Electronic or e-waste is a growing problem at the consumer and company level. We regularly upgrade or buy new computers, printers, and mobile phones without much thought to how to safely discard the old products. Unfortunately, the vast majority of e-waste ends up in landfill or shipped to developing countries to dispose of, usually by people working in unsafe conditions.
According to the EPA, “US consumers and businesses discarded televisions, computers, cell phones and hard copy peripherals (including printers, scanners, faxes) totaling 2.37 million tons. Approximately 25 percent of these electronics were collected for recycling, with the remainder disposed of primarily in landfills, where the precious metals cannot be recovered.”
E-Waste is Harmful to the Planet
Toxic chemicals can be found in our e-products including mercury, lead, arsenic, brominated flame retardants, as well as, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. When improperly sent to landfill, they start to break down and leach into soil and ground water systems poisoning plant and wildlife, as well as, threatening our supply of safe drinking water. If e-waste ends up being burned, these toxic chemicals are released into the atmosphere.
But the EPA says “properly recycling electronics conserves natural resources, ensures appropriate handling of toxic materials, provides a more sustainable source of precious metals, and protects human health and the environment.”
Ways to Deal with e-Waste
E-waste specialists at Rubicon advise on three ways you can reduce your company’s e-waste footprint.
1. Make Informed Purchases
The best way to avoid having to deal with e-waste is by preventing electronics from becoming waste in the first place. This method of e-waste management starts at the purchasing stage. Instead of bulk buying electronics for the cheapest price, research which products have the lowest return rates and need the fewest repairs.
2. Repair or Upgrade Your Electronics
Older electronics such as printers or fax machines can often be repaired or upgraded by your company’s IT department. Sometimes an electronic product or device’s life can be extended through software updates or adding additional memory or hard drives.
3. Sell, Swap, or Donate Your Electronics
Even if your company needs to upgrade its electronic devices and computers, the product may still be usable and valuable to others. Sometimes electronics can be donated to charitable organizations, schools or sent to developing countries. All donated electronics should be thoroughly wiped by your IT department before donating.
State-level E-Waste Recycling Programs
Another way to deal with e-waste is to recycle it. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are made with precious metals such as gold, palladium, copper, and silver, and can be “mined” when recycled properly and reused to produce other electronics. According to the United Nations, electronic waste is 40 to 50 times richer with deposits of precious metals than all the mines on earth.
Recycling e-waste also means that certain parts can be reused in other products or the electronic itself refurbished and resold. Your company may also consider buying refurbished electronics to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing these products in the first place.
Many states have state-wide e-waste recycling programs where consumers can drop off their electronics at recycling sites. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, “twenty-five states plus the District of Columbia have legislation establishing a statewide e-waste recycling program.”
Recycling through E-Waste Partner
Companies can also partner with e-waste disposal companies that will pick up used electronics at the end of their life cycle. Some electronic recycling programs may even offer compensation for your products.
Take-Back Programs
When purchasing or upgrading electronics for your organization, consider whether the manufacturer or the retailer has a “take-back" program. At the end of the product’s life cycle, the manufacturer will take-back the item to refurbish, recycle or reuse the materials in the electronic product or be able to dispose of them safely. Similarly, a retailer such as Best Buy will accept any electronic item and will send items back to the manufacturer on your behalf.
The EPA maintains a list of companies that will offer take-back programs.
Additional information on take-back programs can be found here.
The life cycle of your company’s electronic products needs to be considered in your sustainability strategy. Contact SSC for a free consultation.