As technology continues to advance, many businesses and individuals find themselves upgrading their equipment. But what happens to the old devices once they are no longer needed?
Electronic waste, or e-scrap, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams. It contains dangerous materials that can cause harm to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Reduced Waste
Hardware asset management solutions through recycling are a great way to keep used electronic devices out of landfills and the environment. It also conveys to the public that your company cares about the planet.
When electronics are thrown away as trash, they release toxic chemicals into the air. These toxins then seep into the soil and poison plants and animals. This pollution can cause neurological and reproductive problems in humans that touch, inhale, or eat the affected plant or animal.
E-waste contains valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper. These metals can be recycled and reused to make new products. Reusing these materials saves energy by not needing to extract them from the ground and reduces waste. In addition, it costs 13 times less to produce an electronic device with recycled parts than using fresh materials.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Every person, product, or event has a carbon footprint represented by their total greenhouse gas emissions. One way to minimize this footprint is through electronic recycling.
Most electronics comprise valuable materials such as precious metals, copper, aluminum, and plastic. When these materials are recycled instead of discarded, it reduces the need to extract new raw materials from the earth.
Many businesses put their old technology into curbside bins to be collected for recycling. However, this is not a good practice and can lead to hazardous materials being dumped into landfills or exported overseas, where they are used unsafely. Instead, companies should seek professional electronics recycling services that can be trusted to provide a safe and environmentally friendly option.
Increased Product Lifespan
Increasing product lifespans through commercial electronics recycling allows businesses to reclaim some of the money they spend on hardware. This also encourages people to maintain their existing products, reducing the need for new supplementary devices.
A great benefit of electronics recycling is that it helps keep toxins from leaching into the environment, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. These toxins can cause health problems for local communities if they find their way into the ground or water supply.
When it’s impossible to repair and resell an item, or it’s more cost effective for your business to donate it, this option is great for your company. This reduces e-waste and is a good way to send a message to your staff that you care about the environment and are an ethical company.
Increased Market Value
While e-waste may look like junk, it can be a valuable resource. It contains precious metals, which are highly sought after by manufacturers. These materials are also used to produce medical, IT, and communication devices and are often sold at high prices due to their scarcity.
Moreover, electronic waste recycling can help reduce the dependence on foreign sources for these essential raw materials. Domestic electronics recycling can help extract and process high-value materials such as gold, platinum, and rare earth metals.
Considering the demand for this service, starting an e-waste recycling business can be an excellent opportunity to earn profits. However, conducting market research before making a final decision is crucial. This will help you identify potential customers and competitors.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Businesses that recycle e-waste can save money by replacing obsolete equipment with more efficient models. This also helps to improve customer satisfaction by offering a better product and improving the business’s image as an environmentally conscious company.
Even though the electronics industry is highly competitive, companies can still profit by upgrading equipment and selling or giving away old devices. By upcycling and donating outdated electronics, the company can help protect the environment by preventing harmful chemicals from being dumped into landfills or water supplies.
The manufacture of the simplest types of consumer electronics requires rare and expensive metals, as well as a lot of fossil fuels. These materials can be found in e-waste, along with heavy metals like lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. Electronics recycling can reclaim and reuse valuable metals and prevent them from ending in landfills or waterways.
