Technology is forever changing, and organizations need to keep up with the changes to compete on a level playing field in their industry. Acquiring new technology always raises the question – “what do we do with the old devices?”
The quickest answer to that question is throwing it in the trash. Who doesn’t like an easy fix? However, throwing away old office equipment harms the environment and the people who live in it. Most electronic wastes (e-waste) go to the landfill, and as a result of being improperly disposed of, environmental toxins are released. These toxins are often linked to cancer and neurological disorders in humans. The 2020 Global E-waste Monitor report recorded that the world dumped a record 53.6 million metric tonnes of electronic waste in 2019. This number is up by 16.6% from the 2016 e-waste report and is equivalent to the weight of all adults in Europe, or 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2. That is a huge and scary leap!
Four Environmentally Friendly Ways to Dispose of Your Old Office Technology
Here at Office Interiors, we value our environment and are committed to providing environmentally sustainable solutions to our customers. Here are some of the ways to go about it.
Donate
Often, when offices switch from old to new technology, the devices being replaced are outdated but still in good condition. Non-profits and charity organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army often happily accept these donations and use the proceeds from selling them to help society.
If your organization isn’t comfortable involving a middleman in the donation process, you can donate to local schools, community centers, or businesses. Many local businesses and start-ups have limited budgets, and donating your old electronics to them can make all the difference.
Donating can be both rewarding as your organization is contributing to making life better for underprivileged people while also promoting environmental sustainability. In addition to this, if the non-profit or charity organization provides you with an official donation receipt, you may qualify for a charitable tax credit.
Trade-in
Some suppliers and manufacturers offer a program where organizations can trade in their old technology for credit that is put towards the purchase of a newer model. This program varies with different suppliers, and not all devices are eligible.
Sell as second hand
We know that not every organization can afford to donate their old equipment. Some organizations, especially small businesses, need to recoup the investment on their old devices and then re-invest the proceeds back into the business. E-commerce sites like eBay and craigslist have made selling easy. All you need to do is determine a price you are willing to sell the equipment, put a description, and list it on the e-commerce site.
Recycle
In instances where your old technologies are damaged or do not operate at the optimum level, it’s time to recycle them. Recycling ensures that the parts are dismantled, and the various materials that make up the equipment are separated and recycled correctly. There are multiple ways to recycle old equipment, and some of them include taking it to an e-waste collection centre or giving them back to the manufacturer or supplier.
Printers, computers, cartridges, and office phones are some electronics that can be recycled. By recycling these old technologies, resources like gold and copper can be recovered and used in creating new products. It also confirms that data stored on hardware is destroyed. Here is a helpful guide on how to recycle used toner cartridges.
Before you replace, protect
Whether you are donating your old technology, trading in, or selling second-hand, an important thing to do is to clear the hard drives. Computers and wireless printers can store data such as email addresses and other sensitive documents that could jeopardize the organization’s privacy. Clearing and destroying the hard drive ensures that the organization is safe and not exposed to privacy threats.
Out with the old, in with the new!
Once you have decided on the method to dispose of your old devices, it’s time to make a new purchase. At Office Interiors, we can help you choose the best office technology that is tailored to your needs and will give you a competitive edge in your industry. Book a free consultation today!
Fola Adedeji
Marketing Coordinator
Office Interiors
