As the e-waste problem in the UK continues to gather pace, we take a closer look at just why you should recycle unwanted IT equipment.
There’s no getting away from the fact that computers play a vital role in our daily lives. And with technology improving all the time, our old IT equipment soon becomes outdated. No wonder e-waste has become the fastest growing waste stream in the world. What’s more, according to one report, the UK is on course to become the biggest e-waste producer by 2024. And that’s not something to brag about.
So let’s do something about it. Repair. Reuse. Recycle. At Asset-Disposal, we love to give tech devices a second life wherever possible, which is why we’ll always try to repair or reuse any IT equipment before consigning it to the recycling pile.
Here are just a few reasons why you should recycle unwanted IT equipment.
Reducing Landfill
In our throwaway society, tech devices soon become obsolete. Computers, laptops, mobiles, hard drives, monitors and printers (to name just a few) lie unused and the last thing we want is for them to end up in landfill. This is no way to dispose of your old tech. Recycling your unwanted IT equipment not only preserves landfill space, but it also provides other environmental benefits. More on that below.
Electronic Devices Contain Toxic Chemicals
Did you know that most electronic devices contain toxic chemicals which could have disastrous consequences for the environment? With the likes of lead, cadmium and mercury present in monitors, batteries and circuit boards, it’s so important to dispose of them properly. If these heavy metals leach into the soil and water supply, they could cause no end of health and environmental problems. Worth thinking about before you consign them to landfill.
Recyclable Materials
We know that we need to protect the environment. And by recycling our electronic devices we can at least make a start. Virtually all electronic devices contain recyclable materials, materials which can be used in the manufacture of new products. Whether it’s metals such as gold, copper and aluminium, or the plastic and glass used in the device, they can be removed and reused.
Protect the Earth’s Natural Resources
There is another major benefit of recycling our tech – it means we don’t need to mine materials from the earth. By limiting the need to mine, we can help to conserve the earth’s natural resources. Nor do we need to produce the plastics, thereby cutting back on emissions from factories. It’s simple, by recycling your electronic devices, these valuable materials can be used again with no adverse cost to the environment.
Data Security
One major benefit of using a company such as Asset Disposal to recycle your unwanted IT equipment is that you can be sure your data won’t end up in the wrong hands. What’s more, you can sleep soundly knowing that you are GDPR compliant.
These are just a few reasons why you should recycle your unwanted IT equipment. And by using Asset Disposal, you can be sure that your equipment will be disposed of responsibly, your data will be secure and, subject to the number of items you have, the service may even be free.
For more information about our range of services, or to book a collection, click here.