How to Recycle Your Business’s E-Waste

But what happens to the electronics you aren’t correctly disposing of? Learn about what these products can do to the environment and how you can help make a change.

What is e-waste?

E-waste is commonly defined as computers, monitors, cell phones, tablets, servers and printers. However, this definition can be as broad as anything with a plug and electronic components. Therefore, we can add more office equipment and household appliances to the list. Essentially, it’s any kind of technological device you’re looking to get rid of.

The UN reports humans create 50 million tons of e-waste every year and only around 20% of that amount gets recycled. The other 80% is dumped into landfills or taken apart by hand, exposing workers to harmful chemicals. Up to 7% of the world’s gold supply may be present in these discarded electronics. The value of global e-waste is around $63 billion dollars, showing how much we lose without proper recycling.

How does e-waste affect businesses and the environment?

E-waste presents a detriment for businesses. With frivolous purchasing, business professionals lose out on the value of their current technology.

Beyond financial losses, the mishandling of e-waste has significant negative impacts on the environment. When these products are improperly recycled, they can release toxic chemicals into the air that affect the atmosphere and the workers breathing them in. This can go on to affect water quality and soil, infiltrating crops and killing wildlife.

On top of the danger to the environment, e-waste is proving harmful to human health. The largest e-waste recycling sites report high instances of respiratory, digestive, bone and neurological issues. The consequences of burning this waste also include exposure to lead and fine particles, leading to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Around 85% of Americans have no idea what e-waste does to the environment, and only 25% recycle their electronics. So how can you help make these numbers higher?

4 ways you can help the current e-waste problem

The problem of e-waste in business environments has solutions, and they start with how you make decisions for your business.

1. Think about how you buy

If you like to implement the latest technology into your workplace as soon as it comes out, stop and think before you make your next purchase. Do you really need to buy a bunch of new computers just because they’re new? The answer is most likely no. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and protect the environment from unnecessary waste by sticking with what you have.

Additionally, look at how much technology you’re discarding on average. Are there any amounts you can reduce? Why might you be getting rid of electronics so quickly? When purchasing, try to do some digging on which models need fewer repairs or which ones have the longest lifespan. Though you might think you’re spending more money upfront, you’ll really be saving in the long run.

2. Recycle your electronics when necessary

Sometimes a piece of technology truly is at the end of its life, no matter how many refurbishes it receives. In that instance, find out how to dispose of it properly. In the United States, 25 states and the District of Columbia have legislation on e-waste recycling programs. If you’re operating in one of these states, research the best practices for recycling your used electronics.

The EPA also recommends finding recyclers certified by e-Stewards and R2. These programs address sustainable ways recycling companies can break down and reuse technology. If your business is looking to recycle its electronics, use the EPA website to find certified recyclers.

3. Make small adjustments

Perhaps an electronic item you use might be getting a little too old. Instead of replacing the whole thing, research what upgrades you can make to the device itself and whether these would meet your needs. See if your IT department can determine if a product really does need replacing or if it just requires a new part. These more minor changes can help old products run like new.

If you’re looking to save on replacement costs as well, see if anyone in your IT department knows how to perform the upgrades, or search for tutorials from experts who know how these parts work.

4. Donate or sell old technology

If your equipment is still functional, consider donating it to a charity or a school. There are many places accepting computer donations, either giving them to those in need or selling non-functioning items for parts. Senior centers, disaster relief agencies and shelters are also often looking for assistance. When your equipment is still running but you’d really like to make a big upgrade, find organizations who give your technology to the people it could help.

If you’re interested in making some profit to put towards your new electronics, think about selling them yourself. Chances are, someone will be interested in buying it for use or just for spare parts. However, when considering either of these options, make sure your IT team has wiped them of all information.

Recycle your business’s e-waste to help the planet

Proper e-waste recycling does more than benefit your business — it also affects the environment and world around you. Whether you’re donating your old technology or finding a certified recycler, you’re making the earth a better place by being mindful of your business technology.