Eco-Cycle’s Post

Happy #mlk weekend. 🌍 Sharing an eye-opening visit to Recology, San Francisco's waste management facility that is not your typical dump site!💚As a sustainability professional intellectually immersed in #ghgaccounting #lifecycleassessment, I was invigorated to experience emissions reduction in action! Recology is a dynamic resource-recovery marketplace. Being 100% employee-owned, the vibe exudes self-starting optimism. Their market-driven approach ensures the majority of their collected waste has buyers secured – from California's farmers and winemakers relying on treated compost to builders sourcing reclaimed construction materials and recovered paint shipped globally to beautify schools. The facility validates composting as the silver bullet for individual climate action, by diverting organic waste from becoming methane emitter in landfills and transforming it into carbon-sequestering fertilizers. For manufacturing and construction businesses, incorporating waste management partners into your value chain is the game-changer for slashing scope 3 waste and product end-of-life emissions. With an aviation background, I was captivated by Recology’s tech-enabled recycling floor. From automated sorting, aeration to AI robots filtering unusable soft plastic, the efficiency mirrors the complex baggage ramp system at a major airline hub – belt and whistles indeed! I was heartened to meet enthusiastic San Francisco residents of all genders and ages, bringing their home waste and bubbly questions to the tour. One resident wondered if he should cut out plastic caps from paper cartons to recycle separately (the answer is no, Recology has buyers taking the cartons with the caps). We were surprised to learn that "recycled", "plant-based", "biodegradable" plastic bags have low reuse value and are destined for landfills - best to avoid usage altogether. If you're riding the high of New Year resolutions, consider visiting your local waste management facility and let it reshape your consumption habits. For those inspired to get your hands dirty, Recology is hiring! 🧑🔧 Zero Waste Specialist, https://lnkd.in/gtQm-qvF 🧑🔧Environmental Program Manager, https://lnkd.in/ga_4Ev4y 🧑🔧Senior CRM Implementation Program Manager, https://lnkd.in/g_2FFKMq Join the movement towards a #zerowaste #circular future!  🌿 #sustainabilityconsulting #wastemanagement #airobots #greenfuture #ghgprotocol #opflocalhub #opf100k🔄 OnePointFive (opf.degree) Diana McKeage

Waste can sometimes be such a confusing topic - when you are in the office and walk towards the bin with an item in your hand thinking 'what goes where?' and worrying you will get it wrong. The good news is, we are here to help. We focus on education because I don't know anyone who purposefully puts an item into the wrong bin. Research suggests that contamination occurs because people think they are doing the correct thing but put waste into the wrong bin - a prime example is glass. For example Glass coffee jars are recycled therefore should go into the dry mixed recycling bag - right? Sadly not, glass is absolutely recyclable, in fact it is such a valuable resource as it can be recycled time and time again without losing its integrity. However commercially it should be placed into a glass caddy. A broken drinking glass however cannot be recycled, this glass has been specially treated to withstand high heat (so you can put them into the dishwasher or pour boiling water into them). If they are mixed within normal glass bottles or jars, they can cause issues and even explosions during the recycling process. So some glass you can recycle - others not... see what I mean about confusing?! Another example: We received an email from a company that use our services as they have received a few notifications of contamination within their waste. Spotting an opportunity to spark up a conversation, we asked the customer what we can do to help. We had already circulated lots of educational resources about what can and can't go into the different waste streams so we had to think outside the box. We went into the customers office and coincidentally when we arrived a member of staff was standing at the different bins looking a bit confused. He had a windowed envelope in his hand and had no idea which bin it went into. We had a chat about the envelope then asked around the office - what are items you find confusing when thinking about waste, and are there any specific items you are not sure which bin it goes into. There was a small flurry of responses which has greatly helped us update our resources to include a handy 'common office items - which waste stream do they go into' document which we have circulated to our customers. Everyday we are learning more ways to help our customers do the right thing and maximise their recycling efforts. If you would like a copy of this and perhaps a chat about what our waste service can do for you - please get in touch. Our email address is: [email protected] or if you prefer to call us - Glasgow 0141 473 3558 East Kilbride 01355 204 866.

