Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
AVAY Industry Articles
e-Waste FAQ
Q: What is e-waste?
A: E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and TVs, that are no longer in use or functional.
Q: Why is e-waste recycling important?
A: Recycling e-waste conserves valuable materials, reduces environmental impact, and prevents harmful substances from polluting ecosystems.
Q: Why are some electronic items not accepted for recycling?
A: Certain electronics cannot be accepted for recycling due to factors like extreme contamination or hazardous material content, which pose safety and environmental risks. Additionally, some items lack economically viable recycling methods, and if the material recovery potential is insufficient, it may not justify the recycling process.
Q: What happens to my data when I recycle electronics?
A: AVAY ensures that all data is thoroughly protected during recycling through certified data destruction protocols, which include multiple-pass data wiping and, when necessary, physical destruction of storage media. These measures comply with international data protection standards, so customers can trust that their information remains secure.
Q: Do I get paid for recycling e-waste?
A: Compensation for recycling e-waste varies. Some high-value electronics offer a monetary return, and select devices may provide store credits. For many consumer electronics, recycling is free, while corporate recycling packages are available with custom pricing based on the specific items and volume.
Q: How does AVAY ensure data security in e-waste recycling?
A: AVAY performs secure data destruction using certified wiping techniques, and physical destruction of storage media, to ensure all personal data is irrecoverable before recycling.
Q: What items can I drop off at AVAY for recycling?
A: AVAY accepts a range of electronics, including computers, phones, and small household appliances. Please contact us for a complete list of accepted items.
Q: How does AVAY contribute to environmental sustainability?
A: AVAY’s recycling process maximizes material recovery and minimizes waste, helping reduce reliance on raw material extraction and supporting Ohio’s recycling infrastructure. Our alignment with R2 Responsible Recycling guidelines underscores our commitment to responsible e-waste management.
Battery FAQ)
Q: What are the main materials in lithium-ion batteries that can be recycled?
A: Lithium-ion batteries contain recoverable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. These materials can be extracted and reused, which helps conserve natural resources and reduces environmental impacts.
Q: How do I know if a battery is a lithium-ion type?
A: Most lithium-ion batteries are labeled with "Li-ion" or similar markings. They are commonly found in electronics, power tools, and electric vehicles.
Q: Can lithium-ion batteries be thrown in the trash if fully depleted?
A: No. Even depleted batteries can pose risks if they overheat, so it’s best to recycle them at designated facilities.
Q: How does AVAY handle lithium-ion battery recycling?
A: AVAY adheres to strict environmental and safety standards. We process batteries using state-of-the-art recycling methods, ensuring valuable resources are recovered, and hazardous materials are properly managed.
References
United Nations Global E-waste Monitor 2022.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) E-Waste Report.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Waste Statistics.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Resource Recycling Systems Analysis 2022.