The amount of technology in the world has increased tremendously within the last decade, creating a global e-waste crisis that continues to grow as technology advances. Twenty years ago, roughly 1 billion people started using mobile phones, and now that number has risen to 7 billion. New models are announced annually, leaving many users to discard their old devices in favor of new ones, contributing to the growing issue. However, environmental awareness is spreading, and many enterprises strive to be more environmentally conscious. As a value-added ITAD service, ESG reporting enables companies to set environmental goals, and partnering with an IT asset disposition provider will help achieve these goals.
ESG reporting has emerged in the wake of a changing industry landscape, providing accountability and transparency for enterprises seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The environmental portion of ESG includes issues focused on climate risks, carbon emissions, energy efficiency, use of natural resources, and pollution. From this standpoint, it may seem simple enough to conserve more electricity, but many enterprises need to consider the negative impact their IT assets can have on the environment. IT equipment such as computers, tablets, phones, laptops, desktops, printers, and scanners are used daily to conduct business, which means they are typically retired every year or two in exchange for newer models. The problem lies in IT asset disposition.
Electronics are made with precious metals like gold, silver, copper, platinum, and iron. These metals leak toxic chemicals after long periods, soaking into the soil and polluting groundwater. Eventually, this will contaminate the surrounding drinking water and potentially result in fatal health issues for those who have ingested the contaminated water. Another popular method is incineration, which many turn to to avoid potential environmental pollution, but incineration also causes pollution. Rather than soaking into the groundwater, the chemicals pollute the air when electronics are burned and can also cause health issues for those living nearby.
Electronics recycling is the only environmentally friendly method of e-waste disposal that truly protects the environment and mitigates pollution. ITAD providers like HOBI partner with companies seeking to recycle their old, retired, or unwanted IT equipment and ensure it is disposed of properly. HOBI provides additional services for value maximization, including onsite data erasure for data security, repair and remarketing opportunities, and customizable reverse logistics services.
Ensuring proper IT asset disposition is not just a responsibility but a critical step in safeguarding the environment. By partnering with an ITAD provider, enterprises can play a significant role in keeping hazardous materials out of the waste stream. This partnership can also be a strategic move toward achieving their environmental ESG goals, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.