Common misconceptions about e-waste and its management. Part 1 E-waste is just a small fraction of total waste. Reality: E-waste is a growing problem, with millions of tons generated every year. It's estimated to be 2-3% of municipal solid waste, but its toxicity and complexity require special handling. E-waste is mostly recycled in developed countries. Reality: While developed countries have better e-waste management infrastructure, a significant amount of e-waste is still exported to developing countries, where it's often handled unsafely. All electronic devices can be recycled together. Reality: Different devices require different recycling processes. For example, batteries, CRT monitors, and hard drives need separate handling due to toxic materials and data security concerns. E-waste recycling is too expensive. Reality: While initial investment costs may be high, e-waste recycling can create jobs, conserve resources, and reduce environmental costs in the long run. Individuals can't make a difference in e-waste management. Reality: Every action counts! By recycling e-waste responsibly, choosing sustainable products, and spreading awareness, individuals can contribute to a larger movement towards e-waste reduction and sustainable electronics management. E-waste is only an environmental issue. Reality: E-waste also poses social and economic concerns, such as data security risks, health impacts from toxic exposure, and economic losses from inefficient resource use. E-waste is someone else's problem. Reality: E-waste affects us all, and individual actions can make a difference. By taking responsibility for our electronic waste, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. All e-waste recycling facilities are created equal. Reality: Not all facilities have the same standards or processes. Look for certified facilities that adhere to environmentally responsible and data-secure practices. Data destruction isn't necessary for e-waste disposal. Reality: Proper data destruction is crucial to prevent identity theft and data breaches. Ensure that your e-waste recycling facility offers secure data destruction methods. E-waste management is too complicated for individuals to understand. Reality: While e-waste management can be complex, individuals can learn about responsible e-waste disposal and recycling practices. Education and awareness are key to making a positive impact. Only large corporations can make a significant impact in e-waste management. Reality: Every individual and organization, regardless of size, can contribute to sustainable e-waste management practices. Collective action leads to significant positive change. E-waste management is a local issue, not a global concern. Reality: E-waste is a global problem requiring international cooperation and standards. Responsible e-waste management practices can have a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide.

Most people do not give their trash much thought after it leaves their home or office. Once professionals handle it, it's easy to forget about. However, businesses need to be concerned with what happens to unused products. Product destruction is an essential part of a business. You must be sure that sensitive information stays secure even after it leaves the company. Even products without sensitive data must be disposed of properly. Learn all you need to know about product destruction to embrace it in your business with Data Tech Disposition. What Does “Product Destruction” Mean? Product destruction isn't just about chucking things into a dumpster. It's a thorough process of destroying items that are expired, damaged, or otherwise unsellable. It also guarantees that private documents and digital files remain confidential throughout every stage. Types of Product Destruction Depending on your budget, service availability, and product materials, there are several destruction methods. A waste management company like Data Tech Disposition will help you select the appropriate method. Here are the different types: Incineration: Burn products in a specialized facility, ideal for documents and items needing complete elimination. Waste-to-Energy: Turn expired items into energy by harnessing heat or electricity from burning waste. Composting: For organic materials, this turns waste into nutrient-rich soil, improving the environment. Shredding: Tear documents into tiny pieces to eliminate the risk of data misuse. Crushing: For large items like computers and industrial equipment, making them unusable and protecting private information. What Products Should You Destroy? Some products can't be destroyed due to hazardous waste regulations, but many items are eligible. Examples include expired food, computers, documents, expired hand sanitizer, damaged retail items, out-of-style clothing, and products failing quality inspections. Who Benefits From Product Destruction? Everyone benefits from product destruction: the environment, consumers, and your business. Methods like composting and waste-to-energy reduce waste and recycle materials. Consumers are safe from defective items, and businesses protect their brand by ensuring off-spec items don’t tarnish their reputation. Choosing a Product Destruction Service Select a waste management company that offers detailed reports, has a history of reliable work, efficient transportation routes, and competitive pricing. Data Tech Disposition is a top provider with decades of expertise.

