Here at iXsystems, we make a conscious effort to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, from our internal practices to the products we sell. Part of this effort is our use of Green Wagon Electronics Recycling to recycle our old rubber and metal electronic parts. We also switched out our old fluorescent T12 tubes to newer, more energy-efficient T8 lamps and installed large recycling bins throughout our production floor that we use to recycle hundreds of empty boxes and cartons each week. In addition, the energy-efficient “Green Neutron” server series is a flagship component of our product line.
Recently, our marketing team discovered a quick and easy way to recycle our obsolete CDs and DVDs. I found the CD Recycling Center of America online and was impressed with the ease and accessibility of their recycling process. Depending on your location, their site can pinpoint the nearest recycling center, provide a print-ready shipping label online, and record how many CDs and DVDs were sent using their free tracking system. The best part is they are completely free and only ask that the sender cover the shipping costs. Since the recycling center is a non-profit organization and run by volunteers, they appreciate any amount of donation to help their cause and keep their services free.
Our marketing team rolled up our sleeves and began to collect all of our old discs. We counted over 2000 CDs and DVDs! It was amazing just how many FreeNAS and PC-BSD discs we’ve accumulated over the years. Our team got a first-hand look at how much material a small business can generate. Just imagine how much more a larger company would collect over a year! Once everything was sorted correctly, we shipped the boxes to Ability First, a recycling center in Los Angeles.
Ability First is an organization that provides programs and services for disabled children and adults. Their mission is to provide opportunity for all people to reach their full potential in spite of physical and developmental disabilities. Once our boxes arrive at their facility, volunteers at Ability First will sort through the discs and pack the materials for the final steps of the recycling process.Below is an example of the life-cycle of a compact disc. Polycarbonate resin is shaped and molded into a disc. A reflective layer is then added, along with final lacquer and ink to create the everyday compact discs we see at stores.
During the recycling process, discs return to their original granulated state and are processed into 99% clean polycarbonate material. They will be remanufactured into new items such as automobile parts, playground structures, and various home construction projects.
Each year, millions of CDs and DVDs end up in landfills and incinerators. Any business which sells, manufactures, or distributes discs contributes to the growing material waste. According to the CD Recycling Center of America, compact discs that are not disposed of properly will last forever in a landfill or cause harmful gas emissions as they are incinerated.
This is why it is important for us to spread the word about CD Recycling Center for America. With their help, iXsystems will lead the way to a greener, more sustainable business practice and lifestyle.
Lisa Liang
Marketing Assistant
