Mobile Phone Shipments Predicted to Decline
Congress recently passed a 2023 spending bill, which includes a provision updating how the federal government is allowed to dispose of its used computers. In efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide electronic supplies to those in need, language in the bill was changed to allow the federal government to provide surplus and repairable used computers directly to nonprofit refurbishers.
The law previously allowed federal agencies to provide surplus property to states, including computer equipment, which could then offer it to local governments, businesses, or nonprofit groups. However, the bill lacked the authority to provide the electronics directly to third-party refurbishers for repair. U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., has supported the new language, which provides the authority for the federal government to send computers directly to refurbishers.
The bill’s new language will “allow certified, nonprofit refurbishing companies to directly obtain, refurbish and distribute surplus government computers to veterans and others in need of a device,” according to a press release from Spandberger’s office. The press release also states “the new law requires each nonprofit computer refurbisher receiving computers to provide training programs in the use of this technology.”
The language allows surplus computers and technology equipment to be given to refurbishers only if the federal agency determines the equipment is repairable, and NIST data sanitization guidelines are met. In addition, refurbishers must make necessary repairs to devices and distribute them at no cost aside from shipping and handling charges and must offer computer training programs to all recipients.
Providing used computers to those in need helps decrease the amount of new electronics being produced, thus preserving the energy and resources it takes to manufacture new devices. Recycling old electronics is an excellent way to close the loop of the circular economy and protect the environment.
HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO-14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of industry experience. We provide full-service, post-launch Mobile Lifecycle Management (MLM) for Mobility Managed Services (MMS) programs, including refurbishment and remarketing opportunities.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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