When businesses decide that the time is right to upgrade their technology and data storage, it represents a time of change. You bring in the latest hardware to build a solid foundation no matter what industry you’re in. Now, You need a plan on how to deal with your outgoing equipment. That’s where a certified data destruction service comes in.
Hardware becomes electronic waste once it’s discarded. Because electronic products commonly contain toxic materials like lead, e-waste remains one of the most potentially hazardous sources of pollution to the environment. Unfortunately, only a fraction of the known e-waste gets appropriately recycled. Around the world, roughly 50 million tons of e-waste is generated every year. As a result, e-waste is a major environmental concern that needs to be taken seriously.
However, what can businesses do to help protect the environment and reduce their e-waste footprint moving forward? Fortunately, there are plenty of steps one can take to mitigate how many electronics are thrown out and better control their disposal. Let’s look at how to reduce e-waste, what you and your business can do to help, and the primary causes of e-waste.
What We Can Do to Recycle More E-Waste
If you want to learn how to reduce e-waste, there are several helpful tips you can follow. In fact, many of them are relatively simple and easy enough for anyone to follow. Let’s review some of the steps you can take to lower your e-waste and ensure less of it ends up in a landfill.
Recycle As Much As Possible
So long as they still function properly, you should always recycle your unused electronics to the best of your ability. One of the best ways you can prevent electronics from becoming e-waste is by finding a new home for them. For example, find places in your area where you can donate your unused electronic devices. Alternatively, you can sell them online. Of course, no matter who you choose to give your old electronics to, ensure that you practice proper data destruction — you won’t want the new owner to have access to your private information.
Promote E-Waste Education
One of the keys to improving e-waste recycling efforts revolves around educating people about what qualifies for recycling services and formulating a plan. Increasing awareness of e-waste and the fact that you can recycle old technology can help improve environmental efforts. The hazardous chemicals found within most electronic devices can prove extremely hazardous to the environment. Yet, when properly recycled, these devices can find a second life after recycling. Teaching everyone around you, from coworkers to children, how to reduce e-waste will help with long-term efforts.
Consider the Lifespan of Your Devices
There are many steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your electronics so that you won’t have to purchase new ones as frequently. For example, make efforts to properly clean your electronic devices. Doing so will help maintain their condition and allow them to last longer. If you’re thinking about replacing your old device with a new one, consider upgrading it instead of buying an entirely new product. But, if you absolutely do need to buy new electronics, factor in their lifespan during your purchase — some products last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often.
Devise a Thorough Plan
Even if you know how to reduce e-waste, devising a plan is still important. When your business begins to upgrade to new technology, ensure a plan is in place to take the outdated devices to a proper recycling facility or service that is properly equipped to handle the process. Know which devices and what parts can be recycled and act on the plan to help reduce the world’s amount of e-waste.
Looking For an E-Waste Solution? We Can Help.
With the help of Keystone Technology Management, one of the top data destruction companies in the region. We responsibly dispose of and recycle used electronic devices. Whether you’re selling network hardware or need assistance with hard drive shredding in NJ and surrounding areas, Keystone Technology Management will be there to help you and your business.
For more information on our professional services, don’t hesitate to contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you properly dispose of your technology!