University researchers from Italy and Japan have just discovered a great idea solution on an annoying problem of modern life: how to deal with it in a responsible and efficient way recycle electrical cords.
Scientists from Sophia University in Japan and Università di Pavia in Italy recently published a study on the development of a way of using microwave make it energy efficient recycle old cords.
We’re all swimming in it: cords we still use, cords we haven’t used in years, cords we keep in case we need them in the future. E-waste has become a real problem as the world’s demand for more electronic gadgets grows.
According to the World countsIn 2024 alone, 48 million tons of electronic waste were generated. This number is expected to rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030.
E-waste contains many valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, such as metals, semiconductorsand rare elements. All too often they end up in landfills.
That’s why this breakthrough has so much potential.
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The recycling method is called microwave-induced pyrolysis. It’s essentially a way to use microwave energy instead of toxic chemicals to break down the plastic coating of PVC wiring to get at the valuable copper inside. But instead of melting the plastic, the method actually breaks down the PVC into chlorine, which can be recycled into hydrochloric acid, and carbon black, a pure carbon dye.
That’s great, because according to Techexploreonly 35% of PVC wiring is recycled. And unfortunately, when recycled, waste PVC wiring is often shipped to developing countries for cheap recycling. That can mean exploitative labor practices and unregulated, polluting recycling methods.
This new microwave technology eliminates the need for labor-intensive recycling techniques, which should dramatically reduce the cost of wiring recycling and make it a cleaner process overall. That in turn should make recycling PVC wiring more popular.
How do you usually dispose of your old electronics?
Throw them away
Donate them
Sell them for cash
Keep them at home
Click on your choice to see the results and give your opinion
And the more plastics and toxic metals that we can all the better to keep out of landfills.
If you want to learn more about how to keep your home as plastic-free as possible, read this article guide.
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