The advent of technology has brought us the need to be connected at all times. The X, Y and Z generations are more tech-savvy than all prior generations combined. Let’s face it. This generation is defined by technology. From arts and music, to schooling and media – the Internet has become a powerful tool in presenting an idea, generating an audience, engaging it, and getting the message across.
The third week of March welcomes National Poison Prevention Week. As the world becomes more technologically advanced day-by-day, it is important that we educate ourselves on the life cycles of objects that we use everyday. From cellphones to plastic containers, there’s usually a way to efficiently manage waste as devices age.
What is E-Waste?
Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is a collective term for any technological device, parts, etc. that are not serviceable anymore. This means every single battery, chipset, monitor, cellphone, smartphone, keyboard, mice, wires, etc. all rolled into one. In America alone, at least 4.6 million tons of e-waste was collected at the start of the new millennium. In the years that have followed that number has increased.
How do we minimize this waste while still enjoying our modern-day lifestyles? One solution is simple. Recycling. Since e-waste is comprised of whole or partial parts of re-usable parts or recyclable components, we can often recreate great products over and over again.
The days of recycling being only a concept are long gone – or at least they should be. The technology to harness great feats of recycling may not have existed 20 years ago but they do now. Recycling and proper waste management technology is so readily available that in some countries 99% of waste is recycled or converted to energy production. Don’t believe us? Ask Sweden.
How do you get rid of your e-waste?
While we wait for many of our municipalities to catch up to Sweden’s recycling capacities there remains ways that you can help. Many local entities provide recycling facilities and power generation plants that take various kinds of waste. Search online for “your-location recycling facility” and research what resources you may have available within your neighborhood.
Some schools and libraries even take old phones as donations. This way, perfectly-working electronic devices can be useful again. What a win/win. You recycle while helping support local educational institutions.
EMS Solutions Supports National Poison Prevention Week
EMS Solutions recognized just how much of an impact industrial recycling can have. Early observations of our practice revealed that upwards of 56 cubic yards of material per month are now recycled. That’s a lot of waste that we save from landfills. Sometimes all it takes to start a movement is awareness. Once we realized how small changes in manufacturing could lead to big impacts in recycling we took our efforts a step further. We now proudly position recycling cans throughout our entire production floor to allow for seamless recycling initiatives while still maintaining maximum productivity.