The Recycling Process:

First of all, the batteries to be recycled are sorted according to chemistries such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, lithium, alkaline etc. The combustible material, such as plastics and insulation, is then removed with a gas fired thermal oxidizer, which is the first step in the recycling process. Most recycling plants have scrubbers where the gases from the thermal oxidizer are neutralized to remove pollutants, producing clean, naked cells that contain precious metal content.

The metal in the batteries are then heated to liquefy, after they have been hacked into little pieces. Black slag left by burned out non-metallic substances are scraped off with a slag arm, and the different alloys that settle according to weight are skimmed off. Some plants pour the liquid metals directly into (65 pounds) or ‘hogs’ (2000 pounds) without separating on site, which are then shipped to metal recovery plants to produce nickel, chromium and iron re-melt alloy for the manufacturing of other metal products.

State and Federal Regulations in the United States:

The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act was passed in 1996 by the U.S. Congress which requires regulated batteries such as Ni-CD batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries to:

1. be easily removable from consumer products to make it easier to recover them for recycling
2. include in the label the battery chemistry, the “three chasing arrows” symbol, and a phrase that instructs users to properly recycle or dispose the battery
3. provide national uniformity in collection, storage, and transport
4. phase out the use of certain mercury-containing batteries

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC):
(www.rbrc.org)

The United States Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) was set up in 1994 as a non-profit, public service organization to help and promote the recycling of portable rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead. It also educates rechargeable power users about the benefits and accessibility of rechargeable battery recycling. However, RBRC only recycles batteries that has RBRC Battery Recycling Seal. Manufacturers, marketers and collectors or rechargeable batteries or products that use them can contact RBRC at “licensee@rbrc.com” for better solutions.

Recent Developments:

The mercury reduction in batteries, which had already started in 1984, is still continued today. For example, batteries such as those containing alkaline have had about a 97 percent mercury reduction, and newer models may contain about one-tenth the amount of mercury previously contained in the typical alkaline battery, or may be zero-added mercury. A number of mercury-free, heavy-duty, carbon-zinc batteries are now available as alternatives. Technology such as silver-oxide and zinc-air button batteries contain less mercury so they are starting to replace mercuric-oxide batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be reprocessed to reclaim the nickel, and cadmium free nickel and nickel-hydride system are also being researched. At present, most nickel-cadmium batteries are permanently sealed in appliances but changes are being made in regulations which will result in a more convenient retrieval and recycling of nickel-cadmium batteries.

Battery Recycling: Help Your Environment is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

Some agencies estimate that 72% of used, outdated electronics device are being stored somewhere in the home or office. Considering that the average household owns about 24 such devices, thats a lot of unusable space being needlessly taken up. Now is the time to do something about it by taking them to a mountain electronics recycling facility.

Tips For Reducing E-Waste and Recycling

The key to reducing the amount of e-waste which needs disposal is to think about the life of the electronics products before purchase. One way to do this is by buying equipment whose life can be extended through upgradable components.

Consider purchasing refurbished electronics equipment. It costs less, and it helps support business ventures which reuse parts such as a mountain electronics recycling center.

Especially for businesses, leasing electronics devices may be a better choice than an outright purchase. At the end of your lease, the equipment gets refurbished and reused.

Try to find people or organizations who are able to use your unneeded electronics and donate them. Young children and senior citizens, in particular, may be able to use your outdated computer for simple things like playing games or checking Email. Sometimes it only takes the replacement of a component to get your used equipment to work nearly as well as new.

How To Dispose of Used Electronics

The first rule of thumb is to never dispose of used electronics equipment in a manner that ensures it will end up in a landfill. There are far too many dangerous chemicals and substances in any electronics device which can leach into the soil and release toxic fumes if it breaks open.

Check with the manufacturer or point of purchase retailer where you bought the device. More and more manufacturers, such as Dell and Hewlett-Packard, are offering buy back or turn-in programs. Some charge a fee for this service and others require you pay shipping charges to return devices to their mountain electronics recycling or refurbishment facilities so check each companys policy for the specifics of their program.

The best option, however, is to find a mountain electronics recycling center. These businesses either collect and transport the devices to a recycling facility or do so themselves. Recycling centers break down electronics equipment to extract the components, such as gold, silver, and copper. This is the best way to save our environment and support recycling facilities.

Electronics Recycling Options for Mountain States Residents is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of recycling. They are being motivated to save our environment through the abundance of news reports which stress the importance of green initiatives. Every household owns a variety of devices and what could be better motivation than being offered cash for recycling old electronics?

