Global Change

Recycling all the Other Stuff!

Compiled by Christine Butler

Ok, so you religiously put your bottles and cans out for the recycling van every week, but what about all those shoes, computers, mobiles and other techno trash that you have lying around the house? No need to worry your pretty green minds about it, because now we can pretty much recycle anything.

Now of course, recycling is the last part of any earth-saving geek’s paradigm. The first in the rule is Reduce, so remember to cut down on all the junk you buy in the first place, and make sure you buy stuff that lasts. Second on the ladder to planetary bliss is Reuse, so if you have an old phone or computer, check to see if friends, family, the local school etc can use it first. Your trash is ... well you know.

Computers

Also called e-waste (electronic waste), computers are full of toxic nasties, so you definitely shouldn't put them out with the trash. Computer manufacturers in Australia will sometimes recycle their own computers or put the old parts into new machines.

Your old computer contains parts, such as circuit boards, RAM and a central processing unit (CPU), that can be reused, as well as metal, plastic and other materials that can be recycled. Better still, with a little refurbishing, your old machine may suit someone else’s needs perfectly.

COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS: Computer companies are taking responsibility for their own waste, so check with them first whether they offer this service. Dell, Apple, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba currently have programs.

REFURBISHERS: Choice has tables to find a computer recycler or refurbisher in your local area, but be sure to phone ahead first — some organisations only accept specific equipment and charges may apply.

http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle

RE-USING: If there’s no computer recycling or refurbishing centre in your local area, but your PC still works, try offering it to local charities, non-profit organisations or schools, or ask friends or family if they could use your machine. Byteback runs such a program in Australia.

www.bytebackaustralia.com.au

Mobile Phones

Small electronics are full of big toxics too, so they also need to be recycled properly. About 90% of your mobile phone can be recycled and used to create new products. A survey of phone owners found that about 4% of mobile phone owners currently recycle their phone. While 4% may not sound like a lot - and it would certainly be great if more people did it! - this will stop around 55 tonnes of mobile phone material from ending up at the garbage dump each year.

Mobile Muster is the official recycling program of the mobile industry. At their website you can download a label to post your phone free of charge, and also find out where you can drop off your phone in your area.

http://mobilemuster.com.au/

Other Techno-Trash

Some local councils are picking up e-waste at certain times of the year. Contact your local council to find out what they do and when.

http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/

Otherwise CNet have a list of places that recycle and reuse e-waste, including the Computers for Schools project and Computer Bank.

Go to http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,339277923-2,00.htm

Mattresses, TVs, and Furniture

Try the Freecycle program, where you advertise for what you want to get rid of, and someone comes and picks it up! Freecycle is all over the world and has local chapters, so you never have to travel far. Good also of course, if you’re looking to get more stuff too.

Find the Australian site at:

http://www.freecycle.org.au/

Auto Parts

Auto parts recyclers in Australia can be found at:

www.apraa.com

Council Collected Materials

These are called `other’ on the Australian numbered recycling system (number 7) and include nylon, acrylic and products such as most other types of plastics that we don’t normally recycle and those that cannot be identified. Some councils collect all plastics for recycling into substitute timber and concrete products, such as sign posts, park benches and outdoor furniture.

For a full chart of recyclables and their symbols go to:

www.pacia.org.au/_uploaditems/docs/9.pla_cod.pdf

For the complete national list of councils and other recycling services your area provides, such as organic waste recycling, drop off facilities for hard goods, and even worm farms, check out...

http://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/

If you’re looking for a waste exchange database, go to Wastepro, where companies list waste types that others companies or recyclers may wish to receive.