There are many barriers to e-waste recycling. As manufacturers release new and more sophisticated versions of electronic devices, consumers get rid of the older models and replace them with the newer versions. This pattern causes the amount of e-waste generated as trash to skyrocket, not to mention the barriers that prevent individuals from willingly participating in e-waste recycling. To increase the amount of e-waste that is recycled, these barriers need to be recognized and addressed, or they will continue to be detrimental to e-waste recycling.
Many individuals trash their used smartphone and laptop devices simply because they are not aware those devices can be recycled, or they fail to understand the importance of recycling. Electronics manufacturers have also made their devices challenging to take apart and repair, forcing consumers to purchase new ones. This is primarily the reason why multiple states are now pushing right-to-repair regulations to force electronics manufacturers to design their products to be easily repairable. Either way, when we are not recycling, we miss out on an opportunity to generate valuable parts that are still within those devices and can ultimately be reused.
Professionals in this field have cited a lack of accessibility to recycling facilities and drop-off points, privacy concerns, and hoarding as the primary causes of low recycling rates. Waste and Resources Action Program, an organization that works closely with businesses and individuals to achieve a circular economy by minimizing waste, has associated four obstacles hindering people from recycling. Those include physical barriers, behavioral issues, lack of knowledge, and attitude or perception.
Physical barriers – Limited access to recycling bins and recycling sites.
Behavioral issues – Not remembering or not having the time to recycle.
Lack of knowledge – Not knowing what to recycle or where to start.
Attitude or perception – Thinking recycling is a waste of time.
The solution to these barriers and obstacles is educating the public and increasing awareness. The United Nations has called all levels of government to work with equipment manufacturers and electronics recycling institutions to raise awareness and address the importance of taking e-waste to responsible recycling centers like HOBI.
HOBI is a trusted and well-respected IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the electronics recycling industry. HOBI provides disposition services for used and retired IT equipment and refurbishment and remarketing opportunities. HOBI focuses on maximizing the return value of retired IT assets, ensuring they are disposed of properly, and preventing waste and reusing devices as long as possible.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620, visit the HOBI website, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.