refurbished stories

October 19, 2015

A B C of Overused Electronics

Does your washing machine make you stand all along, holding the wash button just so that it can work? Does your fridge door almost come apart or make huge noise whenever you open your fridge? Almost everyone has electronic items at home that are too old to be repaired. Either you give them away to your local kabaadiwala or contact us for a better deal.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

However, we also have some items that are neither too old nor too new to be replaced. What are we supposed to do with these items?

If you have found yourself asking the question — Is my TV / fridge too old and needs to be replaced or can work a few more years? Well, it is an important question because we certainly don’t want to lose out on good products just because they are a bit older than their fancier cousins. And we certainly shouldn’t be throwing them away if they are in a good shape.

So here is a 4-point guide to help you understand if it’s time for your products to retire or if they can still be used for a few more years.

1. Abrupt Breakdowns

Have you ever wondered why your refrigerator conks off at times, only to work splendidly when the repairman comes? Old gadgets and electronics break down abruptly and sometimes without any reason. If the problem happens at least once a month, then it would be better to replace it before it conks off completely.

2. Big Bills

woman shocked by a high bill. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

A key sign to understand if your electronic item is being overused is to check for an increase in electricity bill. If your electricity bills have suddenly gone up for no explainable reason, try switching off the suspected item for a month and see if it really is to be blamed.

3. Cost of Maintenance

It’s sometimes cheaper to buy a new electronic item than getting the older one repaired. For instance, an old fan’s motor or a microwave’s spare part might come at a quarter of the price of the new one. If you think the repairing and spare parts cost you almost 50% of a new product’s cost, it would be wise to get rid of the old one but a new product.

4. Decreased Performance

Over time, the performance of all electronic gadgets decreases. Fans make too much of noise, TV screen becomes grainy and the speaker’s sound reduces or the air conditioner doesn’t cool the way it should. These are all signs of ageing of your electronics. No amount of servicing or repair can get your electrical item work like earlier.

These are the guidelines on your agenda list to check for all your old electronics. And while you are at it, Diwali is coming. How about buying a new washing machine or fridge for your home?

Note: This post was originally published in October 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

October 15, 2015

How Long Can You Hold Your Breath In? And how about old electronics?

Stig Severinsen holds Guinness World record for holding his breath for 22 minutes!

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

And why would you ask are we talking about holding our breath in? The answer is simple. Each one of us is guilty of holding something in, from bad thoughts, to grudges through to old phones. But eventually even Stig had to breathe out and so would you. Holding your breath in is quite similar to holding your old electronic devices. Eventually, you will start feeling suffocated. ZeroWaste will help you breath easily by taking off the weight off your chest and what’s more, we’ll even give you good money for it.

Here are some interesting facts about clutter that might act as a wake-up call for you.

According to Dr. Jim Taylor, our life is stuffed with boxes filled with stuff, we never use. Our closets have too many clothes, equipment and plain old junk that never sees the light of the day. He further adds, “All of the clutter in our lives prevents us from having the time and space necessary to fill our souls with love, joy, inspiration, compassion, and contentment. Why would we put ourselves in such an uncomfortable and unhealthy state? Clutter may, in an odd way, make us feel safe because we surround ourselves with high walls (of stuff) that protect us from threats — real, imagined, and existential — that we feel every day. Unfortunately, those walls also imprison us and prevent us from experiencing life openly and freely.”

A lot of researchers and doctors are linking OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder or OCD) and depression with accumulating electronic items. According to the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Foundation, there are several characteristics of a hoarder. Some people acquire too many items and neglect or refuse to get rid of them. Others clutter their living spaces to the point that they can’t be used for the purpose it was bought for.

24% of house fires are reported to have been caused by hoarding, said Dr. Randy Frost. And these figures may not be true for India but the hazard is similar to quite an extent. We hope these facts act as wake-up call. If you think, you are becoming one of the hoarders, holding on to too many things, and start first by selling off your electronic waste and make your home free of electronic junk with ZeroWaste.

ZeroWaste is a game changer when it comes to disposing your old electronic devices irrespective of the fact that it is unused, overused or used. They differ from other selling sites because they give 48 hour home pick up of your device, guaranteed instant sale, true value for your device, instant cash disbursal. You just need to visit www.zerowaste.co.in and calculate your device’s value and order a home pick-up.

