The advancement of information technology (IT) necessitates sustainable solutions for electronic waste. Without environmentally sound e-waste disposal, pollution and battery fires will become insurmountable. The concept of a circular economy focuses on eliminating waste via circularity, and ITAD providers support a circular economic model with services such as data erasure, asset redeployment, and e-recycling.
Electronic Waste & Pollution
Excess waste in general can be dangerous to the environment, but e-waste is especially detrimental when disposed of irresponsibly. A wide range of electronics, including smartphones, watches, tablets, earbuds, and cameras, contain rare earth metals that leak toxic chemicals. After long periods, these chemicals will soak into the soil if they are sent to landfills, and pollute the surrounding water supply. This becomes especially problematic when residents live nearby, as these chemicals can cause severe and sometimes fatal illnesses.
Battery fires are another concern for irresponsible e-waste disposal. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can be found in anything from mobile handheld electronics to electric vehicles (EVs), including e-scooters and e-bikes. Notorious for their explosive properties, LIBs have been a challenge in the waste industry for years and the source of countless facility and home fires. Responsible e-waste disposition helps prevent pollution and battery fires by utilizing skilled professionals trained in safe battery removal and device reuse.
Circularity with an ITAD Partner
In the ITAD space, circularity focuses on reducing e-waste through device reuse. With new models released annually, electronics start to accumulate in offices and spare rooms and can become a data security risk. Remarketing used IT assets increases their value, safeguards enterprise data, and protects the environment by keeping e-waste out of the waste stream.
Partnering with an ITAD provider also helps reduce carbon emissions by using a single provider for all end-of-use services. ITAD enterprises offer a range of services, from on-site data destruction to customized reverse logistics, eliminating the need for multiple vendors. Reducing carbon emissions will help companies meet net-zero goals while also contributing to circularity through the support of a circular economy.
The rapid evolution of technology is leading to a global increase in hazardous waste due to inadequate e-waste management. ITAD providers offer sustainable solutions that boost environmental credit and support circularity. HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, WBE, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition provider with more than 30 years of industry experience. Our ITAD services maximize the value of retired IT assets, prioritize data security, and support circularity by closing the loop on the circular economy.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.