At the end of the year, we often find ourselves needing to make space at our offices. Items have been accumulating all year long, and much of the time they’re outdated devices that no longer fit into the framework of our businesses. R2 Recycling believes that to continue running a successful operation, you must take the time now and plot out what you need going forward so that the electronic waste problem doesn’t happen each year going forward.
With technology developing faster than ever, the life cycle of devices seems to be decreasing for better or worse. To give these items a new lease on life, consider proper recycling instead of improper (and often illegal) disposal methods as a solution to the electronic waste problem.
One way to start an electronics recycling program at your business is by looking at the items currently being used and determining what can be recycled. If you have an outdated device that is non-functioning or slower than average, this would most likely qualify as a piece of equipment that is ready for retirement.
When equipment becomes unusable or obsolete, electronics recycling is the logical & environmentally sound next step. Electronics have high-value parts and components that you should harvest before disposal. This practice helps sustain our environment while holding down costs to manufacture new devices, resulting in stable costs for modern devices.
Here are some common types of electronics that should be recycled:
- Computer parts (monitors, CPUs, laptops)
- Servers (rack-mount servers, towers, racks, mainframes & cabinets)
- Cell phones & PDAs
- Printers, scanners & copiers
The E-Waste Problem
R2 Recycling understands that in the U.S., electronic waste is the fastest-growing municipal solid waste stream. From televisions and VCRs to cell phones and computers, electronic equipment contains many reusable resources, including gold, silver, copper & palladium. If not properly recycled, the electronic waste problem will become more dangerous as some of the toxins in metals can leach into the soil & water streams, adversely affecting what we all depend on.
How to Start a Recycling Program at Your Business
The first step is to gather up all the electronics that are not currently being used. For each type of item, collect approximately 10-15 pieces. This will make it easier to determine what can be recycled and how much needs to be collected. IT staff should have already removed obsolete or damaged equipment from service, but if there are items left over, it’s important to find out why your company is holding on to them and how they can best serve you going forward.
R2 Recycling urges you to find a recycler with extensive experience in the industry, as you can be sure that your material will be properly recycled and information stored on hard drives will be destroyed.
After You’ve Found the Right Company
Once you’ve settled on an e-waste recycling company, set up a collection day for employees or offer some incentive if they bring their obsolete electronics in themselves. After the first collection day, weigh how much was collected and use this number to estimate how much equipment will need to be recycled in the future. Set up collection events as needed so that it doesn’t become too difficult to manage.
Know What You’re Recycling
R2 Recycling accepts all items that have a plug or battery, making them your one stop destination for computer, electronics & TV recycling. It is highly advised that you back up your devices, collecting any information that you may need from them before you turn them in for recycling.
An experienced recycler well versed in all facets of e-waste collection, R2 Recycling also performs dependable data destruction through the use of US Department of Defense (DOD) wipes and/or physical destruction of all drives. For more information on all of their services, please visit their website.
Final Thoughts
Properly disposing of electronic waste will help reduce contamination to soil and water supplies and help solve the electronic waste problem. Not only can e-waste & laptop recycling be simple with the guidance of professionals like the staff at R2 Recycling, it’s something that your company can feel good about doing, and it can also help your reputation as well.
R2 Recycling
(866) 509-7267
