Technology

Québec Waste Reduction Week – Old Cell Phones and Small Electronic Devices: EPRA-Québec Calls on the Population to Recycle Their Old Electronics

Published

9 hours ago

October 21, 2024

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 21, 2024 /CNW/ – With Québec Waste Reduction Week (QWRW) set to run between October 21 and 27, the Electronic Products Recycling Association of Québec (EPRA‑Québec) is proud to contribute to the health of our planet and invites all Quebecers to take concrete action by recycling their old electronics. Notably, EPRA‑Québec continues to emphasize the importance of recovering old cell phones and other small devices that can no longer be used, such as MP3 players, digital cameras, and headphones since these products tend to have lower recycling rates across the province.

While these devices are widely used, they are also those most often forgotten in the bottom of a drawer, given their small size and the little space they take up. According to a CROP survey conducted last June for EPRA‑Québec, the top three old electronic products that people own but want to get rid of are cell phones/smart phones, computer accessories, and laptop computers.

Recycling old electronics: an action that is easy and accessible

The Recycle My Electronics™ program offers more than 1,000 authorized drop-off points, accessible free of charge, all over Québec, including some 200 smartbins, also known as electrobacs. These bins make it easier to collect small electronic devices (cell phones, various wires and cables, MP3 players, tablets, headphones, chargers, etc.) as they are in places frequented daily by the population, such as grocery stores, shopping centres, educational institutions, or public transit facilities.

“There are many reasons why we hold on to a cell phone or any other old electronic device that we no longer use. Whether people don’t know where to bring them or they worry their personal information will be exposed, I want to reassure them,” says Martin Carli, scientist and EPRA‑Québec’s official spokesperson. “Knowing that close to one in two people (47%) currently has at home old electronics they want to get rid of, I want to remind the population that dropping them off at an authorized drop-off point is easy and important because recycling an old electronic product through the official program restores its value in an ecological and safe way.”

To see the complete list of accepted products, to find an authorized drop-off point in Québec, and to get more information on electronics recycling, visit https://recyclemyelectronics.ca/qc.

Protecting the planet by recycling old electronics

Thanks to the participation of the Québec population, more than 19,000 tons of old electronics were collected in 2023. This is good news, but we must continue our efforts. The responsible recycling of end-of-life electronics does indeed help to protect the planet by recovering precious resources while reducing the amount of electronic waste in landfills.

EPRA-Québec takes charge of all electronics brought to any one of its authorized drop-off points, including several municipal ecocentres, many retailers as well as other organizations and companies. The devices are then sent to certified and approved companies located in Québec and compliant with Canadian standards, who ensure that they are handled in an environmentally friendly way while minimizing risks to health and safety. Once the products are dismantled, component materials such as metals, plastics and glass are sorted and recovered for the purpose of being processed and reused to make all kinds of new products, therefore preserving non-renewable natural resources.

About EPRA-Québec

As a recognized industry-led not-for-profit organization, EPRA-Québec provides an approved environmental compliance program for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of electronics marketed in Québec. It is responsible for implementing and operating on behalf of its stewards, a responsible program for the recovery and reclamation of electronic products. Its Recycle My Electronics™ program includes more than 1,000 authorized drop-off points accessible free of charge across the province and has helped divert more than 200,000 metric tonnes of old electronics from landfills since 2012.

SOURCE Electronic Products Recycling Association of Québec (EPRA Québec)

Technology

Omnex Acquires Futurepast

Published

14 mins ago

October 21, 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On October 17, 2024, Omnex Engineering and Management (Omnex), an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based firm, announced the acquisition of Futurepast, Inc., an Arlington, Virginia-based company that provides greenhouse gas consulting, training, and auditing services.

Omnex president Chad Kymal stated that Futurepast will be integrated into Omnex’s Secure, Safe, and Sustain (Omnex S3) business unit, and that Futurepast’s John Shideler will assume the role of Managing Director of Sustainability Services.

According to Kymal “Omnex’s S3 and Futurepast would like to support a Net Zero World helping our customers and the world transition into a future that balances the needs of the present with those of the future. S3 and Futurepast will provide training and verification services to support Omnex’s customers’ as well as the world’s aspiration to Net Zero Carbon. In addition, Omnex S3 supports the transition to eMobility by providing product certification for Automotive Functional Safety and Cybersecurity. Hence the collective vision and mission of Safety, Security, and Sustainability. According to Kymal, “we are indeed fortunate to have one of the world’s experts in greenhouse gases (GHG) and Net Zero join Omnex.”

Shideler stated that, saying, “Folding the mission of Futurepast into the Omnex group will add scale to our business operations and increase the level of services available to clients. It is a win-win for our customers and for the two companies.”

In August, Futurepast achieved accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board as a validation and verification body, and it serves clients across North America and globally.

