Survey Shows Data Security Concerns are Affecting Recycling Rates
With so much focus on data security and financial pressures on businesses to reduce costs dominating so many industries, many forget one of the most important considerations when IT equipment is at the end of it’s life: where does all of the equipment go when you are finished with it?
With the tech industry booming and IoT constantly growing, the number of electrical items that people use is increasing all the time. However, not only is the sheer volume of devices increasing for individuals but the rate at which they are replaced is also growing. Which means that more and more items are being disposed of every year.
Experts report that an estimated 41.8 million tons of e-waste is disposed of annually. And the troubling fact about this is that a considerably large percentage of that e-waste is either shipped off to developing countries or just thrown into landfills each year and a very small percentage of equipment is actually disposed of properly. And this may be due to an even smaller percentage of people knowing how to dispose of electronic devices.
There are many options that individuals and businesses can consider when they find themselves in this situation. Here are just a few methods:
- Drop off electronic devices at a mobile Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Event or permanent center. Make sure to NEVER throw away e-waste, even small items like batteries, as there can be toxic and dangerous chemicals in these devices.
- Resell the equipment after it has been securely wiped.
- Donate equipment to charities.
Those that do the ethical practice of properly disposing of e-waste will not only be protecting the environment but will be protecting their brand as well as helping people in developing countries who risk their health trying to recover metals from e-waste.
As an R2, RIOS and ISO 14001 certified reputable IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider, HOBI International Inc., offers full-scale, environmentally-conscious technology management and disposal. Our ITAD services prioritize client security, value-maximization and legislation compliance.
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