Note: This post was originally published in October 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

September 10, 2015

SAGA OF WAR — ZEROWASTE AGAINST E-WASTE MONSTER

In the mystical country named India, the menace of a monster named E-Waste, was rising. Not many knew about this monster which was growing in size everyday.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

This monster was poisoning the air, water and soil of the great land with dangerous chemicals and metals like lead, mercury, barium etc. Stealthily, the poison was killing men, women and children and people suffered with Cancer, DNA mutation, lung diseases and many other ailments.

This monster had army of its minions. These minions were present in almost every home of the country. These minions, the old and unused electronic appliances, which were hiding and waiting to reach landfills and local dismantlers, to spread that monster’s poison.

9th September 2013– The Day which Changed Everything.

Whenever an evil monster kills people of this promise land, a small group of people always rise up to the occasion to fight such menace. These people didn’t have any super power but their strong will and determination to take on against such monsters. History repeated itself again. Few ordinary people came out, forming a clan, named as ZeroWaste, which had a sole aim of defeating this Monster and reward those people who joined, helped or fought along with the Clan.

Like every uprising against destructive forces, destiny gave this clan, a chance to get the support of the wonderful and responsible people of Jaipur. It was just 2 years since they arrived; they got rid of over ten thousand monster’s minions weighing 6 tonnes. They rewarded the great people of Jaipur with their token of Appreciation and Respect. These tokens become the strings of unbreakable bond.

In the raging battle, people of Ajmer, Indore, Lucknow and Chandigarh joined. While this clan was of people with strong will, they never forgot the love and support of the people. Today, it has over 5000 people standing beside to win the war against E-Waste Monster.

Join know more about rewards and the battle: Click here

To send your message of support to ZeroWaste: Click here

To kill a minion of E-Waste Monster (sell your old electronic appliance),

Join the Clan

Note: This post was originally published in September 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

September 5, 2015

Our Customers are Our Teachers

When the Lord Himself is the Teacher,
You are the True Enlightened!
5th September, our tribute to the Teacher & the Lord Krishna on his Birth Day!

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

यद् आदित्य-गतम् तेजो
जगद भासयते ‘खिलम्
यच चन्द्रमासी यच चाग्नू
तत तेजो विद्धि मामकं

The brilliance of the sun,
which disperses the darkness of the world,
the luminosity of the moon,
and the intensity of fire are also from Me.

– Lord Krishna, the Great Teacher!

True Knowledge leads to the path of Growth

Indeed! None can remain untouched from the radiance of true knowledge. For knowledge dispels ignorance and paves way for growth. Growth is what we all seek as life itself manifests as growth. The knowledge leads to growth which in turn leads to a better and evolved life. Thus a student benefits from the teachings and achieves glory in its light. A true student, is the one who diligently gains from all sources around him, imbibes important leanings to overcome obstacles in his / her chosen path.

The Customer is the best Teacher

ZeroWaste in its proclaimed mission is striving to make the world a greener and healthier place. With a clear sight set on mitigating the scourge of E Waste from our lands it has travelled and grown. In the journey as the social enterprise, it has learnt from all around, it has come in contact with. Learnt from the nay Sayers, it has learnt from the competition, it has learnt from the people that work for it; but by far the most important leanings has come from its valued patrons, its customers.

It has learnt and gained immensely from its customers. The customers have shaped the way all its processes today work. Customer’s valuable feedback, insight and suggestions have enabled it to evolve.

Dedicating ZeroWaste to the Customer!

The online electronics evaluation and selling services

Certainly, valuing the customer as its true Teacher, ZeroWaste has been able to come out with unique and innovative solutions which would benefit all. 5th September, marks a special and auspicious occasion when ZeroWaste is proud to unveil and dedicate one of its most important online services, ‘ZeroWaste’ to the true teacher, its customers!

The Remarkable features of ‘ZeroWaste’

‘ZeroWaste’ is an innovative and path breaking online service in as much that it offers the convenience of instant online evaluation; exceptional model / brand based pricing, at your door pick-up and on the spot cash payment facilities. Amazingly the entire transaction that follows, comes with an assured process completion turnaround time of 48 Hrs.

Undeniable it is the best ever offering made to the customers

Instant Appliance Evaluation
Extensive Price Discovery for all electronic brands & conditions
Schedule your own pick up home pickup and
Enables Cash payment at your door step
Easy Order Confirmation & Status Tracking
Transactions Processed in Less than 48 Hrs
Go ahead; we encourage you to make the most of it.

Note: This post was originally published in September 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

August 7, 2015

How to know the Size or Volume of a Washing Machine?

To know the Weight of the Washing Machine, use below steps:

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

Weight is mentioned on the Sticker on Front Side or near Control Knobs on Top.

In case there Sticker is not there or faded then look at Serial Number Label on the Back Side of the Washing Machine.

