Problem-Solving with vITAD: Bridge the Digital Divide with Electronics Donations Programs
In celebration of Earth Day, April 22, this month we’re discussing all things green. Many people think about recycling, even consider getting involved in recycling programs, but very few put their thoughts into action. This is largely due to the fact that it’s easy to believe your actions don’t matter in the long run, but we’re here to tell you how and why they do.
There are many ways to help the environment, the most notable being recycling. Reduce, reuse and recycle is a common phrase, but most people think of food or plastic when they hear it. One of the most important materials to recycle is electronic devices, and some don’t even realize you can recycle them. E-waste makes up 70% of overall toxic waste generated annually, and increases every year. With new electronics constantly being manufactured, it’s important to understand how proper IT asset disposition can help keep our environment clean.
Electronics are used everywhere, in homes, offices, schools, even the grocery store. Think of how many people you know who own electronics, and how many devices they use regularly. An estimated 20-50 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed of every year, and some end up in landfills despite certain states prohibiting landfills from accepting it. Electronics that sit in landfills for long periods of time can leak harmful chemicals, and without the right lining, these chemicals can soak into the soil and pollute the groundwater. Eventually this leads to the contamination of surrounding water supplies and can also cause health issues over time to those unknowingly consuming it.
Reducing, reusing and recycling electronics helps preserve natural resources used in manufacturing new devices and keeps e-waste out of landfills that much longer. Some IT asset disposition facilities like HOBI offer repair and refurbishment services for devices that have not yet reached the end of their useful life. By repairing old devices for resale, consumers have the opportunity to purchase used devices rather than brand new ones. This reduces the demand for manufacturers to produce new devices, and decreases the amount of e-waste generated.
ITAD facilities collect old IT hardware from offices, schools, and local drop-off sites for recycling. Recycling ensures that no retired equipment is sent to landfills or burned and that every reusable scrap is utilized. When electronics are recycled, nothing is wasted.
HOBI specifically prioritizes the mitigation of potential environmental liability and maximizing economic return. We increase value on used devices by prolonging the lifespan, and make sure every decision is made based not only on what is best for the client, but also what is best for the environment. Celebrate Earth Month by reducing the amount of new electronics you purchase, reusing or purchasing used devices instead of new ones, and recycling devices that are at the end of their lifecycle.
For more information about our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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