Washington Post chronicles challenges of handling batteries for reuse and recyclingTech columnist Geoff Fowler spent a day at Cascade to see how this computer refurbishing and recycling company copes
MADISON, Wis. & INDIANAPOLIS - Sept. 11, 2018 - PRLog -- Geoff Fowler, Technology columnist at the Washington Post, recently visited Cascade's Madison, Wisconsin processing center to explore what he's been told about the design of Apple mobile products - they are difficult to take apart for repair and recycling and their batteries are hazardous to handle.
Geoff and his crew spent a whole day at Cascade last week seeing first hand how devices with embedded batteries get processed for reuse, repair and recycling. What they observed was even a surprise to them - the amount of time and resources it takes to carefully remove glued in batteries from certain phones and tablets can easily exceed a half-hour and requires special care. Without this care, these batteries can easily be damaged and lead to "thermal events" and fires. The Washington Post story, which includes photos and a five minute video, provides a wealth of data and demonstrations to make the case that the design of many portable IT gadgets are hazardous and costly to handle when repaired or recycled. The story was released a day before Apple's launch of new products on September 12th. Geoff concludes the piece with the following request: "So as a gadget reviewer, let me say this clearly to the tech industry: Give up your thin obsession. We'll happily take electronics with a little extra junk in the trunk if it means we can easily replace batteries to make them last longer — and feel more confident they won't end up igniting a recycling inferno." About Cascade Cascade Asset Management has provided full service IT asset retirement solutions to Fortune 1000 companies and other institutions since 1999. The company operates ISO 14001, ISO 9001, e-Stewards and NAID certified facilities and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America by SHRM and the Great Place to Work Institute. Cascade was also listed twice on Gartners' ITAD Magic Quadrant report for North America. The company works to promote responsible reuse and recycling of electronic products. End
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