I'm seeing increasingly more refurbished electronics. Could some components be used in refurbished goods provided the finished product comes with some sort of warranty. Do you think that's possible, similar to a pre-owned car?Or is quality so poor these days on some equipment that companies just can't take the chance?
Salvaging waste products is usually never part of a new business model. People are focused on creating high demand and buying in volume with long-term supplier arrangements. Niche opportunities exist however for salvage in all industries, and are a good resource for scavengers and job shops alike. In the event that there is a tightening of supply for certain materials--a situation more and more familiar to some of late--an established salvage operation can pay dividends.
This is a great idea but obviously needs some improvements so more people use it. The first issue is how to deal with sensitive materials on the items. If there was a way the individuals could do this easily, that might help. The second issue is there is no simple place to drop these off or have them picked up. Many people don't want to travel to certain parts of the city, or they just live too far away. If companies like Best Buy would offer a drop off point free of charge, many people would take advantage of this.
The biggest hurdle to be faced is the consumers’ general attitude towards recycling. Let's face it there are millions of households out there that don't recycle simple things like paper and plastic. These are the people we are trying to get through to to help the environment. It would most likely be these individuals who wouldn't recycle their electronics even if they were available.
Laurie I agree, wiping sensitive data from computer, mobile phones before recycling is an issue. One would wonder how this could be safely wiped out before disposing or recycling.
Equally, the concept of returning old electronic items at a discounted price when buying a new one sounds good, this is currently done in Asia.It would be a good idea if major electronic outlets and manufacturers encourage and follow up on this
I guess the issue of the quality of the components makes direct reuse a proble for manufacturers, if that is the case, then complete recycling remains a big problem.
I wonder, does anyone know exactly what these companies do to the recycled goods they collect?
I know the plastic and other materials for the covering are recyclable, but how much of the actual electronics section can be recycled well enough to give adequate economic value to manufacturers, because if there isn't sufficient economic benefit, i'm sure we know by now that few people will see it through.
I also totally agree with the concept of discount on returning old electronics, but that is only possible if the component being returned is of high enough economic value to the manufacturer, if most of the parts can't be used directly, then what's the point.
I also agree with you that a system whereby consumers can return old gadgets would be great.
On the other hand, one of the challenges of this system is that the internal components of the same electronics but different manufacturers are always different which makes it hard for components to be used for another electronic.The best option is discounts on new electronics at the point of returning the old one. Then the old ones can now undergo a complete recycling processes and made in to something new.
E-waste recycling is the next major initiative that needs to be concentrated on to create an green environment. one step can be adopted by selecting materials which can get easily decomposed, this should be done in each and very process.
Tirlapur, as you mentioned many companies in Asia are following Exchange offers with most of the houseold gadgets.
I agree with you that many people just don't like to travel to locations to return old electronics goods. I think companies should come-up with initiatives like "discounts on returning old electronic items" which will encourage users to return old goods.
I have always believed that the best use of disposed electronic consumer goods is to extract their internal parts and use them into new products. Apart from the mechanical components, most of the internal electronic parts are in working condition and can easily be used. For some reason (perhaps because of quality control regulations) companies are reluctant to reuse the same parts and focus on procuring new ones. This makes it much difficult to recycle the products. I think reusing components should be made as an objective in the e-waste recycling programs.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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