Hey everyone, a quick note that I have received a press release from Earth911.com and I am happy to report that they have a new mobile iPhone application called “iRecycle“!  The application allows you to pretty much do everything that you can do on their website search engine with some added features.  Check it out!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2009

iPhone App Makes Local Recycling Easy and Convenient

When it comes to recycling and properly disposing of your trash, knowing is half the battle. The other half is actually getting your stuff to where it needs to go – whether it’s in a curbside collection program, a retail drop-off point or a hazardous waste event. With iRecycle, a new iPhone app from Earth911.com, you’re equipped for all stages of reducing your waste: knowing what you can recycle and where you can take it in your neighborhood.

Compatible with both iPhone and iTouch, iRecycle brings you Earth911.com’s national, comprehensive database of over 100,000 recycling and proper disposal locations for over 200 products at the touch of a button. Whether you need to recycle motor oil and CFLs in San Francisco or rechargeable batteries and paint in Washington, DC, iRecycle can connect you with real, local options.

Simply start typing what you’ve got, select your location and get instant access to the nearest recycling and proper disposal spots near you:

• Auto-complete makes searches quick and effective
• Get directions to the nearest site from your current location
• Find additional information like hours of operation, other materials accepted (maybe you can recycle all those plastic bags from under your kitchen sink), their Web site, etc.
• Check your search history to replay old search results –also functions on iTouch when an Internet connection is not available
• Call locations directly from search results if you need more information

Wherever you are, iRecycle keeps you connected to your green efforts. Even when you’re travelling or in a new city, you’ll never be without the knowledge of where to take your electronics, water bottles, car batteries, tires, eyeglasses… well, you get the point.

At Earth911.com, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to make recycling easy. With iRecycle, you can use your powers for good – not waste. 

As we continue through Woodworkers Safety Week, many resources that were previously unknown to me have surfaced.  A new one, is Earth 911.com.  This was brought to my attention by The Woodwhisperer Woodworking Video podcast, Episode 88 - Safety Q&A.  (Before I forget, keep voting for Marc in the BHG contest.   He’s still in second place and hanging strong, so don’t stop voting now!)

Anyway, Earth911 is a search engine you can use to find locations for hazardous materials disposal.  As a woodworker, you could use this to dispose of old, or dirty varnish, or any other material so it doesn’t end up in the landfill.  If you are a DiY tinkerer like I am, the search engine is of GREAT use.  One thing that comes to mind is circuit board disposal (Or any E-Waste) where they can recycle the silver and gold, but also reclaim the lead.  If you don’t know my stance on this issue, you should read this article from last year.

The absolute first thing that I used this site for was car battery disposal.  I have been accumulating these in the garage for some reason…mainly because I didn’t know of a safe way to dispose of them.  Lo and behold, the search engine turned up an unexpected result: Wal Mart.  I was a little skeptical, so I called to verify, and sure enough, they do take car batteries to recycle!

I’m gonna use this website a LOT, and I invite you to do the same.

Hello faithful readers.  In conjunction with woodworkers safety week, I am happy to present to you with an article I have been working on, and some of you have seen in rough form.  Many of us think about woodworkers safety as using the correct guards on our saws, using pushblocks when we cut or join, or using respirators when we sand.  One thing that is often overlooked is maintaining aging tools, whether they be ours, or bought second hand.  This is just as important as safety equipment itself.  A poorly maintained tool is an unsafe tool.
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Hey Everyone,

This might be considered spam for some of my non woodworking readers, so please bear with me…I’m trying to help some one out who is deserving.

For those of you who don’t know, Marc Spagnuolo, The Wood Whisperer, has entered into the Better Homes and Gardens 48 Hour Challenge.  Please vote for him!  Registration is required and free.

NOTE:  Be sure it is Marc’s Ultimate BBQ cart you are voting for!  Voting started May 1st and you can vote once per day until June 12th.  Let’s help this guy out and give back some thanks for all he has done for us.

Link: BHG 48 Hour Challenge Voting

Thanks in advance!