TerraCycle Turns Circuit Boards and Records Into Cool Coasters, Picture Frames and Clocks

Innovative, New Jersey-based recycled products company TerraCycle has launched a new line of funky items, "upcycled" from e-waste and old vinyl records (remember those? I have lots of 'em I still enjoy, so hands off those guys). These join TerraCycle's other offerings of plant fertilizer, cleaning products, flower pots, messenger bags, pens and other items, made entirely from recycled materials (including the packaging).

I love TerraCycle's recycled circuit board coasters, since I'm a geek, and I like technology as much as the next Star Trek TNG fan. When I brought a few home the other day, my roommate (who is also a little geeky but also hot and a musician) went wild over them, since she too spends too much time on her laptop. The coasters rock a stripped-down, technophile look that I think can go with almost any décor (Ironic on Queen Anne finery! Just right on modern minimalist! Hip on ordinary cluttered!).

The circuit board coasters have a smooth coating, and the small rubber rings around the edges give them a great grip on the table, so they don't slide around or knock drinks over easily (bonus!). They're especially great for gaming nights, Anime marathons or other geek-friendly endeavors.

The coasters are a fun way to make a smell dent in our e-waste, which according to the EPA hit 2.6 million tons a year in America in 2005. (We already know most e-waste doesn't get recycled yet, sadly, to the tune of only about 12%.)

The coasters come in 4 packs for $12.99. TerraCycle also makes coasters from the center label of old recycled vinyl records. The company also fashions funky clocks from 6-inch recycled circuit boards or 45 and 33 RPM vinyl records. These make good gifts for music lovers and those with 50s or 60s nostalgia.

Speaking of nostalgia, TerraCycle also makes picture frames out of circuit boards or records, to hold 4"x6" or 4"x4" photos. It's like a digital (or analog) statement on new digital photo frame players. Groovy!

Just be careful if you get a clock or coaster with a certain song: