E-Waste: What is it, and what do we do with it?

When humanity entered the Information Age, it was heralded as the end to paper waste.  Everything would be electronically created, storage, shared, and viewed.  Computers, the Internet, wireless, and the mass of new technology was going to remove the need for this kind of waste.  What wasn’t thought of was the new kind of waste that was going to be created as obsolete or broken down electronics and gadgets became replaced by the next version. 

E-waste has become a growing concern for most nations.  Landfills have become filled with our old computers, cell phones, printers, iPods, and other electronics that we take for granted.  However, our experience in dealing with waste in general is showing that we are prepared to deal with e-waste so long as we are committed to doing so.  Recycling programs, government initiatives, and social responsibility are leading the challenge in dealing with this by-product of evolving technology. 

What is E-Waste?

E-waste is what has become known as the discarded electronics and appliances that are commonly found in homes and businesses.  They are the computers, cell phones, printers, refrigerators, gaming consoles, and other consumer electronics that have become obsolete, broken, or surplus.  On average, the most common electronic devices are replaced frequently:

• Cell phones – replaced every 22 months.
• Desktop computers – replaced every 2 years.
• Televisions – replaced every 10+ years.
• Portable music players – replaced every 2-3 years.
• DVD players – replaced every 4-5 years.
• Printers – replaced every 5+ years.

Every year, there is between 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste, representing the faster growing portion of municipal waste. 

Historically, e-waste has contained many hazardous materials.  There was lead and mercury in old cathode ray tube televisions, cadmium in batteries, and the presence of hexavalent chromium, acrylamide, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ether in many other electronics.  In throwing such waste into landfills, these hazardous materials and chemicals can leach into the soil and cause significant and irreparable damage to delicate ecosystems.

Statistics and Perspective

Our lives are centred around electronics.  The average home will purchase $1,179 worth of electronics every year.  To put this into perspective, approximately 5.1 million televisions were purchased in the United States for the sole purpose of being ready for the 2012 NFL Superbowl.  Over 99 million televisions are stockpiled for sale in the United States at any given time.  All of these will one day end up as e-waste. 

Initiatives to reduce the amount of e-waste the end up in landfills are underway.  One of the driving forces behind this is the amount of expensive metals that are used in the construction of electronics that can be reused and sold.  In 1 million cell phones, there is 24 kg of gold, 250 kg of silver, 9 kg of palladium, and 9,000 kg of copper.  These are able to reused in new electronics, reducing the amount required to mine them.  These metals are also commodities themselves, and are easily traded and sold as well.

What is Being Done

The reasons for reducing the amount of e-waste are many, from reducing the sizes of landfills, preventing hazardous materials from leaching into the environment, and creating businesses that harvest precious metals.  First, it is important to note that many of our electronics are now manufactured with less environmentally damaging materials.  The transition from CRT TVs to LED TVs removed the need for lead and mercury.  Cadmium is no longer used in batteries (still in rechargeable ones) and hexavalent chromium and acrylamide and no longer used in any electronic manufacturing.  Finally, flame retardant materials such as polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl have been phased out as safer materials have replaced them.  This has massively reduced the amount of hazardous materials that leach into the soil from e-waster that does make it to the landfills.

Canada has adopted the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, a government initiative that amalgamates the efforts of more than 25 different agencies in combating environmental issues.  Through this, the Electronics Product Stewardship Canada, a not-for-profit organization, has been created.

It is currently operational in 7 different provinces with it pending approval in the 3 others.  The territories currently have no plans for inclusion under this initiative.  This has created a nationwide standard for e-waste recycling.  In addition, several major municipal governments in Canada have passed even stricter bylaws to further remove e-waste from their landfills.  This has led to direct cost savings for cities are landfill use is lowered.  It is estimated that British Columbia has saved almost $24 million through their recycling programs and Ontario has saved more than $65 million.  This has led to Canada becoming an international leader in e-waste management and recycling.  Even the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic medals were all made from recovered materials from e-waste! 

What Can You Do?

