REUSE
Community education programs across Ohio emphasize the importance of
not only reducing waste but also reusing resources wherever possible.
Electronics and household appliances are good examples of items that
can be diverted from landfill through reuse in charity programs, refurbishment,
or recycling for parts and raw materials.
Electronics
Every year approximately 40 million computers and televisions are discarded
in the USA. Residents, businesses and industries are facing the dilemma
of what to do with obsolete and worn out equipment. In order to tackle
this problem, Ohio created an electronics task force of public, private
and non-profit organizations with keen interests in electronics recycling.
This task force, led by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, reviewed
the current recycling infrastructure, identified problems, and made recommendations
for expanding and improving efficiency.
Ohio’s electronics recycling program is rapidly spreading across
the state. Many solid waste districts have now developed programs and
made resources available that encourage the donation of old computers
and electronic components for reuse or recycling.
Dismantling electronic components for recycling
CASE STUDY: RET3 Job Corp
RET3 Job Corp is a non-profit organization, located in Cleveland, which
is focused on electronics recycling and refurbishing. The organization
provides job training to their workforce while managing discarded computers
and electronic equipment from households and businesses. Donated equipment
is refurbished and given to schools, non-profit organizations and underprivileged
families. RET3 also provides assistance in planning, promoting, and conducting
computer collection events for local communities.
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Old computers can be refurbished and donated to those in need
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