Sydney, ANZAC and Glebe Island Bridges, Sydney - photo Marghanita

Ecologically Sustainable Sydney

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Data and Power cables with a variety of connectors on the endComputer Reuse and Recycling

New appliances have not only become more powerful they have become more energy efficient. Reusing or continued use of old computers uses up more energy which produces more CO2. So, donation and reuse and ongoing use of old computers can be environmentally unfriendly. But often devices are sent to landfill and recycling before the device or its components (such as cables) reach the end of their useful life.

Reuse of Multifunction Phone/Fax and Cables

Devices are now being sold without cables. Forking out separately for a new cable should encourage the reuse of old cables. Standardisation helps reduce the need for new cables. Devices as diverse as electric jugs to a fax machine may use the same power connector. Printer USB, Monitor (Screen) VGA and Ethernet Communication Cables are pretty Standard.

Panasonic UF S1

A Panasonic UF S1 (Fax/Telephone/Answering Machine/Copier) was dumped on the Kerb. It transpires the device works fine though a little difficult to use without a manual. An Internet search turned up some scanned manuals. But pressing the buttons in a logical order revealed that it has a "Toll Saver" - delayed answer by Answering Machine and other coded functions.

To set TollSaver
1. Press the right arrow until "Function Mode" appears on the display and "F" light flashes.
2. Press START/SELECT then use the arrow keys to scroll through the options in Function Mode.
3. "Basic Settings" lets you set date and time
4. "TAM Mode" lets you set Toll Saver and Call Screening

Disposing of old equipment is covered by the The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is the most comprehensive global environmental agreement on hazardous and other wastes., Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)

How are computers recycled?
Feed your E-Waste into the Recycling Chain

Each year Reverse Garbage collects over 8000 cubic metres (this amount is growing every year) of reusable off-cuts, over-runs and rejected material. This is from over 500 supporting small, medium and large businesses, manufacturers and government institutions throughout Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra...Working computers including P2-P4's, Macs, Laptops, Circuit boards, keyboards, power supplies... Drop-Offs: To help facilitate donations, we encourage drop-offs to the center, preferably by appointment. All donations are assessed upon arrival. Drop off times are: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm Sun: 10am-3pm.

In the first year of operation, Ozanam Enterprises expects to process approximately 8.4 tonnes of e-waste per week. Coming up with innovative new projects is one of the ways we keep our employees engaged in paid work in their local community. For people with disabilities, having a job is a really important way of reinforcing their sense of self-worth....e-recycling partnership to reduce landfill on the Peninsula (9 November 2011)

City of Sydney Battery, mobile phone and light bulb Recycling Collection Stations at Neighbourhood Centres and Libraries....more

"TVs, computers, monitors, printers and computer accessories can be recycled at Randwick City Council’s recycling centre at Matraville for free.You can also drop off your TVs at Harvey Norman in Broadway, Alexandria, Bondi Junction and Moore Park and computer equipment can be taken to Officeworks in Alexandria and Glebe.....more

Aldi accepts Batteries at their stores...more

Editor: Marghanita da Cruz
Email: © Ramin Communications 2009-2010. Last modified 3 January 2014