Landfill sites have become a global problem - damaging the environment and natural ecosystems, as well as affecting biodiversity, waterways, local habitats, and even our own health and wellbeing.
One of the growing issues contributing towards this global problem is the rise in e-waste; with computers, smartphones, and other tech devices being discarded and subsequently sent to these landfill sites. Once in situ, the devices break down over time and release toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment causing extensive pollution which is very damaging.
The state of our natural world has become headline news in the corporate world, leading to the establishment of corporate social responsibility for businesses of all sizes. Culminating in a series of goals which businesses are encouraged to meet in order to demonstrate their commitment to the sustainable and social standing of our world today, CSR is something which companies are taking very seriously.
Computer recycling is one of the best and most effective ways of harnessing CSR in action – and here’s why.
Why does CSR matter in the business world?
CSR is what tells stakeholders, customers, clients, and business peers that a company is committed to mitigating and reversing their negative impact on the planet via a number of core areas. The main CSR touchpoints for a modern business include environmental, philanthropic, and social goals – encouraging businesses to think about ways of reversing the impact of company operations on the natural world as well as on people and society.
CSR is becoming an increasingly important part of the customer journey and is something that customers from all walks of life want to see from businesses they are loyal to.
There are an increasing number of fines associated with companies that have high carbon outputs and an expansive global footprint that make no moves to reverse or counterbalance their negative activity.
All of this culminates in a growing need for CSR actions that businesses can take to reverse their environmental footprint while boosting their philanthropic and social activity. What better way to do this than by donating computers and devices that are no longer used within the business?
How does computer recycling contribute to a business’s CSR goals?
When a company donates computers to a computer recycling facility, the first and most obvious benefit is that the device is saved from landfill. This has an immediately positive effect on the businesses environmental goals – and that’s before the device is processed and refurbished.
During the processing, the device is wiped of all data – both personal and linked with the business, thus preserving the privacy of customers and employees alike. The device is then refurbished, giving it a new lease of life before it is donated.
This is where the social and philanthropic benefits come in, with computer donation creating a direct link between the donor company and the project or community that their donation supports. Comprehensive impact reports enable this donation to be recognised, tracked, and worked into the CSR summary for the company that year.
The benefits of recycling unwanted computers
The benefits of recycling unwanted computers are much bigger than simply the connection between said donations and the companies behind them.
When computers are donated, they are saved from landfill -alleviating the pressure on the natural landscape. On top of this, recycling computers releases some of the demand for brand new devices.
Finally, the programs and communities that we work with wouldn’t be able to access the resources and opportunities now available to them, without donated and recycled computers. In order to continue bridging the digital divide and bringing the internet to people all over the world for enhanced personal development and opportunity, we need companies and corporate partners to keep recycling their computers.
If you and your company would like to support Computer Aid, please get in touch with us today!