Serial Number Label on Back Side

Note: This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

August 7, 2015

How to know the Size or Volume of a Refrigerator?

To know the Size/Volume of the refrigerator, use below steps:

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

Volume is mentioned on the Sticker on Front Side of the refrigerator.
Volume is mentioned on the Serial Number Label on Front Side or Back Side of the refrigerator. (Enclosed in Red Border Rectangle.)

In case there is no Sticker or it has faded/removed or volume is not mentioned and there is no Serial Number Label then click How to measure volume of refrigerator?

When using Inches/Foot for measurement:

Open the refrigerator door. Measure the depth of the refrigerator from the front edge of the refrigerator opening to the back wall. Make sure that you measure in feet and not in inches. Note the depth measurement on a piece of paper.
Measure the height and the width of your refrigerator’s opening. Note the two additional measurements on your paper. Multiply the depth, height and width measurements to obtain the refrigerator’s cubic foot measurement.
Take the same measurements from the interior of the freezer. Multiply those measurements together to get the cubic foot size of your freezer.
Add the cubic foot measurement of the refrigerator interior to the cubic foot measurement of the freezer interior.

This gives you the total cubic foot measurement for the refrigerator.

Now, 1 cubic foot = 28.3 litres.

To get volume in liters, multiply volume in cubic foot by 28.3 It will give you the volume of refrigerator in liters or click <
http://www.metric-conversions.org/volume/cubic-feet-to-liters.htm >.

When measuring in centimeters,

Measure inside the Refrigerator.

Example

H (height) = 100 cm = 10 dm.

D(deep) = 50 cm = 5 dm.

W(wide) = 50 cm = 5 dm.

Volume = 10x5x5x1000mm3 = 250000mm3

Divide this volume by 1000 to get volume in liters

250000/1000 = 250 liters

Note: This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

August 5, 2015

OMG! all this is e-waste?

E-waste or electronic waste, therefore, broadly describes loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken, electrical or electronic devices. However, for regulation purposes and for the benefit of recyclers E Waste has been classified in various ways. Categorization also identifies the responsibility for the disposal of the E Waste.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

Historic & Non Historic E Waste — One of the several ways of enlisting E Waste into categories is terming these as Historic & Non Historic.

Historic E Waste are those which came into being before the promulgation of any laws and makes the Owner of the E-waste responsible for its proper recycling. Whereas, Non — Historic E Waste are the ones which were produced after the notification and thus puts the responsibility of its recovery and recycling or disposal on the producers.

In India the people the Government notified the Rules and guidelines in May 2011 to become effective from May 2012.

Main Categories of EEE covered in Indian E-Waste Rules

The categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered under the rules of the E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 in India can be enumerated as under.

IT and telecommunication equipment:

Centralized data processing; Mainframes, Minicomputers; Personal computing; Personal computers (Central processing unit with input and output devices), Laptop computers (Central processing unit with input and output devices), Notebook computers, Notepad computers, Printers including cartridges, Copying equipment, Electrical and electronic typewriters, User terminals and systems, Facsimile, Telex, Telephones, Pay telephones, Cordless telephones, Cellular telephones, Answering systems

Consumer electronics:

Television sets (including sets based on (Liquid Crystal Display and Light Emitting Diode technology), Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Air-Conditioners excluding centralized air conditioning plants.

Categories of EEE covered in European Commission Directive

The European Commission considers E Waste as Historic if placed on the market prior to 2005. The directive places the onus upon the owner of the equipment to make provisions for its recycling. Where equipment was placed on the market after 2005, it is known as non-historic WEEE (denoted by a bar underneath the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol), and it is the responsibility of the producer/distributor to make provisions for its collection and recycling.

In another fashion the WEEE directive sets a total of 10 categories of WEEE for reporting purposes. These 10 categories are based as per voltage rating of 1000 volts for alternating current and 1500 volts for direct current. The EEE has been further classified into ‘components’, ‘sub-assemblies’ and ‘consumables’

Large household appliances
Small household appliances
IT and telecommunications equipment
Consumer equipment
Lighting equipment
Electrical and electronic tools
Toys, leisure and sports equipment
Medical devices
Monitoring and control instruments
Automatic dispensers

Hazardous electronic wastes comprise

Uninterruptable power supplies, lead-acid batteries
Cathode ray tubes (televisions, computer monitors)
Fluorescent tubes, backlights to laptop screens, thin-film transistors
Electrical/electronic equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
Fridges and freezers, due to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), an ozone-depleting substance. As of 2012 revisions to the regulations, all refrigerants are considered Hazardous.

