Modern Art

Crushed aluminum cans become a work of art. Combining rustic laddered boards and brightly colored discarded cans, this grid makes something old, new again. Sparking both interest and conversation, this recycling masterpiece is sure to garner attention.

Why You Should Teach Your Children to Recycle

Recycling is becoming more and more important with each passing year, as landfills grow more populated with recyclable trash. With landfills reaching capacity all over the country, upkeep costs continue to rise, and more than that, the materials in landfills give off methane gas, contributing to air pollution.

Strategizing for sustainable electronics

Federal agencies have embraced the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship (NSES) and its goals by completing projects that make electronics purchasing, management and disposal more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly... read more

Making a Statement

When it comes to graffiti, this wall makes a statement for the environment. A variation on the well-known symbol, this artist rendered green and white arrows and bold black letters proclaiming recycle, reduce, and reuse on concrete.

Recycling Scrap Iron

Scrap metal is defined within two distinct categories: ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron). Ferrous metals are strong and durable, such as steel, cast iron, or wrought iron. These metals are used mostly in construction, though their magnetic properties also make them good materials for things like stoves and refrigerators. While ferrous metals are susceptible to rust, non-ferrous are less likely to oxidize, and their malleability and non-magnetic properties make them good choices for things like wiring and electronics. Because of all their different applications, it's important that the two be separated during the recycling process.

1.    Inspection

When scrap metal arrives at a recycling plant, it is screened for radiation before it's even unloaded. If it's clean, it's transported to a conveyor belt, where it's screened an additional time in case any radiation was missed.

2.    Fragmentation
A large piece of machinery called a hammer mill breaks down the scrap metal into pieces the size of your fist and the fragments are shaken down into another conveyor belt.

3.    Separation

Then, a magnetic drum above the conveyor belt attracts any ferrous materials (since ferrous metals are magnetic), and the rest remains below. Any non-metal material is sucked up at this point, so that only metal remains.

4.    Recreation

The ferrous metals are inspected one more time for any problematic materials, and then it's sent to steel mills to be engineered into new steel.

In the end, iron metals have many important applications, and without them, skyscrapers and bridges wouldn’t be nearly as sturdy.

For more information on recycling in San Jose visit this website.

Processing as a priority

Jake Anderson and Millennium Recycling focus on comprehensive collection and detail-oriented processing to offer recycling services to South Dakota... read more

Stages of the Plastic Recycling Process

Have you ever wondered what happens to the plastic bottles you throw into recycling bins? Although most people are aware of the significant impact recycling has on the environment, many have no clue as to the steps that are taken during the process.

Stage #1: Let the Sorting Begin

The first step is for you, as the conscientious recycler, to sort out your plastics appropriately making sure to remove all caps, corks, and lids. This will make it easier and more efficient for the machinery to sort through the products. Also, since there are different types of plastic, recycling plants further sort out them into distinct categories.

Stage #2: Scrub-a-dub-dub

After the recyclables have been identified and separated into categories, the washing process begins and removes the following:

• Labels
• Adhesives
• Other impurities

Stage #3: To Err is Human, To Shred is Divine

Once the plastics are all squeaky clean, they are loaded onto conveyor belts which funnel them towards rotating metal teeth that rip them into shreds of minuscule pellets. These tiny plastic nuggets are then bagged up for the next phase.

Stage #4: Show Some I.D.

With the shredding process complete, the plastic are now ready to be chemically tested to identify their exact specification. This process will determine the next action to take based on how the plastics are labelled.

Stage #5: The Finale

The final stage involves melting the shredded plastic and extruding it in the form of pellets, which are then ready to be manufactured into new plastic products.

Today, recycling has become just as easy as simply throwing something away.

For more information on plastic recycling in San Jose visit this website.

Easy to Recycle Cars: Mazda & Toyota's Steps toward Metal Recycling

Automobiles have for long been the bête -noire of environmentalists. They cause pollution. They guzzle fuel. They require way too many resources – natural resources at that – for manufacturing. The list goes on and on... read more

The Life Cycle of a Can

Many families go through a large number of aluminum cans. If each one is recycled, it will greatly benefit the environment in the decades to come. In fact, old cans can be recycled and in use in 60 days.

A Brief History of Electronic Recycling

Cell phone, computer, and tablet, MP3 player: chances are you have at least one of these in your possession, if not all. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 90 percent of American adults have at least one of these devices. Their lifespan tends to be relatively short, though, due to rapid improvements in speed, storage capability and features. What do you do with all of those outdated gadgets? 

An estimated 50 million tons of electronic waste is produced every year when people toss out their old devices. E-waste is defined as a computer, mobile phone, television set or refrigerator that is discarded. The U.S. alone throws out up to 30 million computers each year, and only about 20 percent of those are recycled.

 There is a potential for problems when all those items end up in a landfill. While a computer may look harmless on the outside, the inside it loaded with metals and chemical compounds. When they are left to decay in a landfill, they can leak mercury, copper and nickel into the ground. 

The U.S. Congress has been trying to regulate how e-waste is disposed of in an effort to protect users and the environment. In March 2009, the House Science and Technology Committee approved what is considered the first federal bill that specifically addresses the issue. It provided funding to study how to reduce both the amount and impact.

 In April 2009, the House of Representatives passed two bills which provided for research and education to find new approaches to reducing hazardous materials in electronics. Three months later, two U.S. senators presented the Electronic Device Recycling and Development Act, which gave funding for research and development of more sustainable designs. The goal was to reduce toxic waste and increase recycling. 

While a federal law regarding mandatory e-waste recycling remains elusive, at least 25 states have instituted regulations. Those range from requiring products to meet certain guidelines to compelling corporations to offer recycling programs. 

When it comes time to replace your computer or other device, reconsider just throwing it away. When you recycle, you can reduce the chance of harmful chemicals seeping into the ground. In addition, the metals, plastics and glass can all be reused, which means fewer natural resources will be needed for manufacturing. 

Dealing with how to properly and safely dispose of e-waste has become a serious concern for both federal and state governments. You don’t have to wait for a mandate, though; there are companies that can recycle your old gadgets now. To learn more about electronic recycling options available, please visit this website.