Omnex has 12 offices worldwide and provides services across 40 countries globally. We are thrilled to partner with Futurepast as we aim to make a real difference in reducing companies’ carbon footprints.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnex-acquires-futurepast-302282213.html

SOURCE Omnex

Technology

Yale Levy Joins SoloSuit to Lead Growth of SoloSettle

Published

14 mins ago

October 21, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SoloSuit, a legal tech startup helping consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits, has named Attorney Yale R. Levy as Director of Client Development. Levy, founder of Levy & Associates, LLC, a multi-state collection law firm, and former President of the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA), brings decades of debt collection expertise to the company. He will focus on building partnerships with creditors, law firms, and collection agencies to promote SoloSuit’s latest tool, SoloSettle.

“I’m excited to help expand SoloSettle,” said Levy. “This innovative platform allows consumers to settle debts electronically while saving creditors significant legal costs by speeding up the process.”

SoloSettle is the first of its kind—a digital settlement marketplace designed to ease and automate the negotiation process between consumers and debt collectors. By leveraging AI and electronic communication, SoloSettle eliminates the need for direct phone conversations and court involvement, creating a frictionless and efficient way to settle debts online. Once an agreement is reached between the parties, the platform facilitates the entire process, from negotiating terms, to executing settlement documentation, to handling secure payments. SoloSettle saves time and money for both consumers and collectors, reducing the average settlement time from six months to just under 14 days.

“This is a win-win,” said George Simons, Founder and CEO of SoloSuit. “SoloSettle helps consumers settle debts affordably, while helping collectors recover debts faster and with less hassle. We’re thrilled to have Yale lead our expansion efforts.”

Under Levy’s leadership, SoloSettle has gained traction, with numerous law firms, collection agencies, and debt buyers already using the platform to resolve debts. Levy’s expertise provides a collector’s perspective, positioning SoloSuit as a trusted mediator between consumers and collectors.

“SoloSettle is not a debt settlement company,” Levy clarified. “It’s a neutral platform that streamlines the settlement process for both parties.”

Simons added, “Yale’s leadership in the collections industry is invaluable as we strengthen relationships with creditors, debt collectors, and law firms. With his help, we’ll continue to grow this innovative platform.”

About SoloSuit
SoloSuit helps consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits through web-based software. Its platform, SoloSettle, enables consumers and debt collectors to negotiate settlements online, reducing time, cost, and stress in debt resolution.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yale-levy-joins-solosuit-to-lead-growth-of-solosettle-302282215.html

SOURCE SoloSuit, Inc.

Technology

Sen. Amy Klobuchar tours American Peat Technology sites for Manufacturing Month

Published

14 mins ago

October 21, 2024

Growing Aitkin-based APT creates all-natural products for agricultural, other applications

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Minnesota’s senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made a visit to the facilities of American Peat Technology (APT) in Aitkin, Minnesota, on Thursday, October 17th.

Sen. Klobuchar’s visit was part of her tour of Minnesota industrial worksites in honor of Manufacturing Month.

“We were proud to show Sen. Klobuchar how emerging applications for peat-based agricultural products are putting Minnesotans to work,” said APT’s CEO Brad Pieper. “Thanks to the excellence of our all-natural products, and the growing demand for them, APT is increasingly prominent as a solver of problems in agronomy, water treatment, consumer goods, and many other areas.”

Incorporated in 2003, APT uses peat – plant matter that naturally breaks down over time in Minnesota bogs and wetlands – to manufacture natural, value-added products serving needs in areas of agronomy, water remediation, consumer product development, whiskey distilling, battery mineral processing, and more. With vast research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities, APT partners with start-ups and established companies to develop and scale product solutions.

“Whether it’s converting nitrogen into useful gases for crops, or filtering heavy metals out of water impacted by mining, APT’s peat processing not only helps Minnesota’s farmers, it’s also turning Central Minnesota’s peatland into real jobs that raise our local communities up,” said Pieper.

With 40 year-round employees, a 100,000 square foot production facility, and 480 acres under permit to mine, APT is Minnesota’s largest peat harvester. It’s one of several Minnesota businesses Sen. Klobuchar visited for Manufacturing Month, during which businesses open their doors to showcase their contributions to life in the state, and to recruit new talent.

“I stopped by American Peat Technology to see how their business helps local agriculture and creates manufacturing jobs in rural Minnesota,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our state has long been a premier destination for innovative companies like APT, and I’ll continue working to strengthen our economic leadership.”

“We’re thrilled Sen. Klobuchar chose to come to APT,” Pieper said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight our company and the great things we’re doing for the people of Central Minnesota and the world.”

Learn more about APT at https://americanpeattech.com/.

About American Peat Technology

American Peat Technology (APT) manufactures natural, high-value all-natural products using peat harvested from Minnesota’s bogs and wetlands. As the state’s largest peat harvester, APT supports industries ranging from agronomy and water remediation to whiskey distilling and battery mineral production. Based in Aitkin, Minnesota, and offering R&D and manufacturing expertise, APT partners with start-ups and established companies alike to develop innovative, scalable solutions. Known for its nimble and science-driven approach, APT is a trusted partner that delivers custom solutions tailored to its clients’ most complex challenges.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sen-amy-klobuchar-tours-american-peat-technology-sites-for-manufacturing-month-302282221.html

SOURCE American Peat Technology (APT)