Computer recycling is the disposal of IT waste through reuse, donations, and disassembly. As more businesses continuously rely on technology to run various organizational functions, electronic waste is a growing environmental risk.
Responsible corporate electronic recycling is a commendable step toward saving the environment. However, you may have certain concerns, such as sensitive data destruction and where your old electronics end up.
Corporations must work with the best-suited e-waste recycling services to ensure that their data is securely destroyed, the electronic waste is disposed of responsibly, and the community benefits from refurbished equipment.
What is the Process of Recycling Computers?
Most corporations replace their electronic devices some years before they are completely unusable. Corporations can recycle these old devices through secure data destruction and repair.
The refurbished computers can then be distributed to low-income families through community outreach programs or donated to nonprofits. Refurbished computers go a long way to ensure that community members reach their full potential through access to digital resources.
Any unusable electronics are disassembled and separated to recover precious metals such as copper, gold, silver, and platinum. These rare earth metals can then be used in other electronic devices.
Why Corporations Should Consider Recycling E-Waste
Government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage responsible e-waste management through various initiatives such as StEP. Adhering to authorities’ regulations is one reason to consider electronic recycling.
However, regardless of government compliance, corporations benefit directly from recycling their electronic waste. These benefits include:
1. Taking Advantage Of Tax-Deductible Expenses
Donating electronic equipment to recycling services may offer your corporation eligibility for tax deductions. Depending on the non-profit recycling organization you choose to work with, you can benefit from tax deductions.
For example, PCs for People is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Providing your e-waste to us may count as a donation and be tax deductible.
2. Reducing Your Company’s Carbon Footprint
Businesses can become responsible corporate citizens by being involved in the well-being of their communities. This involvement includes preserving the environment through green initiatives that tackle global warming and carbon emissions.
Electronic recycling can help your corporation lower its carbon footprint by reusing materials that would otherwise be required in manufacturing new technology. Recycling also prevents landfills from releasing toxins into the soil, air, and water.
How To Identify A Responsible Recycling Company
Working with the right recycling agency is just as important as deciding to start recycling your electronic waste. Responsible recycling partners share similar values with your corporation and can help you achieve your recycling goals.
Here are the top five tips on how to choose the best electronic recycling services near you:
1. Check For Recycling Certifications
Businesses that recycle electronic waste should be at minimum registered and ideally certified by local authorities. Certified recyclers have a strong understanding of best practices to lower the impact of electronic waste on living things and our planet. These businesses also adhere to the safe management of e-waste material to ensure the well-being of their workforce.
Requesting proof of certification is a straightforward step toward choosing the right partner for your future recycling efforts.
2. Ensure They Have A Strong Data Protection Policy
Disposing of old corporate tech can be challenging when sensitive data is stored in the devices. Good recycling agencies have a thorough data destruction policy to protect the valuable company and client information.
Certified recycling partners follow strict data sanitization protocols expressed in DoD 5220.22-m, HIPAA, and NIST 800-88. Additionally, if recycling agencies cannot destroy the data securely, they should physically destroy any drives or data-containing devices. At PCs For People, we use eStewards or R2-certified organizations to recycle the device components that are no longer operational.
3. Compare Pricing
End-of-Life (EOL) electronics signal a new round of expenses as the company replaces the old tech. At this point, finances are geared toward purchasing the latest technology. There are more cost-effective avenues than an expensive electronic recycling program.
Compare recycling services’ rates to get the best value for your time and money. Some places may not charge for electronic donation pick-up. However, logistics may add up to a substantial amount, especially for recurring donations.
Certain organizations offer free one-off or scheduled pick-ups to save logistics trouble. At PCs for People, our entire process is free of charge for most approved e-waste and comes with complimentary, certified data destruction.
4. Partner With Recyclers Who Are Committed to Environmental Protection
Responsible e-waste recyclers are part of a large commitment to save the environment through government compliance. Additionally, the best recyclers go above and beyond to find sustainable ways to dispose of IT waste.
These companies also have strong memberships in one or more initiatives geared toward environmental protection, such as Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD).
5. Consider The Organization’s Community Involvement Policy
No business operates in a vacuum, and giving back to the community is an excellent way to ensure goodwill and corporate responsibility. Clients and other business partners show a great affinity to organizations that are part of the solution.
Corporate donors should seriously consider a recycling service focused on community development. This could involve initiatives such as selling refurbished computers at a low price to disadvantaged community members. Working with these agencies ensures that your donations impact people’s lives positively and directly.
Choose PCs For People As Your Electronic Recycling Partner
At PCs for People, your computer donations are refurbished to provide low-income families the means to access modern-day education and information.
Electronic equipment is first wiped clean of sensitive data. We offer corporations secure data destruction through our certified and regulated NAID AAA processes. Our IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services are free and secure.
Additionally, our recycling team gives opportunities to marginalized members of the community. We have partnered with nonprofits, such as MSS in Minnesota, that provide training and hands-on experience in e-waste recycling to intellectually and physically challenged individuals.
By using our recycling services, your corporate computer donations will directly impact the lives of community members, helping to bridge the digital divide, promote digital equity, and facilitate cleaner, greener living.
