Recycling As A Means Of Safe Electronics Disposal In Austin

By Judy Sullivan


Electronic products usually become obsolete after advanced products are introduced into the market. As consumers dispose of obsolete gadgets, the problem of how to handle such waste is created as some of the electric gadgets end up in landfills. It is important for consumers to dispose of electronic waste in an environmental friendly manner. One method of proper electronics disposal in Austin is recycling.

When obsolete electric equipment is recycled, it serves a different purpose from its original purpose. Such equipment can also be repaired or updated in order to prolong its usability and ensure that it continues serving its original purpose. As a resident or business owner in Austin, it is your duty to abide by the legal legislation and rules that govern the disposal, management and recycling of electronic wastes.

Approved waste recyclers ensure that electronic waste does not enter landfills, where it can cause contamination and pollution. Old electric equipment like computers, cell phones, video and audio players and televisions sets among others contain hazardous elements such as lead, copper and gold which pose a threat to humans and wildlife if they get into natural resources like air and water. They therefore need to be disposed of safely with the assistance of professionally trained exerts.

Consumers can turn over their obsolete gadgets to recyclers in various ways. They can take them to an electric equipment repair shop, an electronic waste drop off center, an electric equipment manufacturer, special recycling events and charities among others. It is wise to recycle electronics. When their components are reused, pollution is reduced. Furthermore, reusing such components makes it unnecessary to mine for metals that are used to make electric equipment.

Computers and the components used to make them comprise about sixty percent of all products that are recycled in terms of weight. Recycling firms usually separate electric devices into small parts in order to complete the recycling process. Components that cannot be reused are broken down while the useful parts are saved for future use. As the recycling process is going on, components made from plastic are separated from those made from metal and glass among other materials.

Reputable recycling companies are members of the R2 program. This program comes up with guidelines that all accredited recycling companies should follow. It also showcases the fact that the recycling companies are committed to using responsible recycling practices. The R2 program focuses on a number of issues including consumer data security, environmental practices, worker safety and public health.

Metals such as aluminum and steel have a high recycling value because they can be reused for various purposes such as building spare parts and metal products. When obsolete gadgets are refurbished or recycled, the release of toxic chemicals into the environment is significantly reduced. Consumers who have a tight budget are also able to purchase the refurbished electric equipment at reduced prices.

The next time you want to throw away obsolete gadgets, make sure that you contact an electric waste recycler. The potential for mercury, cadmium and polychlorinated biphenyls leaching in the soil and contaminating food is high. Exposure to these products can cause cancer and it is therefore essential for everyone to use the right methods of electronics disposal in Austin. When electric waste is handled and sorted in the right way, it becomes an important source of secondary raw materials.




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