle with us.

Courtesy

Distribution of electronic waste generated worldwide

Seven Things That Are Recyclable Which You Never Knew They Weren't

Knowing is better than guessing. The former gives you an edge. This way you can anticipate and develop solutions as per challenges. The same case is for what items you can recycle. Curbside recycling is not the best place for items present in this list. Especially e-waste. For that, you require special disposal to prevent toxic elements from escaping.

By throwing them in our curbside bin we ensure that happens, and they pose a great risk of contaminating our water sources. Recycling is the only way to prevent this from ever happening.  The incident in Flint was because e-waste was not properly handled. The pollutants contaminated the water sources and guess what Mercury poisoning came into effect.

Here are seven things that you thought you couldn't recycle, but you can

Batteries

Several materials help in creating batteries. These components are toxic to human use and the environment. Once they come to interact, these chemicals can contaminate waterways and endanger human life. The good news is almost all the components present inside the batteries are claimable. They can help us create new batteries, and we don’t unique to mine virgin resources to do so. It has never been easier to recycle batteries and with Recycle Technologies you can easily do that. Our mail-in program and drop-off facility can help you with battery recycling. It is wise to keep e-waste like this from general waste and curbside bins.

E-Waste

Your Mobile Phone

Many people are not aware, but a mobile phone has numerous useful materials. These can be reclaimed and reusable value. You can recycle mobile phones in any e-waste recycling program. Recycle Technologies Drop-off recycling facility is an excellent choice for disposing of mobile phones. We can also help you wipe data from your mobile phones before recycling them. This way we protect your personal information from falling into prying hands.

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Ink Cartridges

More than a billion ink cartridges are in use worldwide. That is the same amount every year. Troubling is that only 30 % of them are sent for recycling. The components of these items include plastic, metal, and ink. These components take ages to decompose and pose a great risk to the environment. Please don’t send your old ink cartridges to a landfill. Find a recycler near.  Think that are benefits to you might pose a risk to others.

E-Waste

Chewing Gum

More than 100K tons of chewing guns are chewed across the world. And the main problem is that it is discarded everywhere. Under everything. It leaves behind an expensive mess and no one bothers to clean up. The good news is chewing gun is fully recyclable. It can be reused into several other products like bins, Frisbee, coffee cups, or even mobile phone covers.

E-Waste

Sneakers

A normal sneaker contains a variety of useful materials such as leather, polyester, nylon, rubber, and plastics. In time sneakers wear off unless they are Air Jordans. More than 300 million of them are tossed away every year. And yes, landfills are their resting place. We only recycle E-waste items, but you might try local recyclers if they take sneakers. Donating them to charity is a viable option.

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Wetsuits

Wetsuits are on no one top list for recycling. They are composed of a synthetic petrochemical rubber called neoprene. When they are sent into landfill they decompose into smaller pieces and leech chemicals that are dangerous to the environment. If it is in good shape then it can be donated to charity or resold. Recycling them should be your top priority if you are tired from surfing.

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Ski Equipment

Skiing is a great pastime.  It helps you get away from a sticky situation fast. Either it is your partner or worse a bear. They go through rough treatment. Most skills are off timber with carbon fibre or fiberglass. Sooner or later, they will require replacement. The great news is that you don’t need to send them to a landfill. You can get them fixed and sell them. Why throw something that has led to great escapades from unforeseen consequences?

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Also Read: Manage your waste by Recycling with Recycle Technologies.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

What is e-waste?

Spent electronics that are no longer in use are called e-waste. They are mostly found in landfills as many organizations do not recycle them. They think by throwing them in the trash they will magically be recycled. That is not the case. With recycling you can get rid of the toxic elements that will eventually plague us and the environment. Recycle Technologies is certified in e-waste recycling. Our recycling Facilities are present in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our mail-in program is perfect for disposing of Small Batteries and Light Bulb fixtures. Whereas in our drop-off facility, you can dispose of multiple items. To view which items, we recycle at our recycling facility. Click here.

Why should you reduce, reuse and recycle e-waste

There is no a shadow of doubt that we produce a staggering amount of e-waste. For us, tossing waste into the bin is second nature. But have you ever wondered what truly happens to the waste you help create? Every business and individual generates waste. The no longer useful material refers to waste.

The best philosophy is to consider that everything you no longer want has value. It is wise to treat your waste with respect. And remember how much energy and resources went into creating them. Try to make a mental effort to stop throwing things in the trash. Put them where they will do better than harm. Donate them or recycle them.

By any standard, we generate more waste than anyone, from leftover food to product packaging to furniture to appliances. This waste will also include hazardous, recyclable, compostable, and items that have no else to go other than a landfill. According to the World Bank, an average person in a high-income country discards about 3.5 lbs. of garbage every day.

That equates to more than 1300 lbs. each year. Research has shown that having advanced waste services in our country, we are the worst offenders. We produce almost 4.9 lbs. per day. That is 2000 lbs. of trash per year for every person.