That is a good question. Why don’t we know about the single largest source of waste in America? Marketing’s job is to keep products and services “top-of-mind” in your mind. They want to make sure you’re thinking about their products, so you are programmed to purchase theirs when you need one. Waste is the exact opposite. We don’t want to see it. We don’t want to think about it. Construction & Demolition Waste (CDW) is the largest maker of waste in America. Two times more than all our garbage and trash combined. We don’t want to see it, and we don’t. But that’s a problem. The consequences are that landfills fill up. - They are big and expensive. - They leach methane and carbon dioxide into the air. - They leach contaminants into water and soils. This system WASTES perfectly useful resources, by design. Let’s turn the tables. What do we do instead? The current model of removal of buildings and disposal of materials has an expiration date. Even the current model of diversion of materials into recycling and reuse is obsolete. We need a New Model. We are building that New Model of Distribution of Recaptured Building Materials from the ground up. We are working from waste stream to mainstream! Where does this waste stream come from? What happens in this New Model? There are five stages in the reuse process chain: 1)     The decision. This happens at the source of the stream. The building and its owners decide what happens with the materials (remember, we don’t want to think about this stuff). 2)     Removal. The building or parts of it are removed by demolition or deconstruction or a combination of the two. From here, they are distributed to disposal (landfill), recycling, or reuse. 3)     Processing. In the reuse process chain, the next step is to sort, inspect, identify, and clean, de-nail, re-grade, repair, and generally make ready for reuse. 4)     Productizing. In the old model, materials are in some way priced, stacked, bundled, banded, palleted, and displayed. In the New Model, they will be bar-coded (or given some unique identifier), photographed, weighed, measured, and inputted into a modern inventory management system where they are categorized, described, and given all the attributes necessary to enable both ecommerce sales and use within software systems of architecture and engineering for specifying, 3-D modeling, and ordering. 5)     Reuse. Here is where circularity is achieved. The once vulnerable material facing doom in the dump now has a second life in a new product or building. We don’t need to hide this! We can talk about this. This is cool! Waste stream to mainstream! This is just part of what we’re up to. It’s big. It has to be because the problem is HUGE. Join us! Larry There are links and more in the comments. #reuse #recycling #buildingmaterials #sustainability #waste #construction #architecture #reclaimed #recapturit #urbanplanning #reclaimed #architecturalsalvage #deconstruction

Victoria's E-Waste Revolution: Big Changes for Household Bins As of 1st July, Victorians are navigating significant changes to their household waste disposal routines, reflecting a robust effort to address Australia's mounting e-waste problem. Under the new laws, anything with a plug, battery, or cord is prohibited from regular household bins. This encompasses a wide array of everyday items, from small gadgets like electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, and battery-operated toys, to larger appliances including fridges, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners. Essentially, if it powers up or plugs in, it must now be directed to a designated e-waste drop-off point. The Rationale Behind the Change E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in Australia, expanding up to three times quicker than general municipal waste. The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria highlights the urgency of this issue, projecting a rise in e-waste from 138,000 tonnes in 2012-13 to 223,000 tonnes by 2023-24. Discarding electronics in landfills poses severe environmental risks. Toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into the soil, air, and waterways, causing significant harm to ecosystems and human health. Moreover, many electronic devices contain precious metals like gold, zinc, and silver. As the global movement towards sustainable waste management gains momentum, it's anticipated that similar bans will be adopted nationwide. Where to Take Your E-Waste In preparation for these changes, the Victorian government has invested over $15 million in local infrastructure to ensure accessibility to e-waste disposal points. For all types of industrial E-Waste solutions, contact E-Waste Recyclers here at https://lnkd.in/g5fN4amY The Bigger Picture This legislative shift is part of a broader, worldwide trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. By rerouting e-waste from landfills to recycling facilities, Victoria is not only protecting its environment but also contributing to a global effort to manage electronic waste more effectively. For more information on where to dispose of your e-waste, visit the Victorian government’s e-waste disposal point directory. Together, these changes mark a pivotal moment in the fight against electronic waste, underscoring the importance of responsible consumption and disposal in our everyday lives. For all types of E-Waste Solutions, contact us at https://lnkd.in/g5fN4amY #australiansmallbusinessowner #EcoFriendly #WasteReduction #ausbiz #australianmade #GreenTechnology #australiansmallbiz #ZeroWaste #aussie #Ewaste #cleanupaustralia #saveaustralia #australianbusinessowner #entrepreneuraustralia #australianbusinesswomen #australianbusinesses #GreenBusiness #Pollution #Recycling #CircularEconomy #Recycling #WasteManagement #cleanupaustraliaday #WasteWarrior #Recycle #AustraliaLife #australianbusiness #australia #sustainableaustralia