The reduction of e-waste begins with us.  We must evaluate whether we really need that next generation cell phone now or if our current and still working one is good.  Electronics that we are no long using can also be given to others to use, sent to recycling centres, or be donated to programs such as Computers for Schools or through partners of the federal Crown Assets Distribution.

We all want new technology and electronics.  However, we must be conscious in how we dispose of the ones we are no longer using.  In doing this simple act, we can lower the amount of e-waste that makes its way to landfills and can extend the lives of electronic devices through donation or recycle them so that their materials can be used in the new gadgets that we want!

Sources: Treehugger, Electronic Recyclers, E Waste Guide, Crown Assets, Electronics Take Back, FCM, ec.gc.ca, tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca, epsc.ca, Electronics Take Back Home, Serendipityoucity, Environmental Quality, djc

The Life, Death, and Resurrection of a Battery

In 2010, Canadians purchased 22,843 tonnes of batteries. Less than a third of those were rechargeable, and many ended up in landfills. We all use rechargeable batteries in our cell phones and laptops, in our calculators and our cars, but many of us still buy single-use batteries for portable devices like flash lights,  remote controls, and toys. About 88% of the total mercury and 50% of the cadmium found in municipal waste comes from batteries.

Recycling your batteries can help reduce mining of materials for battery production, as can buying rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, buying rechargeable batteries can also save you a lot of money. A pair of rechargeable AA batteries costs about four times as much as a two single-use AA batteries, but you can use your rechargeable batteries hundreds of times!

What is a battery?

  

Simply put, a battery is a portable source of energy that produces electricity by chemical reaction. The amount of electricity a battery produces varies widely depending on the type and amount of materials used to construct the battery.

How does it work?

A battery is made up of one or more “cells” which comprise two different metals (electrodes) connected by wire on one end, and in contact with an electrolyte solution on the other. One electrode has an excess of electrons (a negative charge) and one has a deficit of electrons (a positive charge). The chemical reaction between the metals and the solution causes electrons to travel from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, producing electricity.

 

Common Batteries

A battery will either be wet-cell, where the electrolyte solution is liquid (as in a car battery), or dry-cell, where the electrolyte solution is a paste. Batteries fall into several sub-groups, based on chemical composition.  The performance and life of the battery will vary by manufacturer, but batteries with the same basic chemical composition share many characteristics.

Lead-acid batteries are your traditional car batteries. They are also used in other applications where weight and size are relatively unimportant, like emergency lighting systems and wheelchairs. Lead-acid batteries actually have a liquid electrolyte solution, so are heavy and must be treated carefully.

Alkaline batteries are most commonly found in the traditional sizes of AA, AAA, C, D, etc. These batteries come in both disposable and rechargeable forms, the disposable kind being the cheapest. The rechargeable version tends to have a low-discharge rate (producing less power at a time) so is best used in low-energy devices like clocks.

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are also available is traditional sizes (AA, C, D). They are rechargeable and have a high-discharge rate, so are good for use in electronic devices like digital cameras. They are now used in hybrid cars instead of lead-acid batteries because of their lighter weight and smaller size.

Lithium-ion batteries are mostly used in cell phones, laptop, and notebook computers. They are lightweight and rechargeable, but can also be fragile. Lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) batteries are pretty much the same, but can be packaged in a wider variety of sizes and shapes.

Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries have a long shelf life and a high discharge rate, but low energy density. They are often used in 2-way radios, power tools, and professional cameras. These batteries are, however, quite toxic and must be disposed of properly. NiMH batteries are largely replacing NiCad batteries in consumer products.

Button batteries are small, disposable batteries most commonly made using zinc or lithium. You’ll find them in wristwatches, calculators, and other small electronic devices.

Recharging

Recharging reverses the chemical reaction in the battery, allowing the electricity-producing reaction to happen over and over again. The battery can keep producing electricity until it eventually wears out.

A rechargeable battery has a limited number of charge cycles. It is not an exact number, but the following table can give you a rough guideline of what to expect from different types of batteries:

*These are average numbers and may vary depending on manufacturers, as well as the use the battery will undergo.

