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Responsible I.T. Waste Recycling

by Santhy Chandran

Greening Our Tech: Responsible IT Waste Recycling

Technology powers our daily lives, from workspaces to homes. But what happens when our devices reach the end of their life cycle? The answer lies in responsible IT waste recycling—a crucial step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The Growing Challenge of E-Waste

Electronic waste (or e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. By recycling IT waste responsibly, we not only protect our planet but also recover valuable materials like metals and plastics for reuse. The following can be qualified as IT waste

• Outdated laptops and desktop computers
• Monitors, keyboards, and mice
• Chargers, power cords, and cables
• Mobile phones and accessories
• Printers and other office tech
• Batteries (please tape the ends before disposal)

Digital waste management is becoming increasingly crucial in our tech-driven world. As more people rely on digital devices and services, the generation of digital waste—such as obsolete hardware, outdated software, and redundant data—has grown significantly. Here are some key reasons why managing digital waste is important:

1. Environmental Impact

• Toxic Components: Improper disposal of e-waste can release harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment.
• Energy Consumption/Drain: Data centers, cloud computing, and servers consume a huge amount of energy. If not properly managed, the energy footprint of maintaining obsolete or underused digital infrastructure adds to carbon emissions.

2. Data Privacy & Security

• If not properly deleted or archived, this data can become a potential security risk. Improper disposal of data might expose sensitive information, leading to identity theft, data breaches, or even corporate espionage.

3. Economic Efficiency

• Storing obsolete data or running outdated systems incurs costs in energy, maintenance, and storage.
• Streamlining digital infrastructure saves money and boosts operational performance.

4. Improved System Performance

• Cluttered digital environments slow down operations. Removing unused files, programs, and outdated software enhances speed and usability.

5. Sustainability Goals

• With increasing focus on sustainability, digital waste management supports efforts to reduce the overall environmental footprint of businesses and individuals.
• Organizations that practice responsible disposal and recycling of old hardware or data centers are more likely to be seen as eco-friendly and socially responsible.

6. Health and Safety

• Some devices contain hazardous materials. Improper handling during disposal can pose risks to workers and the environment.
• Physical clutter from old tech can also create safety issues in the workplace.

In summary, digital waste management is an essential practice for reducing environmental impact, ensuring security, improving efficiency, and maintaining legal and ethical standards in today’s digital world.

New Life for Old Tech

by Carlo Cannavale

Years ago, I visited the workshop of a local machinist who fabricated metal parts. While waiting to pick up an order for the lighting company I was working for, I noticed something remarkable in the corner: an old Macintosh Classic from 1985, still running and clearly in use. As an enthusiast of vintage technology, I had to ask the owner about it. I was astonished to learn that this ancient machine ran specialized software for a giant piece of machinery. That was its sole purpose, and it had done the job flawlessly for what was, at that point, nearly 25 years.

Think about how long our personal technology typically lasts. We spend thousands on our devices, yet we're lucky to get a few years of use before software updates (or a lack of them) slow them down, make them less secure, and eventually render them obsolete. Most people don't even wait for their devices to become obsolete, as the desire for the latest and greatest new tech is often too great. But what happens to the tech that still has some life left in it? What about the gadgets seemingly left behind by newer offerings? You might think your only options are to sell them or let them gather dust in a closet. However, there are a few creative ways to give your old devices a second chance.

Personal Music Player

With the iPod long gone, old smartphones can become a perfect replacement. You can easily turn any older iPhone or Android into a makeshift "iPod." You can load your favorite streaming apps like Spotify or Pandora and even add your personal digital music collection. Since this device would be dedicated solely to music, you won't have to worry about calls or text messages interrupting your listening. And unlike a vintage iPod, you'll be able to connect it to modern Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

Universal TV Remote

Nearly every smart TV has a control app that works over Wi-Fi. Simply download the apps for all your TVs onto your old device. The next time a remote disappears into the black hole of your couch cushions, you'll have a convenient backup on hand to keep your binge-watching marathon going.

Kid-Friendly Entertainment

Smartphones and tablets are a part of our daily lives, and kids are naturally curious about them. Instead of handing over your expensive phone, repurpose an older tablet or smartphone for their use. You can load it with educational apps, games, and age-appropriate streaming media. By using parental controls, you can restrict access to anything you deem inappropriate, all while sparing your expensive, shiny new device from the wear and tear a child will likely put on it.

Before you toss that old gadget or let it become a dust collector, take a moment to consider its potential. As you've seen, a device that feels outdated for your daily life could be the perfect solution for a specific need, whether it's for music, home convenience, or family entertainment. Giving old tech a new purpose is not only a fun project but also a smart way to get more value from your purchases while reducing electronic waste.

