I'm not a turn & burn type.

I believe my life has a purpose, with ups and downs. Successes depends on how it is measured and by who. Achievements just don't happen, meaningful achievement happens by taking measured steps, filled in with education and hard work.

When I do something, I try to the best I can. I then build on that, doing better the next time and this requires commitment. This is where one needs to educate themselves and that isn't always at the "school house".

Lately I have intensified my efforts to learn more about E-waste. I like to know as much as I can about anything I do. What is it I'm selling? Who is buying it? Is it worth it?

I'm sure I'm not the only one with questions (I hope not). I have answered many of my own questions and many of you have helped in that as well (thank you). My desire to learn more about E-waste, always seems to lead to just more questions (true with anything). I want to know the process of how a circuit board is refined. I know there are "hobby" type refiners and that is good, but not really for me. There are small commercial refiners, that are specific type refiners, specializing in a market sector (tantalum is a good example of that). The "big boys" are few in numbers and from what I can learn, not American companies.

Maybe you can help me with a few questions and we will all learn something. Does anybody know of a large American circuit board refiner? Why is it, that two of the largest buyers of circuit boards located in Ohio, same city and only blocks apart? What on the circuit boards do the "big boys" refine (plastic and copper is highest percentage)? What are they not refining (I think the tantalum is burned off)?

Look forward to this discussion and thanks.