How to Recycle e-Waste

April 5, 2012 By 1 Comment

In today’s techno-savvy world, many of us are using electronic devices for just a few years, before replacing with something faster or more advanced. Electronic waste (also known as e-waste or e-scrap) can be described as discarded, obsolete, or broken electronics that use either electricity or battery power to run. E-waste is reported to be growing at a rate three times that of of other municipal waste!

recycle electronic waste

Our lifestyle today includes daily use of electronics of some sort: cell phones, computers, radios, camera, TV’s, and so on. But as new products hit the market, we need to ensure that outdated electronics are discarded properly. Disposing of e-waste properly is important, not only because of the growing amount of e-waste in the landfills, but also because improper disposal can be a dangerous health issue.

 

Before disposing of your electronics, consider:

Donating First

Remember, “old” to you, could be “new” to someone else! It may not be obsolete yet. A school, non-profit organization, or family member may have a need for the technology. Here are 5 charities for donating your consumer electronics, and information about preparing your unwanted electronics for donation.

Recycling
Consumers have many options for recycling their devices through manufacturers or retailers (for instance Apple offers a gift card in exchange for recycling some devices). On a large scale, electronic devices have many useful materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, plastic, and other components that can be re-used. Some recyclers, like ROUND2, de-manufacture computers and other electronic waste for their customers, so they can recycle the materials for reuse and value recovery (read the ROUND2 case study here).

Supporting Green Business
A greater number of companies are becoming aware of their environmental impact and are taking extra efforts to provide greener products. Do your research and support the companies who are doing earth-friendly business. Greenpeace has been ranking the largest electronics manufacturing companies here on the Guide to Greener Electronics.

Obviously, recycling old and outdated electronics makes environmental sense because it keeps waste out of the landfills. For companies who have a large amount of end-of-life electronics, recycling e-waste also makes economic sense because they can earn revenue back on the recyclable materials. Even consumers can benefit economically from donating or recycling their electronics, through trade-in programs or tax write-offs for donations.

Now, what electronics can you donate or recycle? 

Photo Credit: Steve Worsethandetroit

Filed Under: Green Business, Green Living, Recycling Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

ROUND2 Uses Balers to Efficiently Deliver Green Economics

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ROUND2 INC. has been coined the “largest recycler in the Midwest”. ROUND2, an Avnet Company, is a national provider of integrated and customizable electronics reuse and recycling programs. They deliver Green Economics through commercial and environmental solutions for end-of-life technologies such as IT Asset Disposition, Product Remarketing, Certified eCycling and Data Destruction. ROUND2 is focused on providing environmentally responsible recycling solutions for manufacturers and users of electronics such as commercial, industrial, municipal, and governmental entities.

Troy Zimmerman is a Project Engineer at ROUND2 and knows the importance of finding the right equipment solutions for their specialized recycling needs.  He explains, “As an engineer within ROUND2, I am in charge of all the industrial equipment, process improvements and other technical projects in various departments. My main goal within the organization, is to keep the company running as LEAN as possible and design new ways to improve its operational efficiency.”

Troy and the team at ROUND2 first learned about Harmony Enterprises from a joint recycler who used the down stroke Harmony balers at all of their regional locations. Troy networks with other companies to find the best possible solutions to improve their operating efficiencies. His advice, “When sourcing equipment to help you manage your e-waste, speak with companies in your industry that have experience with many different machines.”

ROUND2 chooses waste management equipment based on three important factors:

  1. The quality of the machine

  2. The level of technical and customer service

  3. The efficiency of the equipment for specific types of waste

ROUND2 has a wide array of equipment that they use to deliver their e-waste solutions to their customers nationwide. Part of their fleet of trusted products is the T60XDRC and S60XD balers from Harmony Enterprises. ROUND2 knows that when service or support is needed, that the Harmony staff is reliable and knowledgeable. Troy has observed it first-hand, “Harmony’s technical support and prompt response time has helped ROUND2 run at maximum capacity during the most crucial of times.”

