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Dell is expanding its consumer electronics recycling program with Goodwill and its own tech trade-in operation, while the M&K Recovery Group says it harvested 15 percent more copperware from computer gear than it did in 2007. The companies detailed their latest activities on the e-cycling front in separate announcements yesterday. Such growth is welcome news in the drive to better manage tech waste. The U.S. is awash in used, broken and old consumer electronics -- from cell phones and laptops to televisions and sophisticated entertainment systems. The number of programs to recycle goods is increasing, but those efforts have yet to check the flow of gear that's discarded every day. Dell is expanding its consumer electronics recycling program with Goodwill and its own tech trade-in operation, while the M&K Recovery Group says it harvested 15 percent more copperware from computer gear than it did in 2007. The companies detailed their latest activities on the e-cycling front in separate announcements yesterday. Such growth is welcome news in the drive to better manage tech waste. The U.S. is awash in used, broken and old consumer electronics -- from cell phones and laptops to televisions and sophisticated entertainment systems. The number of programs to recycle goods is increasing, but those efforts have yet to check the flow of gear that's discarded every day.

Time to buy new electronics? Don't just leave your old electronics stashed in the back of your closet or garage. Waiting and storing them for a long time would depreciate their value. So, the best and safest way is to resell them to an authentic recycling center. This action would not only help save the environment from pollution and hazardous chemicals from e-waste but can also put some extra money in your pocket. To be sure you are getting a good deal, it is better to follow some smart solutions listed here. A little know how can fund your next smart upgrade!

It's Christmas morning, and there beneath the tree was your new television, sleek and digital. Or maybe it was a new computer. Or the newest electronic gee-whiz gadget. All well and good, but what are you going to do with the old equipment it replaces? Most people - about 88 percent according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - simply toss so-called e-waste into the trash. Given the heavy metals and other toxic substances such equipment contains, that's obviously a bad idea, says the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national consortium of environmental and consumer groups. But, in some cases, doing the seemingly responsible thing - hauling outmoded equipment to a recycler - is as bad as junking it, warned Barbara Kyle, the group's national coordinator. Often, she said, "recycled" electronics are shipped to processors in developing countries, who use primitive techniques to extract valuable metals.

It's Christmas morning, and there beneath the tree was your new television, sleek and digital. Or maybe it was a new computer. Or the newest electronic gee-whiz gadget. All well and good, but what are you going to do with the old equipment it replaces? Most people - about 88 percent according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - simply toss so-called e-waste into the trash. Given the heavy metals and other toxic substances such equipment contains, that's obviously a bad idea, says the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national consortium of environmental and consumer groups. But, in some cases, doing the seemingly responsible thing - hauling outmoded equipment to a recycler - is as bad as junking it, warned Barbara Kyle, the group's national coordinator. Often, she said, "recycled" electronics are shipped to processors in developing countries, who use primitive techniques to extract valuable metals.

IT professionals have become good environmental and privacy stewards during the past 10 years -- on paper. Corporate policy now generally reflects the fundamental tenets of good electronics stewardship. Yet, how is it possible that a majority of e-waste still is being exported to developing countries, according to most estimates? Article by Robert Houghton (of Redemtech), GreenBiz.com, 6/18/09. Includes a list of five steps to follow for "responsibly recycling e-waste."

The Consumer Electronics Show is the greenest it has ever been so far, writes Maura Judkis of Fresh Greens. Highlights from the show: Toshiba unveiled the Super Charge Battery, which is touted as a longer-lasting battery with a target recharge time of 90 percent in just 10 minutes. The company also said it has teamed up with Sharp and Panasonic to create the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company , which will set up 280 recycling points across all 50 states. The eventual goal is to have a network of over 800 recycling points across the country, making it much easier for businesses and consumers to dispose of electronic waste, writes vnunet.com

While many people opt for new electronic products, a growing number of consumers are choosing to buy refurbished laptops and computers. There are some important factors and tips to consider before buying any equipment, whether it is new or refurbished. Read on, we are sharing some tips for buying refurbished electronics. Plus, how buying refurbished laptops and computers can help you save money.

YAKIMA, Wash. -- In its first month, Washington's new electronics recycling program has collected more than three million pounds of waste -- 20 percent to 30 percent more than expected. Although pleased with the program's success, regulators of E-Cycle Washington are asking people to wait a few months to drop off their electronics so collection sites can catch up with demand. "Response has been good, but there are some capacity issues," said John Friedrick, director of the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, which oversees the recycling network. "I anticipated there would be a lot more problems, but there haven't been. Overall, I'm very happy with it."

It's in with the new and out with the old. For many, the holidays brought new possessions. But now it's time to figure out what to do with what you replaced. Several local options for getting rid of old clothing, furniture and household goods exist. A new state law will also provide places to drop off old electronics anytime of the year. The Salvation Army and Goodwill accept used clothing, furniture and household items. However, items must be only slightly used. "If you would give it to a friend, then you can give it to us," said Matthew Erlich, spokesman for Goodwill Tacoma, which operates in 15 Washington counties. Clothing items may also be donated to the Multi-Service Center's clothing bank in Federal Way. Donations go to local residents. Payment for the items will not be issued, but the gift is tax deductible.

Buying new laptops and computers can be an expensive prospect. If you are on the hunt for the best deal on electronic gadgets, refurbished is probably the way to go. Buying refurbished laptops and computers will meet both your needs and budget. To be sure you are getting a good deal, it is better to follow some best practices. Here's what you need to know on your search for a refurbished product. A little know how can save you big bucks!

Technology is ever improving which comes with limitless opportunities for businesses to increase their productivity and efficiency in every bit of day to day operations. If you run a business and have been debating about whether or not to update your old technology, Veracity World has put together some information to help show you how the upgraded tech can bring good profits in the long run. Generate greater revenue from your old IT and electronic assets and save business money and time both.

Living in an age of disposability has led many durable goods manufacturers to explore ways of reducing the environmental footprint their products leave during their manufacturing process and throughout their lifecycle. The sheer volume of mobile phones produced annually and the propensity of users to chase mobile technology trends leads to an average replacement cycle of between 12 and 18 months, bringing special attention to the greening efforts of mobile device manufacturers. As consumer awareness and environmental legislation continue to evolve, handset vendors are developing their corporate responsibility initiatives to develop new business practices aimed at improving the compliance and environmental sustainability of their handsets. The European commission and industry-led initiatives have made great progress in developing a set of requirements and goals for developing sustainable business practices across the entire life cycle of handset production, distribution, use and disposal. This study identifies and explores key global handset initiatives and the handsets that are coming to market as a result of vendors' efforts to minimize their environmental impact. It also offers an analysis of US consumer interest, awareness and preferences of green handset vendor initiatives. Available for purchase from ABI Research at this URL.