As co-owner of a technology company, it is my role and responsibility to stay up-to-date on the arrival and adaptation of as many technological ideas, innovations and practices as humanly possible.
But one does need sleep, so I do the best I can. And, although the innovations in technology have sped up to near terminal velocity in this new millennium of ours, there does remain a constant — the ongoing challenge of technology’s impact on our environment.
At Wired Northwest, we are continually faced with the environmental implications of technology.
These are ultimately measured in the time and expense associated with the proper disposal and subsequent recycling of old computers, printers, monitors, etc.
However, this is not only a cost of doing business, it is the investment we make in doing the “right” thing. Hopefully, this provides an example for others to follow and helps to curb the volume of improperly disposed of technology.
This begs a couple of questions: Are there sufficient resources in place to provide for current and future recycling needs? Is there enough accessible information and education to create the awareness for how we dispose of older, outdated technology?”
Thankfully, we not only live in Redmond, Bicycle Capital of the Northwest, we also live in Redmond, Recycle Capital of the Northwest.
Yes, Redmond has taken the subject of recycling our old technology very seriously, managing and actively participating in several programs specifically designed to address this issue.
From their Web site, the City of Redmond advertises, “Between July 7 and August 1, single-family residents who subscribe to recycling service and live within Redmond City limits may place electronic units for curbside pickup without having to call Waste Management in advance.”
This is a tremendous resource and everyone can benefit by participating, either directly or spreading the word to neighbors, friends and family members.
For more information please visit http://www.ci.redmond.wa.us/insidecityhall/publicworks/environment/recyclingevent.asp
The City Web site also said, “Redmond provides for computers and televisions accepted at curb with prior arrangement. Redmond residents can recycle electronics at the curb by calling 1-800-592-9995 at least one business day ahead of garbage collection day.”
The specific items accepted are listed on the Web site at http://www.wmnorthwest.com/redmond/guidelines/electronics.htm
Lastly, the Take it Back Network is a multi-county resource comprised of “government agencies, retailers, repair shops, charitable organizations and recyclers that provides consumers with options for recycling electronic products such as computers, TVs, cell phones and certain household electronics.”
You can find out more about them and how you can utilize this resource at http://www.takeitbacknetwork.org/
So, there you have it.
Resources aplenty – and right in your own backyard!
Redmond is making recylcing easy to do.
Wayne Nelson and Jeremy Self own and operate Wired Northwest, LLC in Redmond. Submit your questions to: techtalk@wired-nw.com. Contact Wired Northwest, LLC at www.wired-nw.com or call (206) 788-7975 or (206) 788-7898.