T60 – Tough and Versatile
Bales plastics, motherboards, non-ferrous metals

ROUND2 uses the T60XDRC from Harmony Enterprises because it gives them flexibility. Troy explains, “The T60 is the most versatile baler we have ever used. It can bale anything from plastics, motherboards, and non-ferrous metals.” The T60XDRC is powerful enough to tackle tough jobs and Troy agrees, “The hydraulic ejection is a key feature with this machine when producing bales over a ton. The T60’s automatic cycle and rear chute allow us to constantly feed the machine while the sensors and control system prevent overloading of the baler and let us know when the bale is ready for ejection.”

S60XD – High Density Bales
Bales ABS and PE Plastic, cardboard, shrink wrap

ROUND2 uses three S60XD’s to bale ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PE plastic (Polyethylene) along with cardboard and shrink wrap. The S60XD helps Troy achieve his goal of running as lean as possible and improving operating efficiencies. Troy specified, “We chose the S60 baler because of its low cost, automatic controls and its ability to produce high density bales. The durability of the baler is great for baling rigid plastics such as ABS, and requires little maintenance or down time.”

Since the S60XD baler create high density bales, the Harmony equipment has helped ROUND2 to achieve maximum container volume for outbound shipments. Troy admitted, “The efficiency of the Harmony machines has helped us free up floor space from commodities that originally we weren’t able to bale.” ROUND2 prides themselves in helping their customers turn their green recycling initiatives into profit in the most efficient way possible. Harmony Enterprises is honored to be a small part of making that goal happen.

 

Filed Under: Case Studies, Green Business, Non-Ferrous Recycling, Plastic Recycling, Waste Managment Equipment Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What’s in Your Trash? Infographic

March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most of us probably think that we do a pretty good job recycling. Your family recycles their household waste like cardboard, plastics, or aluminim on a small scale, at home. Maybe your company uses compactors or balers to condense trash and recyclables into manageable bales.  Whatever you are doing, every effort counts.  But there is always more we can do.

The infographic below shows that in 2010, Americans generated over 250 billion tons of garbage. One-third of our garbage is being recycled, but that still means over 150 billion tons of garbage ends up in our landfills.

Landfill Waste Versus Recycling

  • Out of the 70 million tons of paper discarded in 2010, 62.5% was recycled
  • Out of the 31 million tons of plastic discarded in 2010, less then 8% was recycled
  • Out of the 22.4 million tons of metals discarded in 2010, nearly 30% was recycled
  • Out of the 13 million tons of textiles discarded in 2010, 15% was recycled [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Living, Recycling, Waste Management Tagged With: , , ,

High Density Bales Create Value

March 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With the power to produce big results in an extremely dense bale, the T60XD is one of our more popular vertical balers. With heavy-duty construction and a space saving design, recycling centers and other recycling-minded organizations can bale a variety of materials cost-effectively.

For very high capacity situations, the vertical baler can be configured with a rear feed conveyor system like the T60XDRC, or with a standard space-saving front feed. To determine if the T60XDRC with the Conveyor would be better-suited for your facility, analyze how much recyclable materials (steel and aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newsprint, corrugated cardboard) you will be feeding thru the baler, and if you want to make the process faster with a convenient conveyor system.

T60XD Baler Benefits:High Density Bale

  • High Density Bales – Ejects bales weighing over 2000 lbs.
  • Fast – Short cycle time creates 1500 lb. baler of corrugated box in just 15 minutes
  • Powerful – Withstands 235,620 lbs of force
  • Options – Conveyor available for enhanced efficiency (T60XDRC)

With the T60XD, commercial recycling centers, large institutions, warehouses, and shopping centers can bale their recyclable materials efficiently so that they can benefit from their return on investment sooner. Since the bales are so dense, they are worth more. Money is saved since additional processing is not needed, and shipping, material handling, and storage costs are reduced. The T60XD vertical baler offers outstanding value for facilities that are serious about making money with their recyclables.

If you are interested in learning more about Harmony’s vertical balers, such as the T60XD or T60XDRC, contact us. We ill be happy to help you find the ideal solution for your needs.

Filed Under: Recycling, Waste Managment Equipment Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Clean, Dry and Baled – Cardboard Recycling

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cardboard is used frequently in our day-to-day lives for packaging and shipping. In fact, cardboard is used to ship 90% of all products in the United States. Cardboard is made of biodegradable materials, making it easy to recycle into more paper products, including new cardboard or paperboard.

