With companies and organisations around the world putting more emphasis than ever on their ESG initiatives, here at Computer Aid we thought it was high time we addressed the connection between these environmental, social, and governance commitments and the rising problem of e-waste.
When a company makes a commitment to follow ESG standards, they essentially say that they will commit to making changes which limit and balance any negative impact that they have on those areas with positive action. For example, any environmental damage caused by company operations will be both limited and further balanced with positive action. Similarly, that company will do what it can for social initiatives both locally and overseas based on their vision and charitable endeavours and will take care to embrace diversity and ethical changes within their inhouse organisational structure.
So, what does that have to do with IT recycling and e-waste?
Companies in the UK are among the biggest contributors towards e-waste in landfill sites around the world. Not only that, but as one of the most advanced countries in our use of technology, our increasingly wasteful attitude to devices and technology equipment means that we are making the technology gap wider - separating ourselves from those with no access to digital tools, resources, and opportunities. These factors mark a negative environmental and social impact which needs to be addressed and balanced – and what better way to do so than through IT recycling.
The benefit of IT recycling on the environment
When devices and technology tools are thrown away, they become e-waste – sent to landfill sites around the world, where the chemicals and toxins within each device break down and leak into the surrounding soil, waterways, and natural habitats. The consequences of this are far-reaching and devastating, both for the local environment and for us, as those chemicals make their way into our food chain.
When you commit to implementing an ESG strategy within your business, a simple change like choosing to recycle your technology rather than throw it away can counterbalance many of the negative actions that your business has on the environment and our planet.
And it doesn’t end there.
The benefit of IT recycling on social impact
When a device is donated to an organisation like Computer Aid, not only is it taken away from a future in landfill, but it is granted a new lease of life – becoming a valuable resource to those without access to the technology they need.
Working with local as well as international and overseas communities and charity partners, we bridge the gap to ensure that the value of the internet and digital learning resources can be accessed by everyone. From delivering learning tools to schools, to empowering marginalised communities with the skills they need to embrace new opportunities, your donations make a huge impact on a global social level.
How to integrate IT recycling into your company
Organisations like Computer Aid make it easier than ever to recycle your IT equipment efficiently and sustainably. Whether a device is fully operational and ready to be redistributed to one of our charity partners, in need of a little TLC and refurbishment before being passed on, or one for the recycling plant, we work with unwanted devices to first remove all data and then process each piece to ensure we maximise the lifespan of the whole device or its core components.
With a collection service, efficient advice, and even the presentation of an impact report so that you can connect your donation directly back to your inhouse ESG initiatives and goals, we work with companies to hit targets while also expanding the opportunities that technology grants to those less fortunate.
Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how we could become a core part of your ESG initiatives!