Tag

Electronic Waste

All articles tagged with #electronic waste

Whey-Based Sponge Extracts 22-Carat Gold from Old Computer Boards
technology2 hours ago

Whey-Based Sponge Extracts 22-Carat Gold from Old Computer Boards

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a whey-protein sponge that uses amyloid fibrils to selectively capture gold ions from dissolved discarded computer motherboards. After exposure, heating releases solid gold, yielding about 450 milligrams of 22-carat gold from 20 boards—without high-temperature furnaces or toxic solvents—thanks to whey, a dairy byproduct, making the process potentially scalable and cost-effective for recovering gold from electronic waste.

Homeowner Finds Mysterious Device in Driveway
environment3 months ago

Homeowner Finds Mysterious Device in Driveway

A homeowner found a mysterious device in their driveway, which was identified as a disposable vape. This highlights the widespread issue of disposable vape littering, with nearly 500,000 discarded daily, posing environmental and safety hazards due to toxic batteries that can cause fires and pollute soil and water. Many believe reusing or repurposing these devices could mitigate the problem, but convenience often leads to disposal instead.

Spotify Faces Backlash for Bricking Car Thing Without Refunds
technology1 year ago

Spotify Faces Backlash for Bricking Car Thing Without Refunds

Spotify has announced that it will remotely disable all Car Thing devices by December 2024, effectively bricking them. Despite this, the company is not offering refunds to customers. The Car Thing, a device designed to control Spotify through car speakers, will no longer be operational, and Spotify advises users to dispose of it following local electronic waste guidelines.

"Reconsidering Your Next Phone Purchase: Why It's Worth a Second Thought"
technology2 years ago

"Reconsidering Your Next Phone Purchase: Why It's Worth a Second Thought"

Before buying a new phone, consider the environmental impact and the precious raw materials used in its production, as well as the potential threat to the environment and human health from improper disposal. The energy used to make a new phone could power it for 73 years, making it important to explore alternatives to purchasing a new device.

The Growing Crisis of Electronic Waste: A Looming Environmental Catastrophe
environment2 years ago

The Growing Crisis of Electronic Waste: A Looming Environmental Catastrophe

Global electronic waste, or e-waste, has reached record levels, growing five times faster than rates of recycling and posing significant health, environmental, and climate problems. With only 22.3% of e-waste collected and recycled in 2022, the gap between e-waste generation and recycling capacity continues to widen, with the recycling rate predicted to drop to 20% by 2030. E-waste not only contributes to pollution and health risks but also has a significant climate impact due to the energy-intensive extraction of raw materials for electronic devices. Better management and recycling of e-waste can reduce global carbon pollution and reclaim valuable metals, but enforcement of e-waste legislation and investment in infrastructure development are crucial to address this growing crisis.

Seattle Implements New Garbage Ban: Proper Disposal of Batteries and Electronics
environment2 years ago

Seattle Implements New Garbage Ban: Proper Disposal of Batteries and Electronics

Seattle has implemented a new ban on throwing batteries and certain electronic products in the garbage due to the hazardous substances they contain, posing risks to human and environmental health. Residents can schedule curbside pickups for electronics and batteries or use drop-off options for proper disposal. The ban aims to prevent fires and reduce the negative impacts of toxic materials on the environment, emphasizing the importance of recycling these items to create new products and prevent harm from improper disposal.

Apple Supports Nationwide Right-to-Repair Legislation, Making Device Fixes Easier
technology2 years ago

Apple Supports Nationwide Right-to-Repair Legislation, Making Device Fixes Easier

Apple has announced its support for a U.S. right-to-repair bill, as part of President Joe Biden's push for increased competition and consumer protection. The company will make parts, tools, and documentation needed for repairs available to independent repair shops and consumers nationwide. Apple's decision aims to address complaints from consumer advocates about the difficulty and expense of fixing its devices. The move also aligns with Apple's focus on device longevity and resale value, as well as reducing electronic waste. Several states have already passed their own right-to-repair laws, and Apple's support could encourage other companies to follow suit. However, some consumer advocates remain cautious and will closely monitor the details of any federal legislation that emerges.

"Newegg's GPU Trade-In Program: Cash for Your Old Graphics Card"
technology2 years ago

"Newegg's GPU Trade-In Program: Cash for Your Old Graphics Card"

Newegg has launched its Trade-In Program, allowing customers to trade in their old graphics cards for a trade-in credit towards a new one. The estimated trade-in values range from $30 to $561, depending on the card. Newegg refurbishes the traded-in GPUs and resells them with a 30-day warranty. The program aims to reduce electronic waste and offers convenience for customers, although higher payouts may be available elsewhere.

"Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Old Android Devices"
technology2 years ago

"Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Old Android Devices"

When disposing of an old Android phone, it is important to back up any data and recycle the device properly. If the phone is still functioning, data can be transferred to a new device or backed up manually or through a cloud service. If the phone is non-functioning, it should not be thrown in the trash due to the lithium battery. Instead, it can be recycled for free at electronics stores or through online programs like Amazon or Google. Trade-in programs are also available for functioning devices.