Whether you are recycling cardboard at your home, office, facility, or store, there are both environmental and economic benefits.  For instance, larger facilities who use a vertical baler to compact their cardboard, significantly reduce the expense of paying a garbage hauler to take it away. For some countries who do not have sustainable wood resources, recycling corrugated cardboard can help them build a local paper and packaging industry.

There are 2 Main Types of Cardboard:

recycle cardboard boxes1) Corrugated Cardboard is often used in shipping boxes and is more durable. In a commercial setting, old corrugated cardboard (OCC) can be compressed and baled for easy transportation to the recycling center.

2) Paperboard is usually thinner with a coated or glossy appearance that used for items such as cereal boxes, beverage boxes, or shoe boxes. Check with your recycling center to see if the paperboard should be separated from the other types of paper and cardboard.

Recycling Cardboard is Easy:

1) Cardboard must be clean (no oil or grease contamination i.e. pizza boxes).

2) Cardboard must be dry (water makes it non-recyclable).

3) Cardboard boxes must be flattened or baled.

With most of cardboard waste coming form big companies such as grocery stores and department stores, it is apparent that cardboard recycling needs to be done at sources other than just the home. Leaders such as Fareway Stores and the Renault Car Factory have set the standards high by installing balers for their cardboard recycling, other companies and communities who have not started a cardboard recycling program should follow suit. Progressive recycling centers such as the one in Winneshiek County has seen the impact of what a small community can do with a “green” recycling state of mind.

Are you considering taking control of the cardboard waste at your company?
Harmony Enterprises can help you find a cardboard compactor or baler solution.
Read more baling cardboard or contact us at 800-658-2320.

Cardboard Stats Source: Earth911 on Cardboard Recycling  and Recycling Infographic

Filed Under: Cardboard Recycling, Green Business, Green Living Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Value-Driven Recycling at Fareway Stores

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With 100 grocery stores across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska, maintaining the recycling and trash for Fareway Stores is no easy task. But they have the equipment, systems, and staff in place to make it efficient. Leo Hickey, who has been responsible for the “In Store” maintenance since 1993 explains, “Each of the 100 Fareway Stores has one M60MD Baler for baling recyclable cardboard. They also have one M42BC Baler that is used to make trash bales. Our warehouse recycles cardboard, plastic, and aluminum.”Harmony Baler at Fareway Stores

With the commitment to their green recycling and waste management initiatives, Fareway Stores has made huge strives that benefit both their company and the environment. “All of our qualified employees are able to use the balers because they are simple and straightforward to operate,” Leo goes on, “Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.” In addition to the positive impact to Mother Earth, the landfill fees that Fareway Stores has saved is enormous.

“Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.”

The balers that Fareway Stores uses have proven themselves to be reliable and easy to use over not just years, but decades. Fareway currently has a large number of the M60 Balers that are 25 years old or older. The advice that Leo would give to other retailers or grocers who are trying to manage their waste or recycling is simple, “Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

“Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

When Fareway needs replacement parts or customer support, they get the same service they pride themselves on giving their own customers. Leo explains, “Harmony’s customer service is top notch. They consistently come thru with whatever I need and as quick as humanly possible. I can’t say enough how pleased I am with their service.” Leo sees the similarities between the two companies, “Fareway Stores has been built on the promise of ‘Economical Food Distribution’ and outstanding customer service. We always carry your groceries to your car and put them in it for you. Harmony Enterprises reminds me a lot of us. They seem to have the same values that we have at Fareway.”

Filed Under: Cardboard Recycling, Case Studies, Green Business Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Recycling Facts & Statistics Infographic

February 2, 2012 By 1 Comment

The infographic below shows some fun facts about recycling aluminum, paper, plastic, and glass and what states are leading the way in their green efforts. The recycling facts and statistics that stand out the most:

  • There has been an approximate 100% Increase in total recycling in the US in the past decade.
  • The U.S. has the most pounds of trash per person per day (4.6 lbs of trash per person, 1.5 lbs of recycled materials per person)
  • Aluminum can be recycled forever with NO loss of quality (good thing since we use over 80,000,000,000 aluminum cans each year)
  • Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles, most of which are thrown away.  In landfills, where plastic bottles are shielded from sunlight, they will not decompose for thousands of years.
  • The energy saved by recycling one glass bottle would run a computer for 30 minutes.
  • Recycling 1 ton of mixed paper saves the energy equivalent of 185 gallons on gasoline.
  • Every year, Americans use 1 billion shopping bags, creating 300,000 tons of landfill waste.
  • The greenest states are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Nevada, Hawaii, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Living, Recycling, Waste Management Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Small Baler – Big Power

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When you are limited by a small space, but you want a versatile baler that has the power of some of the larger balers, take a look at the M30HD by Harmony Enterprises.

Simple to use and set up, it is a popular choice for many smaller applications, such as convenience Harmony Vertical Baler Small Footpintstores, small office developments, hotels, nursing homes, restaurants, or retail stores. It has a small footprint, taking up only 43” W x 38” D x 96” H and requiring only a 23 square feet operating area.

Versatile, compact, and tough, this baler gets the job done using its large cylinder, high capacity hydraulic system with bale ejection system. This little baler stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the larger balers with its ultra-heavy duty construction and ability to bale a wide range of recyclable materials.

Recyclable Materials for Vertical Baler:

  • Steel and Aluminum Cans
  • Styrofoam
  • Office Waste Paper
  • Textiles
  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • PET Plastic
  • Shrink Wrap

The space saving design of the M30HD Vertical Baler by Harmony Enterprises makes earning recycling revenue achievable for smaller businesses. Contact Harmony Enterprises at 800-658-2320 today to see how this little baler can make a big difference in your facility.

 

Filed Under: Recycling, Waste Management Tagged With: , , , , , ,

6 Simple Ways to Do Greener Business

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a business owner, you have a lot to think about. Your company’s bottom line and keeping your staff motivated is probably at the top of the list, with numerous other priorities following.  Whether you run  a small business or a large company, there are numerous things you can do that are kind to the environment -  that may also help your bottom line and boost employee morale  at the same time.

Here are some simple ways for your business to be more green:

1. Be energy efficient

Educate your employees on how to use energy efficiently within your office or factory. This is as simple as turning off equipment, like computers and monitors when they are not being used.

2.  Minimize paper

Use email communications and electronic documents whenever you can instead of faxing or printing.  If you have to print it out, make sure to print on both sides (duplex) or  use scrap paper. Many businesses are finding they can do more effective and environmentally-friendly marketing via their website instead of printing bulky catalogs.

3.  Use green productsgreen business

When you can, invest in supplies and products that are earth-friendly.  If you print brochures or buy packaging, you can request that the material is biodegradable, made of recycled materials or environmentally-friendly.  There are many companies who specialize in green products and others who offer a green alternatives. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Business, Recycling Tagged With: , , , ,

10 Ideas to Recycle & Minimize Waste this Christmas Season

December 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

With Christmas near, it is inevitable that there will be an abundance of garbage bags full of wrapping paper and packaging in the days towards the end of December. There are numerous ways to reduce and re-use during this holiday season with some thoughtful planning and creative thinking. ‘Tis the season where more material is thrown away than any other time of year, so let’s all be more resourceful by re-using and recycling this Christmas!

Christmas Cards and Decorations

1.  Christmas Cards: Send your Christmas cards via email (E-card), buy cards made of eco-friendly stock, or use a holiday photo card which may be used as a keepsake instead of thrown away. If you get a lot of Christmas cards in the mail, use them the next year for kids’ Christmas activities or crafts such as homemade gift tags.

2.  Holiday Decorations: Before throwing out old Christmas decorations, consider if someone else may appreciate them. Donate them to a thrift store like the Salvation Army or other organizations if they are in acceptable condition. Even old Christmas lights are readily accepted for recycling or trade-in now in exchange for the more energy efficient LED lights.

3.  Christmas Trees: Don’t throw away your natural Christmas tree. Most areas have some Christmas tree recycling options such as curbside recycling, non-proft pickups, or other creative ways to re-use Christmas trees such as mulching programs, soil erosion barriers, and bird feeders.

Green Gift Giving & ShoppingRecycled wrapping paper

4.  Re-Usable Shopping Bags: Just like any time of year, utilize re-usable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that are thrown in the trash later.

5.  Gift certificates: Gift cards are a great way to minimize waste and drive down your transportation footprint by keeping business local. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Living, Recycling Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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