In the Digital Age, we’ve started turning to laptops, desktops and tablets for our work needs, rather than the old pen and paper. Furthermore, there’s less of a reliance to print files, thanks to the cloud and file-sharing capabilities. However, this doesn’t mean your company isn’t creating waste. 

Today, many businesses are responsible for generating electronic waste, but what exactly is it? Furthermore, how can you ensure that you aren’t contributing to the destruction of your environment and the planet?

What is electronic waste?

While we might have reduced our use of paper products, for instance, more companies are beginning to rely on technology to accomplish tasks at the office. This means utilizing new materials more frequently, rather than the old standard, such as paper. Because technology is evolving at such a rapid rate, everything from smartphones to laptops is becoming dated or obsolete in a short amount of time. In turn, the “older” products are going to waste when it’s time for an upgrade. As you might imagine, a significant amount of waste has accumulated over recent years. 

Not only are the products themselves wasteful, but the materials used to create the technology can be problematic as well. For instance, computers contain several hazardous materials that cannot be easily disposed of in a landfill. In turn, both large and small companies have an uphill battle when it comes to properly eliminating e-waste.

How to responsibly eliminate e-waste

The easiest way for businesses to ensure they aren’t negatively impacting the environment with their e-waste is to work with a reputable e-waste recycler. Furthermore, the company should be transparent about its policies regarding the elimination of e-waste and destruction of sensitive data. 

For example, ERI guarantees its clients 100 percent data destruction, which is something companies should look for while choosing a provider. This ensures that confidential data does not end up in the wrong hands. 

Additionally, companies will want to assess their recycler of choice’s commitment to sustainability. ERI repurposes functioning parts and devices for refurbishment or reuse, with obsolete items fed into shredders to be broken down into raw materials and passed on for further reuse. With ERI, companies also don’t have to worry about their e-waste ending up in landfills abroad.

Preventing the accumulation of e-waste

Electronic waste is a problem for many companies, but there are ways your business can reduce the amount of it that accumulates over time. Here are some key tips you can share with your colleagues and use throughout your organization.

Re-evaluate your needs

Does everyone at your company need a tablet, or is it just one or two teams that could use them? Could you invest in one device, as opposed to two or three, to perform multiple functions? Harvard Sustainability notes that this is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of waste you create over time. Measure exactly how many devices you need to accomplish tasks at your company. This may change as time goes on but having an estimate can prevent you from investing in technology (i.e., future e-waste) you don’t need.

Take care of existing technology

Updates are bound to happen, and new, more efficient technology is inevitably going to come with the future. However, you can create less waste over time by making sure you get the most out of your existing technology. For instance, preventing your employees from overcharging the batteries of their devices can potentially extend their lifespan. This means they will be able to avoid the landfill for longer.

Look for environmentally friendly electronics

The fact of the matter is it is possible to invest in environmentally friendly electronics, which can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. Items with the Energy Star label and products certified by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) can help you shop smart.

What are EPEAT and Energy Star?

EPEAT is designed to make it easy to spot eco-friendly products. If you see that an item has been certified by EPEAT, this means it has been measured for its sustainability and impact on the environment. 

There is a list of criteria that items must meet in order to receive the Bronze rating by EPEAT, and Gold and Silver ratings can be achieved by meeting optional criteria. The standards that items must meet vary according to the product. However, some criteria span across more than one category of electronics, such as “packaging” and “indoor air quality.” 

Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that was developed by the government. Since it was created in 1992, the goal has been to help businesses and individuals alike save money and the environment through energy efficiency. Items that have the Energy Star label can range from dishwashers to computer monitors. However, they must be tested in third-party certified, EPA-recognized laboratories for efficiency. 

By investing in an Energy Star electronic product, businesses can have peace of mind knowing they are using a sustainable item that has been verified to be environmentally friendly.

Looking ahead to an eco-friendly future

Depending on your company, you may already have some regulations in place to handle e-waste. However, there is always room for improvement when it comes to handling today’s electronics and the latest materials used to create them. With information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a reputable e-waste recycling company, you can ensure you’re always doing your best to reduce your carbon footprint. In the end, your business may also be able to trim its expenses through increased sustainability.