Great Lakes Recycling - Oak Park

GLR is one of the leading providers of complete recycling solutions for businesses and individual needs. Responsible recycling practices are a standard part of business operations, as well as a part of everyday life. Whether you are ready to start a program or already recycling, GLR can offer assistance to maximize the value of your recycling program. GLR is committed to environmental stewardship and to providing highest standard of service to our clients.

We are the safest, fastest, and most reliable buyers of damaged, non-running/running, and end of life cars. We take the hassle and time out of your day and make your life easier.Do you own a car that you want to sell or just simply get rid of in a safe, environmentally responsibly, and economic way? If you answered yes, then GLRA is the right company for you.We accommodate your schedule and take the guessing out of selling your vehicle for you.

Electronics Recycling

E-waste is an ever-growing, popular, yet informal name for a variety of electronic products that have met the end of their “useful life.” This includes, but is not limited to computers, televisions, monitors, laptops, cellphones, VCRs, stereos, stand-alone copiers, fax machines and so on.Even more alarming is that these figures don’t include the nearly 75% of additional old electronics that are stuck in storage due to lack of understanding of proper management, processing and recycling of e-waste.

In recent years, advances in consumer electronics and personal computers have spurred economic growth, changed information technology and improved people’s lives in countless ways. However, our growing dependence on electronic products both at home and work has given rise to a new environmental hazard: “e-waste.”

A recent study by the EPA shows that electronics already make up 1% of the known municipal solid waste stream. Research completed in Europe showed that e-waste is an epidemic, growing at an astronomical rate of three times that of any other municipal waste.

While e-waste cannot be prevented, environmental consequences have driven government policies to explore alternative solutions such as the reuse and/or recycling of older electronics. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):The amount of electronic products discarded globally is about 20-50 million metric tons per year.In 2009, 2.37 million tons of e-waste was generated in the U.S. alone only 17.7% was recycled.Approximately 235 million units of e-waste had been accumulated in storage from 1980 through 2007 (not including cell phones).

About 25 million TVs are taken out of service yearly.Many precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, palladium and platinum are recovered from electronics, networking equipment, circuit boards, frames as well as other materials.

Hazards with improper disposal of E-Waste:

CADMIUM: breathing cadmium can severely damage the lungs and cause death.

LEAD: attacks the nervous system in both adults and children. Consumption can lead to blood anemia, kidney damage, severe stomach aches, muscle weakness and brain damage severe enough to kill a child.

Televisions and computer monitors contain a picture tube known as the cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain significant amounts of lead. Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are illuminated by mercury-filled panels. Circuitry within monitors and other electronic boards contain chromium, copper, and lead that exceed regulatory limits.

The batteries that power many of these types of equipment contain metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, silver, lithium, and other dangerous metals. Not to mention your personal data may be compromised.