Organic Waste Recycle Materials
Food Scraps Glass Bottles & Jars
Garden Waste Aluminium or Steel Cans
  Plastic Bottles and containers
  Cardboard and paper
Other Household Waste Hazardous Waste
Soft Plastics Paints
Furniture Glues and Adhesives
Toys Cleaning Chemicals
Textiles Herbicides and Insecticides
Other Household Items Batteries
  Electronic Waste

 

 

 

The composting of an average trash bin is:

 

Waste Management is an essential service. This protects public health and the environment. Keep in mind it is a complex business. The waste hierarchy was developed to address this issue. For you, it is a tool or a framework for waste minimization that incorporates the protection of the environment and human health. This is an inverted pyramid that emphasizes the reducing, reusing, and recycling of waste. It put less focus on waste treatment and landfilling.

Around the world, this framework is integrated into policies, plans, and programs for waste management. Recycle Technologies uses it to lessen the e-waste that is plaguing our landfills. It enables you to find a better outcome for your dying electronics and appliances.

 Also Read: Why Should We Recycle Electronic Waste?

Reduce E-waste

The top level of the waste hierarchy pyramid is all about prevention. Reduce refers to changing how we consume products. Simply choosing not to buy something has the most impact and the bonus that you will save money. Reducing is all about rethinking and redesigning products that we need in hopes of reducing waste. Using recycled and sustainable materials helps keep toxins out. This makes sure that items can be recycled at the end of their lives. The best way for us individuals to avoid and reduce waste is to think before we buy. Ask yourself “Do I need this product?”

The choice to buy single-use plastics is a perfect example. A reusable coffee cup is a better choice than single-use plastic that will end up in landfill.

Reuse E-waste

If it is not possible to reduce, then do the next best thing: reuse. Keeping products in use as long as possible is the best way to ensure that the energy and resources used to create them were not wasted. You can reuse products in numerous ways. You can keep using a product until it becomes a necessity. Another way to reuse your existing electronics is to care for them and repair them when required. It is common that when something breaks, it is thrown into the trash. It feels good to repair something. 

Recycle E-waste

This process is an end-of-life scenario of materials that result in a positive outcome. This helps collect usable materials from discarded items and remanufacture them into new products. Recycling directly supports the circular economy and keeps materials in use. This also suggests that we rely less on mining and utilize recycled resources for creating new products.

Recovering E-waste

After exhausting recycling, the next alternative is to recover the resources and convert waste into energy. Energy waste can be viewed as part of the solution to the overall waste problem, but it needs to be consistent with the circular economy model. Recycling is preferable.

E-waste Recycling Process

Landfills

The final alternative is the least desirable outcome. This suggests sending waste to landfills. Our goal should be only to send waste that is not hazardous to the environment or us. Well-managed landfills pose a risk to the environment and source of methane. Using the waste hierarchy, we can reduce the overall garbage we trash. Steering towards reducing, reusing and recycling is beneficial in every way possible.

E-waste is a complex category of waste. It not only contains a mix of metals and minerals that are toxic but harmful compounds as well. ranging from lead, arsenic, and mercury. When E-waste is disposed of improperly, these substances can pollute the soil, water, and air. They pose a dire risk to human health.

 

 

Small Home Appliances Large Household Appliances
Microwaves Refrigerators & Washing Machines
Irons Cookers
Toasters, Coffee Machines Electric Fans
Sewing Machines Heaters and Air Conditioners
Power Tools Electric lawnmowers
Lights, Lamps, Flashlights Solar Panels.

 

Personal Devices Other E-waste
Mobile Phones, Smartphones Medical Devices
Power Supplies Automatic Dispensers
Smartwatches Thermostats
Cameras Massage Chairs
Hairdryers, curlers Diabetic Testing Equipment
Electric Shavers Heart Monitors
Electronic Cigarettes Defibrillators
Home Entertainment IT and Telecommunication
CD. DVDs, Blu Rays and their players Home and office telephones
Televisions Desktop Computers
Stereos Laptop and Tablets
Video Game Systems Copy machines and Fax Machines
Remote Controls Circuit Boards
Amplifiers Hard Disk Drives
Musical Instruments Monitors all types
Radios Network Hardware
Hand-held Video games UPS Systems
Kids toys Audio and Video Equipment

Recycle Technologies is a certified e-waste recycler which has recycling facilities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. We provide individuals and businesses with a unique opportunity to dispose of their spent electronics, batteries, and many e-waste items as listed above. You can reach us at your leisure.

6 Important E-Waste Benefits through Recycling

The benefits of recycling e-waste are easy to identify. We live in a world where almost everyone owns an electronic gadget. New electronic devices require a lot of energy and resources to create. Rapid changes and improvements in electronic gadgets mean older ones are discarded in landfills, and later become e-waste. As reported by the U.N., 6.3 million tons of e-waste is generated in the USA alone on an annual basis. Imagine the amount of energy and resources we have wasted by throwing them in the trash. With recycling, we could have easily claimed some form of this energy and resources. We reap what we sow. There will come a time when we will be forced to make recycling mandatory. Right now it is voluntary. We should stop sending our trash to underdeveloped countries. We should take the lead and recycle them ourselves. As this is our e-waste.