WEEE that is delivered to household waste recycling centres (HWRC), also known as designated collection facilities (DCFs), is collected by or delivered to approved & authorised treatment facilities (AATFs). The waste electrical and electronic equipment is then weighed and categorized in accordance with the directive.

For more information or to join ZeroWaste ‘Buy One, Recycle One Mission get in touch with us at info@getinstacash.in |www.getinstacash.in

Note: This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

July 2, 2015

Digital India needs ways to manage its Digital Waste

Soft Talent to Power Progress: Finally it would dawn on India as a state policy to push digitization of India. It is a long overdue effort considering that for many years India and its soft talent has been reckoned as global power house. Yet the country itself could never leverage its own talent to efficiently manage its affairs.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

Since much of the reason for India excelling in digital domain was largely due to private individual and corporate efforts. Now with the same becoming state sponsored effort this will indeed result in all encompassing transformation of the entire nation to the benefit of its citizen.

Ambitious Project: The 10, 00,000 Million Rupees Digital India Project ambitiously aims at

establishing broadband connectivity in 250,000 villages of India,
promote e-governance,
universal phone connectivity and
make India global leader of IT in services like health, education and banking
transform India into a connected knowledge economy

Digital India is much needed, so is Digital Waste Redressal

The enormity of the project, the ambitious coverage and the wide and deep ramifications it would have through all its nine pillars and especially electronics Manufacturing, Universal Access to devices for ICT would include creation of huge digital infrastructure.

There will be Wi-Fi at schools, universities and public wi-fi hotspots. The Post Offices to be turned into Multi-Service Centres with all gadgetry installed. Manufacturing of FABS, Fab-less design, Set top boxes, VSATs, Mobiles, Consumer & Medical Electronics, Smart Energy meters, Smart cards, micro-ATMs. The aim of the project is to deliver government services to the citizens directly. The government also wants to ensure smart phones in the hand of every citizen by 2019.

The Digital Waste Challenge: The Digital India Project document does inform about the challenges on the implementation of such a large project in terms of unprecedented scale; Human & Financial resource mobilization apart from the intra government coordination. However, it misses out on the fallout of the electronic mess that would be created in the years to come.

E Waste from Electronic Obsolescence: It is a well known fact the obsolescence of Electronics is the quickest. It is not difficult to understand what sort of E Waste would be generated from projects of such proportions and sweeping geographical coverage.

Though there has been a passing reference on the linking of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but that too to create awareness and support for the ongoing governmental activities for participation and disposal of municipal waste.

We certainly hope the authorities would take into account the e waste challenge that fall out of digitalizing India. It needs to be highlighted and understood before the problem just stomp us in the face with our efforts falling short. That would be one of the grave failures of such a glorious project. A comprehensive view is much warranted for Digitizing India.

Note: This post was originally published in July 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

June 26, 2015

Who plays with your old e-toys?

WHO had raised several concerns regarding children health and injuries through e-waste. A recent study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), revealed that over 35,000 to 45,000 child labourers aged between 10–14 works around the e-waste areas, and faces several injuries and deaths while dismantling the e-waste. There is a strong force from the chamber for effective legislation in preventing the poor children from such working areas. We are exhibiting a techno-aligned life and in doing so we are consciously or unconsciously impacting various other lives with an add-on evil for nature.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

The hideous profile of India

Delhi, itself produces roughly around 50,000 metric tons of e-waste. With a GDP growth of 7.5 percent, and a population of 125cr, India ranks high in terms of e-waste generation.
The ASSOCHAM report highlights that as many as 8,500 mobile phones, 5,500 TVs and 3,000 personal computers are dismantled in the capital city, Delhi every day for reuse of their component parts and materials.
The figure is booming with the advent of technology and new launches. Delhi has emerged as the main hub of e-waste recycling in the country with the e-waste from Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities reaching in there.

Their Health, Our Concern

The mounds of junk or e-waste has created as a great source for poor children to satiate their playful self by these e-gadgets which is a waste for riches but the only joyous element for them. The e-waste has certain toxic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium which harms the health as well as injures the children. The dumping zone or the trash is accumulated in an open ground where they reach with their families to become prey of these fancy waste products. The exposure to these harmful by-products can lead to nausea, irritability, vomiting and several other ailments to a healthy person, then till what extent it can affect children?

Where are we heading?

