The use of electronic devices has substantially grown in recent years, revolutionizing ways of communication, accessing information as well as entertainment. Americans own almost 24 electronic products per household, while the annual electronic sales in the U.S. is exceeding $206 million.
There are several reasons why businesses need to embrace e-recycling and take their e-waste recycling efforts seriously.
Maintaining Brand Reputation
Improper e-waste disposal can cause reputational damage to a brand. If an unreliable recycler dumps company-owned equipment, it may lead to a data breach that can cause distrust among clients and consumers. Environmentally, when the equipment is improperly disposed of and tracked back to a business, it demonstrates that the company is contributing to the problem of global e-waste dumping.
- Data Security
Most electronic equipment produced today is composed of different materials and components and stores some level of data. When they're disposed of, businesses need to consider the data stored on these devices and how these materials can be reused.
Studies reveal that there were 945 data breaches in 2018 that disrupted approximately 4.5 billion data records. When encountering a data breach, companies end up dealing with financial damage that increased more than 6% in 2020, costing an average of $3.86 million per breach.
- Environmental Liability
In addition to data security, environmental liability can also damage a business if the equipment is dumped illegally. As a result, the company can be held liable for the e-waste dumping and suffer the consequences. Ensuring that all IT assets and electrical waste are managed responsibly exhibits the company's commitment.
Safe E-Recycling Maximizes Recovery Value
E-recycling doesn't always mean end-of-life processing. The best way to sustain the life cycle of devices is to reuse parts and units until they can't function any longer. Resale and reuse of equipment are not only sustainable but also maximize the value of a device, making it an additional revenue stream for companies.
If you don’t have an asset recovery strategy, consider reselling items through retail channels and wholesale or redeploy the devices back into your business. Remember that the parts and components of these devices can be reused. Recyclers incorporating a recycling suite of services can help businesses maximize the return for clients.
E-Recycling Improves Workplace
A sustainable e-waste plan will make your employees feel more confident about keeping the workspace clear of old computer devices. They will know what to do when the old electronic devices containing data need to be replaced or destroyed. In addition, a workplace plan reduces the likelihood of data breaches as every employee knows how to secure hard drives until the e-waste company can shred them.
The Need for E-Recycling
The rapid increase in electronic purchases has developed the need for proper management. According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, approximately 2.4 million tons of electronics were disposed of in 2009, increasing over 120 percent from 1999. 25% of this amount was collected for recycling while the rest was taken to the landfills and incinerators. These electronic products most commonly include cellphones, copiers, printers, televisions, computers, and stereos.
Though the used electronics make up a small percentage of the overall waste, their disposal is a source of concern for various reasons. Manufacturing electronic devices require a significant amount of resources like glass, metal, and plastic that can be recovered through cycling.
The production of a desktop computer, for example, consumes at least 530 pounds of fossil fuels, 1.5 tons of water, and 48 pounds of other chemicals. Cellphones are also composed of precious metals such as palladium, copper, silver.
Moreover, recovering these materials through recycling uses the energy needed to mine new metals. The presence of hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and nickel in many electronics makes safe disposal particularly important. That’s because these metals pose potential risks to human health and the environment if handled inappropriately.
Options to Recycle and Donate Electronics
Considering the importance of safe e-recycling, many manufacturers and retailers sponsor recycling events or offer return programs. The District of Columbia and 25 other states have ratified legislation, establishing a statewide e-waste disposal program.
The legislation follows two basic models of e-recycling. The extended producer responsibility model is used in 24 states where the manufacturer is responsible for paying, collecting and recycling the products.
The second type of program, the advanced recycling fee model, ensures that consumers pay retailers a $6 to $10 fee when purchasing. The amount is deposited into a statewide recycling fund. This method was adopted in California in 2003, and it was the first state to establish an e-waste recycling program.
At Valley Relocation, their professionals can help you deal with your commercial e-waste by providing disposal services. They ensure to make your moving plan as smooth and hassle-free as possible. They believe in donating items that can be reused rather than sending them to a landfill. Their recycling and donating expertise allows businesses to reduce their electronic equipment waste.
In addition to providing e-waste disposal services, they also provide commercial and residential moving services in San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose. Their professional movers assess the client’s needs through a free site survey. They’re a full-service moving company that offers a wide range of relocation services to make moving convenient, safer, and easier. They also deal in restaurant relocation and medical facilities relocation at cost-effective rates. Their experts will ensure post-office cleanup with their carpet cleaning and light maintenance services.
To learn more about their MAC facility services, facility support services, contact them today via their website.
About the Author
The author is a commercial mover at Valley Relocation who specializes in disposing of e-waste produced by organizations. He ensures that the company-owned equipment is carefully taken care of while ensuring data security. He also supervises the donation of reusable electronic products that can be used by charities and other non-profit organizations.
