E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life." Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our …
Mais »Why should waste electronics be recycled?
Most electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals, that can be recovered for recycling. Recycling your waste electronics saves resources and protects the Earth because new metals don‘‘t have to be mined. In addition, some electronic products contain high enough levels of certain materials, such as lead, that …
Mais »What are "covered electronic wastes"?
The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 designated certain electronic products as being covered by a fee and payment system to encourage the proper recycling of the products when they become waste. As of July 1, 2004, "covered electronic devices" and "covered electronic wastes" include televisions and computer monitors that …
Mais »Incinerate the trash
In its dreams, Toronto imagined that it could dispose of its garbage problem with the wave of a magic wand. Under the city‘‘s waste plan, recycling, composting and other methods would divert 100 per cent of its garbage away from landfill by 2010, eliminating the need to truck it to …
Mais »US – recycling is up in Oregon, but so is waste generation
Officials suggest that residents take note of what they purchase, according to the StatemanJournal in Oregon. The people in charge of residents‘‘ garbage and recycling collection don‘‘t just want people to recycle more. They want them to buy less garbage. "If there is any improvement or emphasis … it should …
Mais »Japan – NEC to use reinforced bioplastic for PC parts
Japan‘‘s NEC Corp. intend to use a new type of biodegradable plastic for their notebook personal computer parts. Japan for Sustainability report that this biodegradable plastic is made from polylactic acid with kenaf fiber as a reinforcing material. Conventional biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, made from polylactic acid derived from corn …
Mais »USA – study shows reusable pallets & containers (RPCs) reduce environmental burdens
A study commissioned by a group promoting reusable plastic pallets and containers (RPCs) claims an environmental advantage with their products compared with the use of cardboard boxes. US consultants Franklin Associates reviewed the shipment of ten items over the entire life cycle of reusable plastic and single-use corrugated containers. The …
Mais »USA – Study highlights architects‘ widely diverging views on vinyl as a sustainable material
A new study indicates that architects working on sustainable design may have more misperceptions about vinyl than about any other building material. The study, "Paradoxes in Vinyl and Sustainable Design," was conducted for the Design Futures Council, a U.S. think tank for the architecture and design community, by Greenway Consulting, …
Mais »USA – draft report shows vinyl building products have comparable impacts to products made of competing materials
A draft report from the US. Green Building Council‘‘s (USGBC) PVC Task Group finds that the environmental and health impacts of vinyl used in building products are comparable to those of competing materials, according to the US Vinyl Institute. The Task Group, which for nearly two years studied vinyl and …
Mais »Nigeria – used oil management plan takes shape
Environmentalists and other stakeholders gathered in Lagos, recently, to present recommendations for a national plan for the environmentally sound management of used oils in the country as well as suggest ways for the development of used oils partnership in the African region. This Day in Lagos reports that they also …
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