IBM Innovates With PC Waste Recycling, Invents New Type Of Plastic

Posted on Sep 5 2016 - 3:55pm by Editorial Staff

There’s no denying that computers are relatively inexpensive gadgets. PCs, in particular, don’t cost much to buy these days. When you buy a new computer, it’s likely the old one will end up in the trash. The good news is that more PC owners recycle their old systems in some way.

Still, there is a plethora of PC waste that doesn’t get recycled, even in 2016. One of the main players in the computer world, IBM, has come up with a novel solution. They’ve engineered a way to convert polycarbonate into new plastics.

Examples of polycarbonate applications include CDs, LED screens, and other electronic items. Using heat and a fluoride reactant, IBM can convert e-waste materials into reusable plastics. What’s more, they are safe to use with water purification and medical equipment.

Why this is important?

Plastic is prevalent in everyday life. It’s also a common material used in PCs and other computer devices. The ugly truth of plastic is that much of it ends up getting buried underground or burnt. IBM believes its new recycling method can encourage reuse of polycarbonates.

Plastic, in general, is a big problem not just here but all over the world. Did you know that it takes up to 700 years for plastic to decompose in a landfill site? Plastic is also responsible for the deaths of one million sea creatures each year.

Here are some other facts that may interest you about plastics and recycling in general:


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About the Author

Editorial Staff at I2Mag is a team of subject experts.