The Importance of Commercial Recycling
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by: ElisaRosa | Total views: 32 | Word Count: 328
One color monitor contains up to eight pounds of lead. All of these hazardous chemicals can leak out of landfills and into the surrounding soil and water systems. The carcinogenic chemical that Erin Brokovich campaigned against, dioxin is frequently found leaking from discarded electronics. Many states make it illegal for large businesses to put electronics in the trash, in order to prevent chemicals from contaminating the water supply.
Recycling has many benefits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling prevents about 30% of waste from reaching landfills and uses 66% less energy than manufacturing new products. Recycling reduces air pollution and greenhouse gases, and lowers the need for environmentally-damaging timber and mining companies. Recycling reduces water pollution; paper is the largest contributor of municipal waste in cities.
Electronics frequently include valuable minerals that should be recycled and reused. Recent demand for cell phones and portable computers has led to mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo that funds warlords and destroys national parks. The gorilla population in the area of the mines has been completely destroyed by the miners. Recycling can reduce the need for this mineral.
Businesses have an ethical obligation to use their purchasing power to avoid funding these sites. Recent journalism has led to a crackdown on businesses that use child labor; perhaps the next target for investigations will be businesses that fund warlords and contribute to the disappearance of endangered species. As with other forms of recycling, reusing electronics can reduce greenhouse gases, create jobs, and lower pollution.
Businesses gain many benefits by participating in recycling. State and federal governments offer a variety of tax benefits for environmental practices, including recycling. Many local governments charge high prices for trash processing and may offer free or reduced-cost recycling. Metal, electronics, and ink cartridges can all make money for businesses when recycled. Businesses can also be fined if they do not properly dispose of their waste material. Recycling companies offer trained, certified employees to handle removal and treatment of waste.
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