Friday, May 14, 2010 at 6:43AM If you fret about how untidy the world is--this recycling news is ready-made for you!
I don't think this is the kind of recycling you had in mind!
This is about a story involves a number of "hot" topics in business which are currently in vogue. The most obvious one is recycling and the opportunity for less-than-brand-new technology have a second life; to some it is gratifying that land-fills are not being loaded up with stuff that is only half-used in terms of it's expected lifetime.
That recycling is feasible at a profit--especially when one considers that other recyclable items do not have market value--and at a time when the economy is a challenge to so many, it's heartening to learn that reclaiming useful objects is still possible. However, couple of other hot issues are at play, including personal identity security--even national security!
The story involves the recycling of photocopiers and is told by the accompanying clip from a CBS news report. Here it is...
The conclusion is clear; this type of recycling is very problematic--at some pretty obvious levels. What is striking to me, however, is the complicity that all parties exhibit in fundamentally ignoring what they know to be a threat to the interests of individuals and/or our society at large.
Profitable recycling shouldn't trump other considerations.
Someone's "dropping the ball," for machines should not be released by the original owners before the "hard-drives" are cleared or removed and replaced. Failing that, sellers ought to discount the price paid to procure the devices in the first place--then step in to remedy the problem before each unit is, in turn, re-sold.
A great deal of potential for harm exists here; when a copier falls into the wrong hands a tragedy lies in waiting for a select few or a nation. All for a lousy $300.
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Reader Comments (1)
Dear Keith,
I find your blog to be interesting, informative, qualitative and humourous to boot.
I intend to read it regularly and learn as much as I can from an expert
I laughed and learned from your Lucky Penny Day. I had never really cosidered the obvious but it had crossed my mind on many an occasion. You voiced it succinctly.
On your OnBiz quiz: Who wins the corporate showdown. My uinformed answer would be McDonalds???
I know little about our economics so please keep blogging and I'll keep reading.
Give my love to Kath and family.
Love, LIZ