America Recycles Day is Sunday; how are you preparing? Many companies are rounding up loads of larger equipment such as phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, and even server racks for end-of-year refresh, but what about the small tech you never think twice about? Excess “fast tech” is a leading contributor to e-waste and battery fires, and enterprises have more of it than they think. Ahead of America Recycles Day, this blog post breaks down how to round up the fast tech clogging up your storage rooms and dispose of it securely.
What is “Fast Tech”?
Fast tech, or low-cost, battery-embedded accessories such as earbuds, cables, adapters, dongles, and more, falls into the category of miscellaneous tech that often ends up in junk drawers. These items are designed for quick, short-term use, with short lifespans that make them easy to discard and foster a disposable mindset in consumers. Their low cost encourages quick purchases and disposal, but some of these accessories still contain batteries and are classified as e-waste. Additionally, many users never consider that these devices may be small but still contain data. Until properly wiped, devices of any kind, including fast tech, still hold residual personal and enterprise information that becomes vulnerable when disposed of irresponsibly.
Irresponsible Disposal of Small Tech Still Causes Pollution
The disposable mindset drives e-waste accumulation from these fast-tech devices. Because they don’t operate like larger devices, people view them differently and throw them away with little thought. However, electronics are electronics. Many of these small devices still contain lithium-ion batteries, which are extremely hazardous. Electronics are also manufactured with metals that leak harmful chemicals. This means that when fast tech is thrown away, it ends up in landfills, where these chemicals can soak into the soil and pollute water. Battery fires are perhaps the most dangerous and can take days or even weeks to extinguish completely.
These items often bypass standard corporate procurement because they are so small and they frequently slip through the cracks as “ghost e-waste.” Even the smallest earbuds contain batteries and can cause large-scale chemical fires. Tech is tech, and small electronics still require proper disposition to mitigate environmental liability.
The Fire Risk of Battery-Containing Devices
Another risk these fast tech devices present is battery fire. Battery-containing devices that end up in storage mean batteries sit in places they aren’t meant for. Most technology contains batteries, even the ones people never think about. Battery fires can result from thermal runaways, which can happen during transit or when a battery is damaged. Overheating can also cause battery swelling, making batteries more susceptible to damage and sparks.
Celebrate America Recycles Day by Integrating Fast Tech Into Your ITAD Program
America Recycles Day is fast approaching, and you most likely have plenty of small tech to round up before the weekend. The question is: how? Fast tech often accumulates without notice and is easy to miss during typical disposal round-ups. Even worse, most of it is thrown in the trash. Devices such as charging cables, adapters, book lamps, badge scanners, and security cameras are rarely thought of as regular technology, and that’s the problem. First, companies must change the way they view fast tech.
Start by redefining the asset perimeter. Expand the enterprise definition of “disposable electronic waste” to include fast tech. In the past, assets worth less than a certain amount were ignored, but modern policies state that anything with a circuit board, battery, or plug must be sent to an ITAD facility regardless of recovery value. Eliminating the “minimum value” threshold expands the definition of e-waste and increases value recovery.
Change workplace signage. Because these devices are cheap, small, and easy to toss in the trash, employees won’t think twice about irresponsible disposal. Creating visual, easily identifiable signs to divert e-waste from regular trash bins will help redirect hazardous materials.
ITAD partners often provide e-waste impact calculations that are fed directly into annual sustainability reports. These numbers are calculated using the bulk weight totals of un-serialized “mixed tech scrap,” and increasing this number helps decrease enterprise emissions output.
Lastly, small tech like fitness trackers, earbuds, and even smart appliances like coffee cups, or any device capable of connecting to a corporate network, may present data security risks. Enforcing NIST standards mitigates security risks by diverting all e-waste from municipal trash while also protecting data.
Contact an ITAD Provider Today
Fast tech is a growing problem, and something you don’t want your organization tied to. Get ahead of the curve by partnering with an ITAD provider like HOBI today for end-of-use services, including low-cost battery-embedded miscellaneous tech. ITAD vendors provide services such as certified data erasure, device repair, and refurbishment. A certified provider prioritizes reuse over recycling, using recycling only as a last resort to extend the device lifecycle and reduce demand for new devices. Additionally, ITAD providers recognize that fast tech is still valuable in large volumes, and incorporate materials recovery into the ITAD process to maximize value even in the smallest devices.
Don’t wait for America Recycles Day, start your fast tech clean out now by contacting HOBI to request a fast tech consult at 877-814-2620 or sales@hobi.com.