Manufacturing processors consumes a lot of silicon, which also happens to be a prime material in solar cells. IBM has come up with a solution to reclaim wasted silicon using water and an abrasive pad. The idea is pretty neat and lends some insight into the chip making process, especially the measures they take to safeguard their IP:

...Often, however, recyclers use acidic chemicals to erase the circuitry from wafers. IBM had been sandblasting its wafers to be sure no trade secrets on the wafers got out.

Now IBM engineers have developed a process for removing the circuitry with an abrasive pad and water, which saves money and leaves the silicon in better shape for reuse. IBM, which makes chips for server computers, video game consoles and other electronics, has been using the process at its chip facility in Essex Junction, Vt., and plans to do so at its plant in East Fishkill, N.Y.

Being able to get more "monitors" (test wafers) in this manner lifts a little of the supply constraints the solar industry is experiencing and saves IBM $1.5 million a year. True, not a huge amount for IBM but it's a more efficient use of resources all-around.

A win-win!