Ethical and responsible IT disposal has been a primary topic of conversation for a number of years, for both everyday consumers and corporations of all sizes.
The fact is that as technology itself continues to develop in line with innovation and shifting consumer demands and preferences, so too have the ways that we approach and deal with IT disposal. Regular upgrades and new device releases mean that consumers are increasingly inclined to discard older models in favour of new devices, creating a new wave of second hand goods that are still perfectly functional and ready to be reused.
While innovation has taken us to a new realm of technology integration and has opened doors to ways of ethically disposing of unused IT devices, it has not solved the problem of e-waste when devices aren’t properly recycled.
That’s not to say that ethical IT disposal methods and models aren’t available, rather that the issue of e-waste will remain in place until more individuals and businesses commit to sustainable computer recycling and responsible disposal techniques.
In this blog, we’re sharing some of the best ways to ethically dispose off unused and unwanted IT devices and computers.
What does ethical IT disposal really mean?
From a corporate governance angle, ethical IT disposal includes solutions which wipe devices of all data before moving them into the next phase of their lifecycle. IT disposal is one of the best ways of turning unwanted devices into a tangible donation and lasting impact.
Computers and devices which are donated via an ethical organisation or scheme work to bridge the digital divide, providing computers to communities and institutions where they are most needed. This donation is then outlined in an impact report, which lets the donor know where their devices have been sent and how they are supporting the community through upskilling, access to online resources, and more.
Then we come to the environmental and sustainable angle of ethical IT disposal. When computers are discarded as waste, they get sent to landfill sites where they contribute towards a hazardous and ever-growing habitat-destroying e-waste. These devices gradually start to disintegrate and break down, leaking hazardous chemicals into the surrounding soil and waterways, and wreaking havoc on the local environment.
Ethical IT disposal offers an alternative that removes e-waste and landfill sites from the equation. Whether through donation to a community in need, or via safe and sustainable disposal of devices which cannot be reused, ethical IT disposal works to redirect unwanted corporate and personal devices away from waste sites and into environmentally sustainable solutions.
Here are some of the most innovative ideas in the IT recycling and ethical IT disposal market at the moment.
Introducing innovative ideas for IT recycling
1. Robotic Separation Techniques
Sometimes, innovation and technology helps us to tackle issues which made specific tasks more difficult to manage. Breaking computers, laptops, and other devices down into smaller parts and individual components has long been considered an arduous and incredibly manual task. However, new advancements in AI and robotic technology are starting to change this.
Through robotic intervention, device separation techniques are much easier to control which means that valuable components can be identified and sorted much more easily. This in turn enables even un-recyclable devices to be broken down into valuable parts and components for ongoing repair work.
2. Blockchain lifecycle traceability
Being able to track and monitor the lifecycle of an electronic device makes it easier to see where devices have been and where they end up. This traceability and tracking enables us to verify disposal and ensure that those devices which are able to be recycled, are being sorted properly.
3. IT Donations
Though not a particularly new idea, the concept of IT donations is always evolving. Here at Computer Aid, for example, we not only accept and rollout donated IT equipment to those who need it, but we also work directly with corporate partners to fund larger projects which have an even greater lasting impact.
How you can help support our mission
Working with us means that devices you no longer use will be wiped of data, refurbished, and either passed on for a second lease of life or disposed off safely and sustainably. In return for your donation, we will provide you with a full impact statement and regular reporting, letting you know how your donation has helped and supported those in need.
Get in touch with us to start the donation process or to find out more.