HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (8/7-8/10)

Below is a recap of this week’s blog posts including reasons why e-waste is thrown away, data centers as non-traditional assets, a decrease in demand for new devices, and a possible copper shortage. 

Survey Uncovers Reasons E-Waste is Thrown Away 

IT assets are utilized in every business and inevitably need to be replaced. Sometimes, IT hardware can pile up in closets and take up storage space if not disposed of properly. However, a large obstacle for many businesses is not knowing how to dispose of retired IT equipment, and a recent survey revealed several reasons why e-waste accumulates. 

Data Centers as Non-Traditional Assets 

Traditionally, companies stored data in filing cabinets and eventually shredded it to make room for more. The digital age  changed data storage. During the last couple of decades, data centers assumed the role of filing cabinets and now store massive amounts of data. but data centers are not traditional IT assets. 

Demand for New Devices Decreases in the Aftermath of Pandemic  

Prior to the pandemic, upgrading electronic devices was almost routine. Annual upgrades ensured that consumers had the latest technology. Recent findings indicate that demand for new devices has slowed as more consumers are content with using the devices they already have for extended periods.  

Are we Facing a Copper Shortage? 

During the past few years, there have been shortages of numerous items, including energy, lumber, lithium, helium, and even water. Most recently, a new shortage has been identified–a copper deficit. Copper has been and always will be in high demand, but recently, a material  used for numerous years is experiencing a shortage and isn’t readily available. Copper is the world’s third most universally used material for its mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties.