The economy functions in a specific linear cycle, materials are taken from the earth and used to make products, and after those products are used they are most often thrown away. Over time this creates an abundance of all different types of waste. The recycling industry aims to reduce as much waste as possible through the creation of a circular economy, which would eliminate waste altogether. Electronic waste is not often a concern because we don’t typically think of our electronics as waste in general, however, e-waste is the most dangerous when left in landfills for long periods of time, which is one reason why creating a circular economy is so important, especially in the ITAD space.
In a circular economy introduction, the idea of a circular economy is based on three principles:
- Eliminate waste and pollution
- Circulate products and materials
- Regenerate nature
By eliminating waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators, we eliminate pollution to nearby water supplies, as well as the air. For example, much of electronic waste is thrown out before the end of its useful life cycle, which only contributes to waste generation and pollution. Circulating IT products and materials that are still viable through repair and remarketing, and recycling those that are at the end of use not only eliminates e-waste altogether but also eliminates the need for new devices to be manufactured. Manufacturing electronic devices uses valuable natural resources, which requires time, energy and money. Repairing and remarketing old devices prolongs the lifespan of retired devices and increases company ROI.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “By shifting our economy from linear to circular, we shift the focus from extraction to regeneration. Instead of continuously degrading nature, we build natural capital.”
The ITAD industry focuses on closing the loop in a circular economy via the disposition of retired IT assets in an environmentally conscious manner. By partnering with enterprises looking to retire their old IT assets, IT asset disposition facilities collect electronic waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills, and increase value in devices beyond the end of their use.
HOBI International specifically focuses on maximizing economic return, and mitigating potential environmental liability with repair, refurbishment and remarketing services for devices still in working condition. We strive to eliminate electronic waste through proper IT asset disposal in a closed loop circular economy with a vertically integrated closed-loop ITAD process
For more information about our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.