To conserve energy, and resources, and save space in landfills Electronic recycling becomes a necessity.

To better understand the positive impact of recycling e-waste, let us look at the following six benefits.    

Benefits of Recycling E-Waste

1.       Save Landfill Space.

Electronic waste is being thrown into landfills at an increasing rate each year. This problem is prevalent not only in the USA but is quickly spreading around the world. Throwing e-waste into landfills creates many environmental issues.

For example, the metals used in electronic gadgets such as iron, aluminium, and gold erode and release harmful toxins into the soil. Similarly, the plastic in these gadgets can release poisonous toxins into the soil. The toxins of this polluted soil kill all kinds of plants and microorganisms living on that land. It destroys their ecosystems and worsens the health of the environment. In the worst-case scenario, the poison spreads in the soil and eventually seeps into water sources.

E-Waste

When e-waste is recycled, it does not land in a landfill.

Instead, the components of electronics are separated and sorted. So they can help us in the long run. With a circular economy, you can expect your e-waste becomes a second source of energy and new products.  Non-recyclable components are disposed of properly, so their harmful impact on the environment is reduced. At the same time, recoverable e-waste helps create new products. Keeping e-waste out of landfills reduces the space a landfill occupies. 

2.       Save Natural Resources.

As per studies, 98% of components in an electronic device are recyclable. Metals extracted through mining require much difficulty and effort. Apart from mining, the cost to refine metals and transform them into a usable form is also high. Through the extraction and reuse of metal from old electronic gadgets, the need to manufacture and refine raw metals decreases.

Wires and other components of electronic devices made of aluminium and copper can be reused multiple times. Reutilizing them in other electronic devices means little to no material goes to waste. Hence, the need to mine, extract and manufacture more natural resources reduces. So does e-waste.  Electronics have many components of glass. For example, the screen of any PC, laptop, television, smartphone, or any other electronics is of high-quality glass. Manufacturing glass from scratch requires a lot of energy. Manufacturers reuse glass from recycling older electronics, so it does not go to waste. This also saves time and money in manufacturing new glass.

E-Waste

Also Read: How to Recycle E-Waste

3.       Increase in Employment Opportunities!

Only experts can deal with e-waste properly. Distinguishing between reusable and non-reusable materials is a task that requires a sharp eye and a lot of product knowledge. There are a lot of jobs in the field of recycling. Thanks to the recycling industry. Responsible people working in recycling help us reduce the amount of e-waste. Increased education about electronics recycling means more people will recycle, and more job opportunities will be available.

By recycling e-waste, several people get a job. More jobs mean financial stability for our communities. The overall economy of the United States gets a boost. Eventually, it results in the prosperity of the whole nation. 

E-Waste

 

4.       Increases Affordability.

In many cases, people want to get rid of an electronic device not because it has stopped working, but because they want to buy one with the latest technology. If they give their old gadgets to charity or sell them in a second-hand shop, other people who cannot afford to buy new electronic devices can easily buy them. Always remember, you may not need an electronics, but it could be of the utmost importance to someone else!

Many schools in America accept spent electronic devices and utilize them. Hundreds of charities exist throughout the States that take e-waste from people and deliver them to different parts of the world for reuse. If donation is something you do not prefer then you can try recycling them. This way your electronics will no longer be a hazard to anyone. And they will not land in landfills. We pledge to keep e-waste away from landfills.

Recycling e-waste increases the opportunity for people who do not have access to such devices to use and own them.

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5.       Removes Data Appropriately.

Keeping data safe is becoming an increasingly important issue throughout the world. In most cases, people assume because they have deleted files from their computer, they no longer exist on the computer. But that is not always the case. Permanently removing data from a mobile phone and computer requires special software and proper strategy. Ensuring the appropriate removal of data is mandatory before recycling electronics. That is why we ensure our customers that we provide one of the best ITAD services in the region.

It is vital to recycle electronics through proper e-waste channels. We take extreme care of customer data. We follow appropriate steps to extract data, and then they remove it without leaving a trace.

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6.       Saves the Environment.

Earth provides millions of resources to us every day. And what do we do with them? We utilize those resources in such ways that it destroys and hurts the ecosystems of Earth. To prevent that from happening, recycle e-waste. Toxic and harmful elements do not become a hazard for us and our surroundings. By recycling e-waste we can accomplish that. Do not forget, we are a part of the environment, and all the toxic material coming out of the e-waste is harmful to us as well. 

Consumers must be responsible and protect the environment by recycling e-waste. To save our future generations from an unhealthy environment or before completely losing natural habitats.

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Conclusion

Environmentalists inform us about the importance of recycling e-waste and their consequences. The benefits of recycling e-waste are numerous. But saving the environment is the most important benefit.

Adopting a healthy habit of recycling e-waste by every individual makes a large difference in the longer run. No matter how small your effort may seem, recycling e-waste should be considered an absolute necessity!