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In 2018, we produced 49.8 million metric tons of e-waste. And a large portion of it includes the kinds of electronic equipment small businesses use. But consider this. Recyclers recover literally thousands of pounds of copper, silver and even gold can be recovered from smart phones alone.
E-Waste Recycling Tips
So check out some top e-waste recycling tips to help you lessen what winds up in landfill.
Use the Cloud
Purchasing at least some of the software and storage space you use on the cloud helps. You’ll lessen the demands you put on your business computers’ hard drive so they actually last longer. It’s a proactive move so you’ll need to recycle less.
Google Cloud has storage options that make it a reliable green choice. If you’re a little wary of this SaaS model and want to start with a name you can trust, this will work.
Use a Junk Removal Service That Recycles
If your business is big enough that you produce e-waste on a regular basis, junk removal companies can handle the recycling for you. Lots of small business owners don’t have the time to research local drop off points in their municipalities. Companies like Junk King offer e-waste removal and recycling services. You can text them a photo of everything from computers, to monitors and printers to get started.
Contact the Manufacturer
The chances are you can contact the manufacturer of your electronics and/ will have an E-waste recycling program. Industry-leading companies like Best Buy have even set goals for their version. They want to recycle 200 pounds of e-waste by the end of / 2020.
Ramp Up the Culture
Having everybody onboard by adopting a good E-waste recycling culture helps. One excellent method is to celebrate these recycling goals. Having an employee lunch when certain targets are met is a great way to bring everyone together under a green banner.
Destroy Data
One of the concerns your supervisors and managers might have is about sensitive data and recycling. Everyone’s anxieties about company secrets falling into the wrong hands can be smoothed over. You need to hire a company that destroys your data before recycling.
Make it a DIY project by selecting one of the data destruction offerings here.
Upgrade Electronics
You may be able to run an end play around E-waste recycling or at least put it off by upgrading the electronics you have. Software upgrades and additional memory and hard drives can keep your small business electronics running for quite some time.
Don’t Forget Packaging
Sometimes small business owners forget the cardboard boxes and plastic packaging the electronics come in when they go to recycle. You can establish a few collection bins at your business for this E-waste. Or, you can designate someone to put that waste in the proper containers for the regular recycling.
Donate
Recycling is good for the planet. Reusing old cell phones and other electronics that still have some use is even better. There are lots of donation sites that put your old phones to good use.
Check Your Local Options
Chances are your municipal or state government has some kind of recycling options for your business needs. Here’s an interactive map you can use to check out the options in your area.
Ask the Right Questions
If you’re planning on outsourcing your recycling, prepare a list of questions. Find out if the company you are considering has the right credentials like an ISO 14001 environmental management certificate.
If the E-waste recycling company outsources, be cautious if they say their partners are confidential. Ask about the records they keep and where they ship to.
Image: Depositphotos.com
Aira Bongco
So there is also such a term as e-waste. It is important to also look out for these if you are to run a small business. I didn’t know that you can recycle these.