Electronics Waste, What can you do ?

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Here is a small area of electronic waste http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-15/gadget-mountain-rising-in-asia-threatens-health-and-environment/8183908
Most of it will have a proprietary program to run the software - mobile phones being a prime example. The majority of it cannot function without the software that
it came with, hence it cannot even be recycled and becomes landfill. If salvaging for parts like components - it would be a very time consuming task few would
even attempt.

What can be done ? This year try your best to recycle a computer instead of buying another, just install a new operating system on it
This website has many free and open source operating systems that can run even the earliest computers like Linux Puppy http://distrowatch.com
and many others. Even Linux Mint XFCE a modern operating system http://www.linuxmint.com with everything you could ask for will run on the following specification:

System requirements:

512MB RAM (1GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
9GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
Graphics card capable of 800×600 resolution (1024×768 recommended).
DVD drive or USB port.


Use a phone that has free or open source software ie Android the software can be updated making the phone viable with new features.
Other suggestions ?


Cheers / Chris

[nthall]

Here is a small area of electronic waste http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-15/gadget-mountain-rising-in-asia-threatens-health-and-environment/8183908
Most of it will have a proprietary program to run the software - mobile phones being a prime example. The majority of it cannot function without the software that
it came with, hence it cannot even be recycled and becomes landfill. If salvaging for parts like components - it would be a very time consuming task few would
even attempt.

What can be done ? This year try your best to recycle a computer instead of buying another, just install a new operating system on it
This website has many free and open source operating systems that can run even the earliest computers like Linux Puppy http://distrowatch.com
and many others. Even Linux Mint XFCE a modern operating system http://www.linuxmint.com with everything you could ask for will run on the following specification:

System requirements:

512MB RAM (1GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
9GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
Graphics card capable of 800×600 resolution (1024×768 recommended).
DVD drive or USB port.


Use a phone that has free or open source software ie Android the software can be updated making the phone viable with new features.
Other suggestions ?


Cheers / Chris
I absolutely agree it's a huge problem. I scavenge any electronics I come across before taking what's left to the so called electronics recycling center to be burned on a furnace to recover the metals. I've attempted to buy parts from the recycling center, and they won't even let me look through what they have.

Mobile phones don't have much that is easily salvageable. The batteries, screens, and chargers have some use amongst hobbyists. Retired phones with OTG capabilities can be used as digital music servers through the i2s USB output. Really they can be used for most projects people are buying raspberry pis for. They have GPS, accelerometers, touchscreens, and the ability to run Linux. You can do quite a bit with them if you get creative.

Consumer electronics are good sources for transformers, heatsinks, and assorted silicon chips, and components. For prototyping having lots of free components around is helpful. Laser printers and copy machines are full of stuff that a hobbyist can use to tinker with.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs have some components in them that are useful as well.

Disassembly of anything electronic can be dangerous if you aren't aware of the risks. It can be a treasure trove of free parts, and inspire ideas for someone that does have an interest in electronics.

Lightbulbs

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/e1ea00f02529d4d10f0e58a7b4d4e3f0.jpg

Portable video gaming system made from an old phone.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/08f9cc31f58d4c39d78dbc9ea99044b3.jpg

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