Employee Spotlight: Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson joined the Infrastructure and Information Security team within IT just over a year ago as College of the Canyons’ Telecommunications Technician. His addition to the team could not have come at a better time, as the district is in the process of moving our phone infrastructure to a VoIP solution. Chris brings with him many years of technology, network, and phone support experience, and has quickly become instrumental in providing touch-point phone support, leading our new physical phone distribution, deployment, and soon configuration. We are grateful for Chris’s contributions in strengthening our telecom operations to support both administrative and instructional programs.

Chris is originally from Tennessee and relocated to California in January 2000. He is also the proud father of a daughter who is currently a freshman at Santa Monica College, where she plays soccer. As the oldest of three kids, Chris was active in baseball, basketball, and football, and enjoyed weekly fishing trips with his family. In the early ’90s, you could even find him performing with a singing and dance group he co-founded, inspired by acts like Boyz II Men and Jodeci. His creative path also included modeling and TV commercials before his career pivoted into technology. 

Once in California, Chris pursued higher education at AIU (American Intercontinental University), where he earned both a Bachelor’s in Information Technology (BIT) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning, he completed a Cybersecurity Certificate program with UCLA in 2022. Chris’s unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and dedication to growth makes him a valued member of our team.

Standard Classroom Technology

by Justin Smith

We’ve had a long run! Our current projector solution in the typical classroom has been in play for over 5 years.  With over 250 classrooms and conference rooms on both the Valencia Campus and Canyon Country Campus, you should find some flavor of this setup in each room.  Read along to take a deeper dive into the technology in our classrooms!

Use Cases:

• Project a YouTube video.
• Project a book you checked out from the library.
• Project your iPad screen to a room of students.
• Play some music.
• Display a survey while capturing data from mobile devices.
• Display course material from a publisher’s website.
• Share a student’s computer screen with the rest of the class.
• Watch a virtual lecture.
• Display a digital interactive whiteboard and collaborate simultaneously.
• Webcast your lecture to a student who can’t make it to campus.
• Record a lecture and upload it to Canvas.
• Plug a unique laptop in to project specialized software and share it with your students.
• Present a PowerPoint slideshow.

Standard Equipment:

• Dell micro Computer (w/ High-Speed Internet, and a DVD drive)
• Dell Monitor (with adjustable arm)
• Epson Projector (wall mounted, or center ceiling mounted)
  1. 8’ ceiling mounted drop-down screen
• Document Camera
• Ceiling Speakers
• HDMI cable (for a Laptop or Tablet, and a USC-to HDMI adaptor)
• Crestron Transmitter and Receiver
• PowerPoint Clicker
• Web-Cam
• Wi-Fi

Standard Software:

• Windows or Apple OS
• X-Panel (Projector Controller)
• Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Zoom Workplace (Video Conf, Team Chat, White-Board, Virtual Phone, Screen-Sharing)
• Internet Browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Emergency Notification Alert Solution
• Inventory Management Solution
• Printer queue(s)
• Mirrored Displays (Extended option)

Now that you know what is included in the system, let’s review how to turn on a projector.

Step 1)     Power on the computer, and the monitor.

Step 2)     Open the X-Panel software, using the desktop icon. Power ON the projection system.

Step 3)     Using the same X-Panel software, select a source to display on the projector.

1. Computer
2. Laptop
3. Doc-Cam

The above steps will work on a perfectly harmonious room. Open a PowerPoint, turn on the wireless PPT clicker, and present away! Walk around a bit, get some steps in!

What can you do if the computer will not turn on?

What can you do if the software is not controlling the projector?

Don’t fret, there is a work-around. The unit that sends the signal to the projector is generally still working. The unit sending the signal to the projector is called a Crestron Transmitter.

Let’s pretend you have your own laptop and you just want to get through your day with your laptop instead:

Step 0)     Take a deep breath! No worries! Pressing these buttons won’t hurt anything!

Step 1)     Power the projector ON manually. (press the blue power button ON the projector, or use an Epson remote to turn it on)

Step 2)     Plug your laptop or tablet into the HDMI cable on the instructor desk.

Step 3)     Locate the Crestron Transmitter that is mounted UNDER the instructor desk (look under the desk, and then UP)

                    In the more modern rooms, it’s sitting in the equipment rack next to the computer.

                    Look for a few green or amber status lights.

Step 4)     Press the AUTO button on the front of that Crestron Transmitter. You may need to press it a couple times for it to find your laptop.

If you need further training or support with a classroom’s technology, please submit a ticket with our helpdesk.

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Thank you for reading!

This article is published by Computer Support Services,

a division of Intormation Technology,

at College of the Canyons

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