Some communities and government agencies are already instituting programs whereby consumers can receive cash for recycling old electronics through their various programs. However, these programs are usually limited by the availability of drop off sites and dates. This has created a void in supply and an increase in demand as well as an excellent opportunity for new businesses to step in and fill that void.

Starting Your Own Cash for Recycling Old Electronics Business

Before going further with your idea to start a company which offers cash for recycling old electronics, check with your local state government website. There you will find a wealth of information regarding the current legislation, requirements for reporting, and the necessary forms to fill out and get registered with your state agency.

If your state government does not currently offer any incentives for recycling electronics, try checking with the federal government. Consider becoming a partner with the EPA and its new Plug-In program which encourages the collection and recycling of electronic equipment.

Next, look at the demand in your area. While you are already aware that consumers are looking for ways to effectively recycle their devices, what about local companies? Businesses, more than households, will go through a larger volume of electronics equipment and will consequently have a greater need for disposing of their outdated devices. While many vendors have their own programs in place for taking old electronics, it can be a nightmare for the business owner to deal with all of them and keep track of what equipment must be returned where.

Starting a business to receive cash for recycling old electronics is a timely and lucrative venture. Do your research and then get ready to jump on the environmentally friendly bandwagon to cash in on the demand for recycling centers.

Get Cash For Recycling Your Old Electronics is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

This is a huge issue in our society. Electronics, such as televisions, VCRs, cell phones, computers, etc. become obsolete so quickly that stacks of used equipment are building up in homes and businesses. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 180 million of such outdated devices are being stored until they can be properly disposed of.

Fortunately, there are approved free electronics recycling facilities which are able to take these devices and recover much of the materials used in their production, such as aluminum, plastic, copper, and gold. The process is not an easy one. Care must be taken during their disassembly to avoid releasing toxic fumes and creating an even greater hazard to workers and the environment.

Unfortunately, there are few such free electronics recycling facilities available to the average consumer or business.

Options for Free Electronics Recycling

Many corporations which produce electronics equipment offer programs to take back used and outdated items. Some offer trade-in programs, such as Gateway, Dell, and Staples. With the purchase of new equipment, consumers can turn in their old devices and in some cases, receive a discount. Still other companies allow old electronics to be mailed to a recycling facility, however with large items the shipping cost becomes prohibitive.

Another option is to wait until your local community holds a drive to collect used electronics equipment or to donate your items to a charity which will sell the devices to a recycling facility in the hopes of raising money. Some schools frequently use this as a fundraising activity.

While this is a step in the right direction, as a solution to the problem of disposing of millions of pieces of electronics equipment, it is only a drop in the bucket. When consumers face a fee or shipping costs to recycle their equipment, they tend not to do so. Some companies, like Sony, will only accept used items which they manufactured and place a daily limit on the number of such devices which can be returned. As well, in relation to the amount of electronics equipment which is estimated to need recycling, the number of facilities available is sadly lacking.

Clearly there is a need to provide additional resources for free electronics recycling. There is a large void between demand and supply of facilities which are approved to perform electronics gathering, transportation, and recycling processes.

Where to Find Free Electronics Recycling is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

The reason a growing majority of companies are offering free recycling of electronics is that used electronics equipment, such as televisions, cell phones, digital cameras, and computers presents a hazard to our environment. Many of the materials used to make the components in such devices, such as mercury and toxic chemicals, are hazardous to personal health as well as the environment. Should electronics equipment end up in our landfills, these substances leach into the soil and when they are crushed or melted, the released fumes are quite toxic. Free recycling of electronics is therefore very important.

While many consumers realize the need for recycling and proper disposal of e-waste, most are unwilling to pay for doing so. Some corporations which manufacture these products will do so for $20 per device, but a growing number are offering to do so for free, or even providing a discount on new purchases in exchange for used equipment. Unfortunately, there are restrictions on such programs. Companies like Sony will take in old devices but only of their brand and place a limit of five such items per day which can be turned in. The number of facilities where equipment can be returned is quite small, as well.

Hazardous Waste or Commodity?

Many states are considering legislation which regulates disposal of e-waste, only a few, such as California, Arkansas, and Maine, have actually implemented such laws. Part of the problem in deciding how to word such legislation is the debate between whether used and outdated electronics are categorized as waste or commodities. Because so much of the metals used in computers and other equipment, such as copper, gold, silver, and even platinum can be extracted and recycled, categorizing e-waste as a commodity means it can be refurbished. Many foreign manufacturers resist this categorization as it allows for other companies to reuse their components and resell it as a refurbished device thereby cutting into their profits.