From the purchase of a battery to its eventual expiration, the life of the battery and amount of use you get can vary widely depending on the type of battery, storage, and usage. How you use your batteries can either extend or diminish the life of the battery.

To get the most out of your batteries, follow a few easy steps:

• Use the right type of battery for the device.
• Turn off devices when they aren’t being used.
• For items that are used infrequently, remove batteries between uses.
• For rechargeable batteries, don’t leave them on the charger once they’ve been fully charged; they lose a percentage of their capacity if left on the charger too long.
• Store unused batteries at or below room temperature.

Recycling

Depending on the composition of the battery, the recycling process varies. Other batteries are too small and delicate for such recycling, so batteries like Lithium-ion are shredded and turned into other products, like industrial lubricants. Other batteries are not as valuable to reclaim, but still have components that are worth salvaging, and remaking either into new batteries, or into other products.

The Recycling Process

First, the batteries are sorted by chemistry. Each type of battery requires a different process to separate and reconstitute the individual components.

In the case of lead-acid batteries acid solution, the plastic, lead and other components are all separated. The lead is melted, purified, and remolded for use in new batteries. The acid solution is neutralized, filtered, and reconstituted to use in new battery cells. The plastic is also refurbished and made into new battery casings.

Lead-acid batteries have been consistently recycled for decades, thanks to the organization of the auto industry in reclaiming used batteries. Between 98% and 99% of lead-acid car batteries are recycled and remade into new batteries.

For other battery types, the components are also separated, and in some cases remade into new batteries, but can also be made into other products. Lithium batteries, for example, are frozen with nitrogen to neutralize the lithium, before the batteries are crushed and shredded. The lithium is then separated and rendered non-reactive before being sold to produce lubricating greases. The cobalt in the battery is also separated and sold for reuse.

Where can I recycle my batteries?

Many retailers will accept batteries for recycling that have been purchased in-house, and more and more retailers and depots now take batteries for recycling.

To find out how and where to recycle your batteries, check out:

http://rcbc.bc.ca/education/retailer-take-back 

www.regionalrecycling.ca

In Canada, the annual recycling rate of batteries (other than car batteries) was less than 20% as of 2009. The good news is that Canada has the infrastructure to process and recycle all of the batteries that Canadians use each year.

Sources: ODEC, Technology & Science, EZE Living, Life of Earth, Tonolli, The Money Track, Raw Materials, ec.gc.ca, Eco Evaluator, Inventors, E How, Battery University, Buy Chargeall, HRSDC, Recupyl, Earth 911

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Polystyrene, commonly referred to as "Styrofoam", takes decades to hundreds of years to dissolve and is one of the world's most considerable environmental problems. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic material made from petroleum-derived styrene and is non-biodegradable. It is difficult to estimate how much polystyrene there is in the world, however, the Earth Resource Foundation reports that Styrofoam manufacturers were the fifth largest producer of toxic waste in 1986. Unfortunately Styrofoam is still widely used across the world, from cups and plates to packaging and more, as it is typically less expensive than other products and weighs significantly less which aids in reduced shipping costs. Thankfully there are several companies around the world working on finding eco-friendly, cost-effective substitutions to replace this harmful product.

Ecovative Design

Ecovative Design, a New York-based company, has created a biodegradable alternative to conventional polystyrene (or Styrofoam) using inedible by-products of agricultural crops like seed husks.  The material is grown using these by-products and mycelium which is a fungal network of threadlike cells, like the "roots" of mushrooms. In 5 – 7 days, in the dark with no watering and no petrochemical inputs, the mycelium digests the agricultural by-products binding them into a structural material. The mycelium acts like a natural, self-assembling glue. The material can then be grown into any shape needed. Every cubic inch of material contains a matrix of 8 miles of tiny mycelial fibers, and at the end of the process the materials are heat treated to stop the growth and ensure there will never be any spores or allergen concerns. From beginning to end, the mushroom material fits into nature’s recycling system. Composting, mulching, or throwing away are all environmentally sound options of disposal because the product is made of natural materials that belong in a healthy ecosystem.

