Waste Management

One of the fundamental challenges in the twenty-first century is the maintenance and disposal of waste.  The majority of products have a life cycle.  They are created, purchased, and have a planned obsolescence.  Once the products break down, can no longer be repaired, or become obsolete, then they must be disposed.  If the creation of waste is unchecked and untreated, it creates problems of pollution, which lead to corrupt ecosystems.  Landfills provide an insufficient solution.  To solve the problem and live sustainably, one must convert waste into new components and products.

Two of the most challenging components of waste management are recycling plastics and e-waste.  Plastics are inorganic and do not decompose. However, they are an integral part of most industries from building and construction to transportation.  Plastics are also a part of e-waste.  This is an encompassing term for electrical devices no longer in use.  These devices include, but are not limited to, computers, cell phones, and domestic appliances. They are comprised of parts which are reusable, valuable and should not be tossed in landfills.  The recycling of plastics and e-waste is the important finale to a product’s lifespan and allows a new product to be made.