Most agree that the best solution to the problem of excessive e-waste is to offer free recycling of electronics. Consumers are more likely to recycle their devices if they can do so for free. This prevents hazardous waste from ending up in landfills. Facilities which gather and transport electronics devices to recycling centers can make a profit by selling the reusable components. Recycling entities can turn unwanted and outdated equipment into new products. Free recycling of electronics results in a win-win situation for all involved.

The Benefit of Free Recycling of Electronics is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

If you are thinking of starting an electronics recycling business in California, now is the time to act on it. However, there are some requirements to which you must first conform. While none of the California electronics recycling license requirements will take too much time or effort, you must accomplish them in the proper order so that you receive approval by the state and are set up to receive payments.

The first thing to do to comply with California electronics recycling license requirements is to notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) of your intent to handle Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) and/or Universal Waste Electronic Devices (UWEDs). According to the state of California, you must also report on those activities annually per the requirements found in Chapter 23 of Title 22 of the CCR. Compliance with all applicable DTSC regulations is solely the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants who fail to submit the required notification or annual reporting will be denied CIWMB approval.

There are several ways to contact DTSC in order to be in compliance with California electronics recycling license requirements. The forms are available online at cdn.dtsc.ca.gov or you can call (800) 72-TOXIC. A notification form is also downloadable through the internet site at cdn.dtsc.ca.gov/database/UWED/index.cfm.

Next, fill out the Application for Approval: Covered Electronic Waste Recovery and Recycling Payment System. According to the instructions on the form, the application form is for entities intending to participate in the Covered Electronic Waste Recovery and Recycling Payment System (Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 18660.5 et seq) established pursuant to the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003. This is available online at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/Act2003/Recovery/Application/#186. There is a wealth of information on this website in addition to the application form which will help you in complying with California electronics recycling license requirements, such as a collection log in Microsoft Excel format, transfer receipts, summary forms, and worksheets all downloadable as Microsoft Word documents.

After approval, California electronics recycling license requirements state that you must complete logs detailing your collection efforts and complete a Proof of Designation by a Designated Approved Collector form to be turned in along with the logs.

As long as your new business follows these steps and remains in compliance with the applicable state of California regulations, you will be well on your way to making money through the eco-friendly business of electronics recycling.

Recycling Electronics in California is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

In this era of increasing awareness about environmental concerns and directives to reduce, reuse, and recycle, many states are making it easier to start an electronics recycling business. It is in the best interest of state legislators to encourage and partner with such business entities in order to deal with the increasing amounts of e-waste which often end up in landfills.

Each state in this country has different rules and regulations regarding any entity which deals with used electronics equipment, however, most of them are quite similar in scope. There is usually a distinction made between operations which simply collect or transport electronics as opposed to those facilities which perform actual disassembly and reclamation of valuable components such as metals and plastics. All states require some sort of record-keeping system be instituted and the records provided periodically to the appropriate agency. Some state governments also regulate how long hazardous waste can be stored before it must be transported. Check with your locality before you start an electronics recycling business.

Electronics Recycling Business

Because most electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and toxic chemicals, all states regulate how they are handled and classify them as household hazardous waste. Finding and collecting used and outdated electronics is usually not a problem. Most households have a variety of equipment which needs proper disposal. This is truly an excellent time to start an electronics recycling business.

Best Practices in Your Electronics Recycling Business

As discussed, each state is different in its particular requirements. However, there are some best practices which apply when you start an electronics recycling business.

Find a legitimate and licensed recycling or waste management facility which will you pay you top dollar for transporting electronics equipment for their use.

Ensure you are in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for transporting hazardous waste. You may need a special license to do so.

Containers for storage of discarded electronics need to be structurally sound and kept from extreme heat. They should also be properly labeled.

Cathode ray tubes usually require different handling and storage than other electronics components and may also need to be transported to alternate facilities. If you accept televisions or computer monitors you need to be aware of these special requirements.

Keep detailed records regarding place of pickup, amount of equipment collected, and length of storage for all electronics devices.

Of course, just as with any other venture, be sure you have adequate financing, proper facilities, and research the competition before you start an electronics recycling business. By keeping these tips in mind, you should be on your way to making a profit through recycling electronics in no time.

How To Start An Electronics Recycling Business is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

Technology is great and most Americans these days could hardly imagine living without the many benefits from computers, cell phones, digital cameras and the like, however the rapid development of technology also means that there is a great need for electronics recycling programs.

