Despite the dirty name, techno trash is not really trash. The electronic parts are disassembled for recycling. For those
of you at UVM wondering what to do with that broken cell phone or computer, fear
no more! Here is a website that describes where to find the various “techno
trash” depositories on campus.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Article
Here's a related article, read on!!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20131030/BUSINESS05/131030019/Apple-replace-some-new-iPhones-over-battery-issue
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20131030/BUSINESS05/131030019/Apple-replace-some-new-iPhones-over-battery-issue
Re-use Techno Waste (Article)
Electronic product returns and potential reuse opportunities: a microwave
case study in the United Kingdom
To ReUse or Not to ReUse?
That appears to be the question in this wonderful study conducted in the U.K last year. The study explored the fates of 189 microwaves taken to recycling centers and the reasons for their being recycled.
What you need to know
Of the microwaves brought to the recycling centers, more than 17% of them were in perfect working condition, with no mechanical or electronic problems. Of the rest, 50% of them were deemed to be repairable for 15 British pounds or less and in under 15 minutes, mainly related to broken power cables. In essence, that means that almost 60% of the microwaves taken to be recycled, could be up and running in under 15 minutes and with a substantially less amount of money than it would cost to purchase a new one. When asked whether the owners planned on upgrading to new and better technology, or whether they planned on sticking with similar equipment, 72% answered they were going to stick to similar technology, with only 5% saying they would upgrade and 23% not answering (Dindarian 2012). This appears to fly in the face of the popular conception that most working or easily repairable e-waste is tossed out in order to upgrade to better technologies. Through more questioning, it was determined that the vast majority of consumers did not know about other options for microwave disposal apart from recycle centers, including donation and .
Suggestions for increasing E-Waste reuse
7 suggestions were made following the study, although only 2 could easily be applied all non-microwave centric waste. Firstly, consumers must become informed of their products and their end lives. Secondly, manufacturers can make small changes to the way their products are built in order to facilitate easier access to internal parts. For example, when trying to replace a commonly damaged componant in a defunct microwave, the repairman was forced to take apart the machine. Of the 38 screws that held together the unit, there were 12 different styles and sizes, making it difficult to open (Dindarian 2012). Simply altering the manufacturing to facilitate the same size and type of screw, repairs could more easily be made. Secondly, reduce the circuit board complexity. This can be accomplished with little change in function, and would likely be more easily accomplished with government sanctioned standards.
That appears to be the question in this wonderful study conducted in the U.K last year. The study explored the fates of 189 microwaves taken to recycling centers and the reasons for their being recycled.
What you need to know
Of the microwaves brought to the recycling centers, more than 17% of them were in perfect working condition, with no mechanical or electronic problems. Of the rest, 50% of them were deemed to be repairable for 15 British pounds or less and in under 15 minutes, mainly related to broken power cables. In essence, that means that almost 60% of the microwaves taken to be recycled, could be up and running in under 15 minutes and with a substantially less amount of money than it would cost to purchase a new one. When asked whether the owners planned on upgrading to new and better technology, or whether they planned on sticking with similar equipment, 72% answered they were going to stick to similar technology, with only 5% saying they would upgrade and 23% not answering (Dindarian 2012). This appears to fly in the face of the popular conception that most working or easily repairable e-waste is tossed out in order to upgrade to better technologies. Through more questioning, it was determined that the vast majority of consumers did not know about other options for microwave disposal apart from recycle centers, including donation and .
Suggestions for increasing E-Waste reuse
7 suggestions were made following the study, although only 2 could easily be applied all non-microwave centric waste. Firstly, consumers must become informed of their products and their end lives. Secondly, manufacturers can make small changes to the way their products are built in order to facilitate easier access to internal parts. For example, when trying to replace a commonly damaged componant in a defunct microwave, the repairman was forced to take apart the machine. Of the 38 screws that held together the unit, there were 12 different styles and sizes, making it difficult to open (Dindarian 2012). Simply altering the manufacturing to facilitate the same size and type of screw, repairs could more easily be made. Secondly, reduce the circuit board complexity. This can be accomplished with little change in function, and would likely be more easily accomplished with government sanctioned standards.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The huge challenge to the modern America is waste. Where does it go? How does it decompose? Why do we have so much? Within this complex situation is Techno-trash or e-waste, the waste of electronic devices. The growing number of affluent Americans has increase the amount of techno-trash around the world. This can be seen in a e-wastelands from China, to Ghana, and else where around the globe.
The big discussion of this group is how we play a part in this problem. Our goal will be to find out the life cycle of the electronic waste that comes through Burlington and UVM. This includes where all of these devices are made, and where they end up once we are done using them. This project will bring a unique perspective on a controversial environmental topic, and will relate to almost everyone in the class, as at least most of us, if not all, have electronic devices.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)