Any business that utilizes technology is sure to accumulate wasted materials over time, whether it’s a drawer full of old chargers or a room full of old, outdated workstations. To make sure that they don’t land themselves in a landfill, you should make a conscious effort to recycle and reuse your old technology in some way. Here are some options to consider.
Donate Your Technology
Nonprofits and schools have enough budgetary concerns without considering how to acquire technology. You can help make their lives easier by donating it to them. Even if your technology only has a few good years left in it, these organizations are sure to find them more useful than you are—especially if you have already committed to getting rid of it somehow.
Refurbish and Resell for Some Profits
You can potentially recoup some of the costs associated with your technology by refurbishing it and reselling it to someone who doesn’t mind paying for slightly older or outdated technology. In fact, the people purchasing your refurbished technology will likely be getting a better version of what you paid for, as you would be taking the time to update it and ensure it’s in proper working order. You’re making technology more affordable and accessible as a result of doing this.
Recycle Your Old Technology
If you’re sure you don’t need it and don’t want to go through the hassle of refurbishing it, you can recycle your technology to minimize impact on the environment. There are programs out there that will accept your electronic waste and take care to dispose of it properly without dumping hazardous materials into a landfill somewhere. Many businesses partner with recycling centers that are certified to handle this task.
Erase Your Data
Your business needs to make data security a priority, even with devices you’re planning to get rid of. You’ll want to work with a company that can securely erase sensitive data from any devices you’re planning to get rid of to ensure no one can use any lingering information on the hard drives to cause trouble for your business. Of course, protecting customer data is just as important, and it should be considered when going through a disposal process.
Get Creative with Your Technology
Sometimes you can reuse your old technology for new purposes, like using an old monitor or television for digital signage in the office. Reusing old technology like this saves you the trouble of disposing of it and also helps your business be more sustainable in the process.
Trade Your Tech in for New Hardware
If you are going to upgrade your technology, consider trading it in to see if there is a way you can get some incentive for upgrading through the manufacturer or retailer. You can sometimes use your old technology to get a discount, saving you money while also pushing the responsibility for appropriate disposal to another.
Adopt Responsible Recycling as a Business Value
If you make a habit out of responsible recycling, it could do wonders for your reputation. If customers see that you are committed to recycling and sustainable practices, you just might see an increase in business and profits as a result.
Consider Government and Industry Regulations
Depending on your region, you might be liable if you fail to properly dispose of your electronic waste, resulting in fines and other penalties. You don’t want to waste resources by failing to adhere to these regulations.
Bevlin can help your business adopt better technology recycling practices, and it all starts with a phone call. Give us a call today at 781-679-0172.
