China bans toxic American computer junk

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_cfl.rr.com>
Date: Sat Jun 8 16:51:07 2002

At 02:03 PM 6/8/02 -0400, you wrote:
> I wonder what the permitting hassles, etc, would be. If you actually
>listed yourself as a disposal center, you might have to get hazardous waste
>permits.

   I suspect that you're right. You'd prpobably want to try and locate in an area that wasn't too picky about permits. In addition, you'd probably be carefull about what you did so that you didn't generate hazardous waste and have to start dealing with the EPA. I think that would quickly kill any but the largest business.


>
> I also wonder about the economic viability of such an enterprise. People
>might pay to dispose of old computers if they think they'll be recycled.
>However, many consumers think because they paid $2500 for a system two years
>ago that it's still worth $1000.

    I know what you mean. But if you deal with busnesses they usually just want the stuff gone. Personally I wouldn't deal with individuals, I MIGHT let them drop stuff at no charge but I wouldn't buy systems (unless it's something special). Besides the unrealistic prices, it would just be too time comsuming. BUT I expect that we'll soon have to PAY to dispose of monitors and electronics just like we have to pay to dispose of auto batteries and tires and that that would encourage a lot of people to just give away the systems.


 And if a dumpster behind the Circle-K is
>more convient, well, it may well wind up there.

   True but most states have laws and severe fines if you get caught dumping in someone elses dumpster.


>
> Once you have scrap (and have picked it clean, requiring a secondary
>warehouse and museum space), can you economically separate the chaff from
>the wheat?

   Yes but it's labor intensive.


 Austin Electronics has about 200 13" VGA displays in the back.
>They can't toss them, and no one wants to buy them. Do you accept this kind
>of material?

   NO! Charge a disposale fee. Just like they do when you buy new tires or a new auto battery.


If a person can't dispose the whole kit and kaboodle at one
>shot, they're much less likely to bother with recycling.

   They will if the local dump is going to charge them and the local trash hauler won't accept the stuff. That's currently the situation here with paints, batteries, tires and lots of other stuff. If you're ambitious you'd offer to pick up old systems and recycle/dispose of them at a reasonable cost. I think many folks would take advantage of that simply to avoid the hassle.


>
> Do you hire cheap labor and build systems for homeless people?

   NO! NO ONE wants those systems! It's ironic but even people with no money want the absolute lastest and greatest and they won't settle for less. Believe me, I've seen churces, big companies like Martin Marietta and even NASA try to find uses for 386/486 type systems and none of them have been successful.


 Strip
>components and eBay them?

   Yes, if they contain anything worthwhile. But if you can't get X amount ($20?) then it's not worth the time and hassle.

 Try to do metal separation?

    That's what most of them do but it's labor intensive so they hire a bunch of low end workers to do the work.

>
> I'm not putting down the idea by any means (and I'd love to have such a
>place to browse), but can one reallistically make some above a
>subsistence-level enterprise out of it?

   Yes, I know people that do. The owner makes a good living (in fact, most of them make a VERY good living) but the workers are minimum wage types and live accordingly. But you shouldn't feel guilty about that, they'd be in the same or worse condition without your employment.


  Are there are cases that are
>successful?

   Yes, I know of a number of them.


 What's the operational cost of such a facility?

   That's a good question. You need a facility with a good amount of space (not necessarily inside) and a couple of good trucks (the bigger the better) and a good forklift is very desirable. Then add dumpsters some wire baskets, some workbenches, etc for separating, storing and handling the stuff. I think that if you could locate in an area with lax zoning, work conditions, etc it would probable be very benfitial.


 Are you
>willing to ship systems?

   Is the purchaser willing to pay the cost of packing and shipping? On PC systems probably not.


 Do you have systems work shipping?


   What?

 I'd want to
>start a business I can sooner or later oversee, and not sweat next months
>building payment at the end of the month.

   Like any other business it would take some initial capital for a building, employees (if any), and
equipment. And it would take some time to get the business going and profitable.

    Joe
Received on Sat Jun 08 2002 - 16:51:07 BST