Transforming Knysna into a greener, more sustainable city is a commendable goal and can bring numerous benefits, from improved environmental health to enhanced quality of life for residents. Here’s a comprehensive strategy that Knysna could consider to achieve this transformation. 1. Municipal Leadership and Declaration Public Commitment: The municipality should make a formal, public declaration of their commitment to becoming the greenest city. This could be done through press releases, social media, and public meetings. Policy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive waste management policy that includes goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes. Funding and Resources: Allocate specific budgets and resources towards green initiatives. This might involve investing in new waste management technologies or infrastructure improvements. 2. Pedagogical Education and Awareness Educational Programs: Integrate environmental education into school curriculums, from early childhood education through to secondary schools. Offer workshops, interactive lessons, and hands-on activities related to waste management and sustainability. Public Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns targeting all age groups. Utilize various media such as local radio, newspapers, social media, and community events to spread information. Community Involvement: Organize workshops and seminars for adults and local businesses. Offer training on waste separation, recycling, and composting. 3. Encouragement and Support for Initiatives Community Grants and Incentives: Provide grants, tax incentives, or other forms of support to local businesses and organizations that undertake green initiatives. Partnerships: Collaborate with non-profits, local environmental groups, and businesses to create a network of support for green projects. Recognition Programs: Establish awards or recognition programs for individuals, schools, and businesses that excel in sustainability practices. Additional Recommendations: Regular Monitoring and Feedback: Set up a system to monitor progress and gather feedback from the community. Use this information to adjust policies and programs as needed. Transparency and Communication: Keep the community informed about progress, successes, and challenges. Regular updates can maintain public interest and involvement. Sustainable Infrastructure: Invest in sustainable infrastructure such as waste sorting facilities, composting sites, and recycling centers. By implementing these strategies, Knysna can set a strong example and make significant strides towards becoming the greenest city in the country.

At Teknobu, we are committed to reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable tech practices. Our team can help your business implement strategies for managing outdated technology while ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Whether it’s setting up recycling initiatives, securely sanitising data, or helping you transition to more energy-efficient solutions, we’re here to support your journey toward greener tech practices. National E-Waste Day is the perfect opportunity to reassess your business’s approach to managing electronic waste. It’s a chance to raise awareness, improve your processes, and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. Let’s all do our part in reducing e-waste and ensuring a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. Why Should Your Business Care? For UK businesses, managing e-waste isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about corporate responsibility, compliance, and long-term sustainability. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations set legal obligations for businesses in the UK to reduce the amount of e-waste sent to landfill and to ensure that waste electronics are handled appropriately. Beyond the legal requirements, there are several reasons why businesses should care about e-waste: 1. Corporate Social Responsibility – Being environmentally responsible reflects well on your business and builds trust with clients. 2. Resource Conservation – Recycling reduces the need for mining raw materials, which helps conserve finite resources. 3. Cost Savings – Implementing an e-waste strategy can save your business money through more efficient resource use and reduced waste disposal costs. To find out how to manage your E-Waste, head to our website here: