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>> Green by Texas Public Radio Main Scrap the Landfill
Bulky metal items are too difficult throw away. Often times, scrap metal, whether from an old backyard grill or a broken appliance, might not fit into the residential brown bins. And these items may pile up as we wait for the semi-annual residential brush collection, when the city picks up brush, scrap metal and other large items. The majority of the metal picked up during these twice yearly collections are separated or recycled, but some ends up in our landfill. Metals corroding in our landfills contribute to the toxicity of leachate, the resulting contaminated solution of precipitation percolating through our landfills. Although San Antonio’s landfill takes steps to capture leachate, there is still a chance this tainted landfill byproduct can end up in our rivers and creeks, harming our aquatic ecosystems. Metal Meddles With The EnvironmentMetals corroding in our landfills contribute to the toxicity of leachate, the resulting contaminated solution of precipitation percolating through our landfills. Although San Antonio’s landfill takes steps to capture leachate, there is still a chance this tainted landfill byproduct can end up in our rivers and creeks, harming our aquatic ecosystems. The fact of the matter is that metals, such as steel, aluminum and copper, are perhaps some of the most easily recycled materials. Recycling these items reduce our need to deplete our natural resources, while reducing space taken up in our landfills. Another benefit is that recycling metal saves energy. For example, recycling steel saves 75 percent of the energy that would have been used to create steel from raw materials. Meanwhile, according the to EPA, the aluminum recycling process saves 92 percent of the energy needed to produce aluminum from bauxite ore. Recycling scrap metal also reduces water consumption and greenhouse gas production. Metals can also be recycling indefinitely, without a loss in their quality or strength. Metal Recycling OptionsThe following companies take scrap metal for recycling: ABC Recycling
Ashley Salvage Co.
Monterrey Iron & Metal
Toucan Recycling
Call each individual recycling company for full details. Extend the Lifespan of Your Electronics
Consumers are in a relentless and never ending pursuit to buy the latest gadget upgrades. Every other month, new cell phones are released with more robust features, televisions get larger and thinner, and computers and laptops become faster and more powerful.For each new product that is released, one or more electronics become obsolete. Many are eager to acquire the latest technology but are at a loss as to what to do with their unwanted electronics. According to the EPA, in 2005, 304 million electronics, including TVs, VCRs, cell phones and computer monitors, were disposed by U.S. households. Two-thirds of those electronics were still in working order. The amount of e-waste that ends up in our landfills continues to grow as the pace of technological advancement quickens. These electronics often contain hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury that can have impact on our health and environment as it enters the air through incineration or into our water supplies, through leachate production. Much of the materials used to build our electronics can be reused by anufacturers, and electronics that are still in working order can be donated for reuse in the community. In 2007, according the EPA, only 18 percent of electronics ready for end-of-life management were recycled, the remaining 82 percent were disposed of, primarily in landfills. E-Waste Recycling OptionsRetailers Many electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Office Depot and AT&T, have initiated recycling programs to properly dispose of consumer e-waste. The types of electronics accepted may vary by retailer, but these programs offer a convenient way to ensure that our hazardous electronic materials do not end up in our landfills. Manufacturers Many computer and cell phone manufacturers, such as Apple, Dell, Motorola, among others have electronics recycling programs. A complete list of computer manufacturers with recycling program in Texas is available at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website. Local E-Waste Recycling Companies Locally, there are several private companies that specialize in electronics recycling. Corona Vision Technology Recycling SARS Recycling Contact the company for specific details. Before turning in your cell phone or computer to retailer or manufacturer, make sure you erase all personal data on your electronic item.
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Recycle Your Cell Phone For Texas Public Radio