We all know that we should be doing more recycling and taking the necessary steps to reduce our waste and carbon footprint, both at home and in the workplace. An increasing number of businesses are becoming paperless, while others have begun tracking and sharing their ESG goals as part of their commitment to environmental, social, and governance goals.
One area which is rife with myths and a series of confusing dos and don’ts is the industry around electronic waste disposal and recycling. Is it better to take electronic waste and unused devices to a local recycling centre, or should businesses retain unused devices and store them to avoid them being sent to landfills?
In this blog, we’re sharing some of the most common and important dos and don’ts of electronic recycling, so that you know exactly what to do the next time your business upgrades its technology, leaving you with unused devices.
Do… look into the different recycling options available to businesses
The best thing that you can do for your business is to spend a little time exploring and researching the recycling options available to you – as not only can the right option give devices a new life, but it can also help your business to achieve other ESG goals.
Alongside traditional recycling, working with an organisation like Computer Aid can see your devices wiped of all data, refurbished, and then donated to those in need – whether that is local communities or overseas!
Do… choose a recycling partner that supports your business goals
With so many different recycling options available to businesses, how do you know which one is right for you?
We recommend bridging the convenience of a local recycling centre with the added benefits of donating your devices to an organisation that supports global charities – providing reports and details on how your tech equipment has helped communities all over the world.
Bridging the digital divide is a cause that an increasing number of businesses are showing an interest in, but in order to make a tangible and sustainable difference we need even more businesses to choose to recycle through an organisation like Computer Aid.
The benefits of donating tech and devices to a charitable organisation
When you donate your devices, laptops, and computers to an organisation like Computer Aid, you will benefit from regular impact reporting, a convenient recycling solution, and the knowledge that you are meeting your environmental and social goals.
Here at Computer Aid, every device sent to us is assessed and refurbished – with those devices which are unsuitable for reuse disposed of safely and efficiently. Those which can be reused are wiped of all data and refurbished, restoring them to full use before they are distributed, both in the UK and overseas.
For businesses and corporate companies that support this mission, regular reports provide real-time updates as to the impact of their donation.
Don’t… throw electronic waste away
As part of our work to reverse the environmental impact of electronic waste and bridge the digital divide, we believe it’s important to understand the devastating impact that discarded waste has on landfill sites and the surrounding environment.
When technology devices are thrown away, they gradually break down and leak chemicals and harmful toxins into the surrounding environment. This has a detrimental impact on habitats, leaking into waterways and making its way into the food chain – ultimately finding its way back to us through food and water systems.
Throwing electronic waste away means it is sent to these landfill sites – harming our planet and underlining the intensely wasteful attitude which only serves to widen the digital divide.
Don’t… be afraid to ask for advice from your local organisation or recycling centre
If you’re unsure what to do with technology which is no longer being used by your company, then don’t be afraid to reach out to organisations like Computer Aid directly to find out the best course of action.
Our team is here to discuss the different options available, whether it’s collecting devices directly from your office or accepting a donation to directly fund other areas of our work with communities in need of technological support.
For more information on recycling your computers through Computer Aid and making a difference while also supporting the ESG goals of your business, get in touch with our team directly.