The world's quest for sustainability goes beyond saving energy. It is also about using clean energy and, most importantly, reducing waste. With respect to waste materials, we have studied a recent phenomenon that raises a big concern: obsolescence.

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Thirty-five years ago, the first color TVs were very expensive and had a life expectancy of ten years or more. Technology picked up, and today we have new HD models being released almost every three months. The same occurs with gadgets, cell phones, computers, tablets, phone accessories - you name it. Electronics have become more affordable, but also more disposable, the rate of obsolescence is such that landfills now need more space to accumulate semiconductors, glass, acrylic, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, lead, and mercury at unprecedented levels. This issue is even worse in communities with no clear recycling policies and infrastructure. 

 

Authorities have taken action and you can find promising recycling programs in parts of Asia, Europe and North America. In New York City, as an example, it is now illegal to dispose of electronic waste in the garbage. With that came a great program called NYC's e-cycle, which provides free electronic waste collection bins in participating buildings. A similar program called Re-Fashion for textiles is also gaining traction. As the population little by little adapts to the new practices, we, as a major player in the electronics industry, are taking our own initiative to offer clients the chance to recycle old electronics and derived materials. In all jobs, Okol Group performs a triage of packaging waste (cartons, boxes, etc.), old/replaced electronics (dimmers, switches, cables, receptacles, screens, etc.), and installation material scraps (cables, plastic tie-wraps, tape, screws, copper, etc.) to recycle them. Our facilities are also enrolled in NYC's e-cycle program.

 

We expect all of us to contribute to waste-reduction practices and to recycle components that can be reused in the manufacturing of new electronics. This is one way of making our world a better place to live for all.

 

No Waste Left Behind.