Naturpack

Naturpack, an Ontario-based company, has created a loose fill packing product that is very similar to the polystyrene pellets (or "peanuts" or "beans") found in many shipments. Corn is the primary product used in creating their product, which boasts anti-vibration and shock absorbing qualities. Naturpak is reusable and recycled, is manufactured without chemicals, and is environmentally friendly when disposed. To make the loose fill, first the corn must be crushed and the germ removed by sifting.  The corn  is then ground to a powder so the pulverized corn can then be put directly into the plant.  The corn is heated in a pressure chamber and released in a way that produces and creates uniform pieces of loose fill.  The process is based on unmodified starch in a pure mechanical production process without additives.  The process can be altered by the addition of specific additives to achieve desired results. 

EnviroPAK

EnviroPak, a Missouri-based company, has utilized recycled products to create their eco-friendly packaging. Molded pulp is made from 100% recycled newspaper and is 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable. It has been used to package delicate items such as eggs and light bulbs for years, however, recently has become more prominent in the shipping industry. Molded pulp can be shaped to fit any product and is highly shock resistant. The stock preparation process is closely related to that of a small paper mill. For full details on how the molded pulp is made please visit http://www.enviropak.com/Molded_Process.html

References: Renewable Energy News, Canadian Geographic, Ecovative Design, LiveStrong, King County, EnviroPAK, Naturpack

Easy ways to get your kids thinking about the environment early

1. If your children are old enough to use scissors, teach them to cut the rings of all plastic beverage holders. Even if you dispose of plastic in a place you don't think animals will get to, the items can still be exposed by accident or on purpose through transport, destruction, or naturally breaking down.  These plastic rings can be harmful and even deadly to small animals that can get their heads or bodies stuck between them. Cutting the loops ensures the animals can free themselves if they wind up getting tangled in the first place.

Learn more about the problems with marine litter here.

2. Sow and grow a tree, bush, flower, or plant together. The act of choosing, planting, and caring for a seedling can give children the much needed connection to the Earth as well as teach them important lessons about responsibility. Much like a pet or assisting with the care of another child, having a plant will give your child the opportunity to be a part of something and earn the reward in its growth (and in the case of pets and children, good behaviour). Be sure to choose the seedling carefully and provide the proper care, temperature, and amount of sunlight and water as these will all be necessary for its success.

Check out this link for tips on gardening with kids, including the top 10 crops for children.

3. Get them involved in Earth Day and other green activities. Spending time with other kids doing eco activities is a great way for children to learn about the environment, develop their interactive skills, and have lots of fun. The group aspect of festivals and classes can help show them how many other people care about the environment too, as well as teach them some things they, or even you, may not know.

Visit this link for EcoKids Earth Day 2012 activities and more.

4. Learn about where things come from. A common misunderstanding in children is that items just appear; teaching them the who, when, where, why, and how of their everyday lives can help expand their vision past their home and town and begin an understanding of how big the world is.

Check out these books about where food comes from and visit your local library for more.

5. Teach them the 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink. While children often learn about recycling at school it's important to reinforce these lessons at home. Daily examples of reducing waste and making proper choices will help your kids do the same as they grow up.

Visit www.kidsbegreen.org for helpful facts and activities or try these suggestions below and more:

- save energy by turning off lights when you leave a room

- save water by turning taps on only as much as you need and turning taps off in between use

- reduce food waste by using properly sealed containers

- reuse of food waste by applying it to compost

- save plastic bags by using cloth bags

- recycle papers, plastics, and metals in their appropriate containers

- use eco-friendly products for cleaning and more

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about renewable energy - Knowledge Is Power! For more information go to www.endeavorscorp.com or write to us at info@endeavorscorp.com if you have questions or want to get involved. Have a green day! 


Sources Seagrant Fish, Earth Easy, Earth Day, Munchkin Food, Kids Be Green, Inspire Your Environment, Five Hive, Eco Mii, Borders, Mom Goes Green