Well over half of all American households own at least one computer. This is in addition to the number of adjuncts such as monitors, printers, etc., cell phones which are replaced nearly every year, iPods and PDAs, digital cameras the list goes on and on. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) citing a study from the Consumer Electronics Association, Americans are the proud owners of an average 24 such products per household. Every year new technology is identified which makes these electronics devices obsolete. Consequently, there are a potential 24 devices each year, if not sooner, which get replaced.

Electronics Recycling Programs

The EPA is doing its best to educate Americans on the importance of reusing and recycling electronics equipment and how to do so safely. While many state government agencies, retailers, and manufacturers are stepping up by providing electronics recycling programs, they are not completely filling the void created by ever-growing piles of hazardous waste. As well, many states in our country are passing legislation which specifically regulates the disposal of electronics. California has even instituted landmark legislation which decreed several years that anyone purchasing an electronics device must pay an additional cost which covers the fee for its later disposal.

Electronics Recycling Programs: What You Can Do

If you are entrepreneurial type, you may want to consider starting your own business with electronics recycling programs. This is the most direct action you can take to help preserve our environment and partner with your state stay in complying with federal regulations.

If you are unsure if this is an option you want to consider, start by taking a look at the current need in your community. Are there electronics recycling programs already in place? How many facilities can handle taking in used and outdated electronics equipment? Are there any private companies which already offer these services and if so, are there enough of them to properly serve the community? What about businesses in your area? Do they have an easy way to recycle their old equipment? Depending on the answers to your research, this will tell you just how much business you may expect by starting your own electronics recycling firm.

After you’ve determined need, you will want to carefully investigate the rules and regulations in place for qualified entities in your state. Surprisingly, compliance with state laws is usually fairly easy and uncomplicated.

Finally, get started with your own electronics recycling programs. The time is optimal and if conditions in your community are right, you can be in business and making a profit in no time.

Electronics Recycling Programs is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

Lithium-ion
By the late ‘aughts, the Li-ion battery is perhaps the most popular type of non-automotive used in consumer electronics in North America. This is primarily due to its user friendly nature, as it has a high weight to charge ratio, little discharge loss and no pesky memory of past charge levels.

Nickel-metal hydride
Invented in the 1980s, these batteries are able to deliver considerably more power than their Nickel-cadmium counterparts that have been around for over a century. However, they do discharge much faster and have a much shorter life-span.

Nickel-cadmium
These are the oldest type of commonly used small batteries and are very sturdy, taking up to several thousand charges. They do, however, deliver a less stable voltage than their more modern counterparts. Also, cadmium is a highly toxic metal.

A Profile of the Various Types of Rechargeable Batteries is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.

electronics recycling in Louisiana includes a number of benefits. The first is that the proper handling of used and outdated electronics equipment is necessary in order to comply with both federal and state laws. The reason legislation is necessary is to protect our environment the soil and water from becoming contaminated by the hazardous wastes in electronics devices. This concern for saving the environment extends not only to government entities, but to the average consumer. It is important nowadays for any business to demonstrate their commitment to practicing eco-friendly processes as this positively affects consumers views of the company.

Currently, the state of Louisiana does not have any legislation on its books which governs and provides specific rules regarding the disposal of electronics equipment. Universal waste is merely defined as either hazardous or non-hazardous. According to the current law, An electronic device becomes a waste on the date it is discarded , An unused electronic device becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it, An electronic device is a universal waste if destined for recycling or dismantling.

What It Takes to Become an Electronics Recycler in Louisiana

To be properly certified to handle universal waste and electronics recycling in Louisiana, an entity is categorized as either a Universal Waste Handler, Universal Waste Transfer Facility, or Universal Waste Transporter. In addition, businesses are designated as small or large quantity handlers. There are time limits as to how long electronics waste can be held onsite before being transported or properly disposed of as well as regulations regarding exporting and shipping of these items. Various records are required to be kept and submitted periodically to the state for proof of compliance.

Qualified handlers of universal waste involved in electronics recycling in Louisiana must be registered with both the Louisiana Office of Environmental Services and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. They must also apply for a two-part permit through the states Office of Environmental Services and submit a notification form within 90 days of applying for the permit. There is a very detailed, 700+ page document available on the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality website which would be prudent to download and review before going further with your business electronics recycling in Louisiana.

How To Start Recycling Electronics in Louisiana is a post from: Recycling Guide. Environmental issues have become part of everyday life read more from Pollution to Sustainable Development.