The implementation of strong legislation for proper recycling and organized dumping is quite essential at this point of time. It apparently needs awareness and an eye-opener for those who dispose their old goods unethically. Children have a right to education, smile, play, joy, everything. They need to be protected from this misfortune. In this battle, one of the biggest wildcards can only be human behavior. If people are not convinced to participate in this race, even the best designed system will collapse. Therefore, we as humans need to practice our duties and establish a rigid structure of organized discarding.

Note: This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

June 19, 2015

Exterminate E-Waste before it Exterminates Us

Simple, innocent and very useful are the working electronics and electronics in our lives. Past their useful lives these are horrendous monsters. Discarded at home and work place these start disintegrating and become ready source of harmful and hazardous substances. Fatal to our health and extremely poisonous to our environment these need to be disposed from our lives and surroundings.

“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”

E Waste Toxic that affects health and environment when dumped

E-Wastes contain Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and flame retardants that cause multiple toxic Problems. If not properly handled these leach into our natural water reservoirs and rivers. Untreated water finds a way back into our farms, forests and foods. Some of these are very fatal and once released into the environment contaminate all our surroundings with far reaching harmful for generations to come

E — Waste & their Toxic Compounds
For easy reference, listed under are the commonly found E — Waste in our lives and the toxic elements / compounds or the product they effuse at the end of their life cycle:

E — Waste Form

Element / Compound

(in alphabetical order)

Harmful Effects

Medical equipment, Fire detectors, active sensing element in smoke detectors

Americium

Once in the body, americium-241 tends to concentrate in the bone, liver, and muscle. It can stay in the body for decades and continue to expose the surrounding tissues to radiation, and increase your risk of developing cancer. Released in the environment contaminates air, soil and waters.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes)

Arsenic (Gallium Arsenide)

Extreme exposure to Arsenic can lead to Skin diseases, reduced nerve conduction and Lung Cancer.CRT, Spark Plugs, Fluorescent Lamps

Barium

Can lead to Brain Swelling, Muscle atrophy, Damage to heart, liver & spleen,Power Supply Boxes & X Ray Lenses

Beryllium

Inhalation of beryllium dust, fumes or mist can cause, Lung Cancer & Berillycosis.Skin exposed to beryllium can lead to poor wound healing and wart-like bumps.Fire retardants for Plastics, Printed Circuit Boards and CasingsBrominated Fire Retardants — Tetrabromo-Bisphenol-A, Polybrominated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Diphenyl EthersBurning these materials release dioxins & other toxins which lead to Severe Hormonal DisorderRechargeable NiCd-batteries, Fluorescent layer (CRT screens), Printer inks and toners, Photocopying-machines (printer drums)

Cadmium

Cadmium is taken into our bodies through Respiration & Food. It has strong tendency to accumulate in our bodies and environment. It leads to severe damage of Kidneys & Lungs. Causes flu like symptoms, weakness, fever, headaches, muscular pain, Pulmonary Emphysema & Bone Disease.Cooling Units, Insulation Foams

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

When released into the atmosphere, they accumulate in the stratosphere and have a deleterious effect on the ozone layer. This results in increased incidence of Skin Cancer in Humans and in Genetic Damage in many organisms.Data Tapes, Floppy Disks

Chromium

Cellular changes & DNA damage. Harmful to eyes, skin & mucous membraneLead-acid batteries, Electronic Components, Cable Sheathing, CRT Glass & Solders

Lead

Appetite loss, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Irritability and headache. Kidney Damage, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Convulsions, Coma or even Death. Amongst young children it can damage nervous connections and cause blood and brain disorders.Batteries, some switches and thermostats, and fluorescent lamps

Mercury

Bio-accumulates causing brain and liver damage if ingested or inhaledDielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers, Heat transfer fluids and as additives in adhesives and plastics.

Poly Chlorinated Bi Phenyls

Serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. PCBs are persistent contaminants in the environment.Cable insulation

Poly Vinyl Chloride

When burnt produces large quantities of hydrogen chloride gas, which combines with water to form hydrochloric acid and is dangerous because when inhaled, leads to respiratory problems.Older photocopying-machines (photo drums)

Selenium

Selenosis causing hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological abnormalities (such as numbness and other odd sensations in the extremities).Interior of CRT screens, mixed with rare earth metals. Dry Cell Batteries

Zinc Sulphide

Exposure to large amounts of zinc can be harmful. It can cause stomach cramps, anemia, and changes in cholesterol levels.

ZeroWaste as an authorized E Waste Management Company collects the discarded electronic & electrical equipments through its Smart Exchange™ & Collection Stores. You may contact us to get your e waste picked and receive instant cash payment.

info@getinstacash.in | www.getinstacash.in

Note: This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.