With the constant upgrades and replacements of electronic devices, the issue of electronic waste (e-waste) has become a pressing concern for companies. The improper disposal of technology products has led to a significant amount of e-waste ending up in landfills, posing environmental and social challenges.
E-waste is a significant problem that can no longer be ignored
Here are some not so fun facts:
- In 2020, Canadians generated an estimated 647,000 metric tons of e-waste while in the US. it was 6.9 million metric tons.
- Only 11% of e-waste in Canada—and 20% in the U.S.—is recycled, while the rest is landfilled, incinerated, or exported.
And that was 3 years ago. Think of how much technology has been tossed since then
Doing our part for a more sustainable future
Whether it’s refresh time, end of life, or staff/office space reduction, companies seem to always have electronics to throw away. As a leading solution provider, i-Virtualize understands the problem all this waste can create. That’s why we became one of the first Cisco partners to achieve the Cisco Environmental Sustainability Specialization.
This enables us to take back your Cisco equipment—and other pre-approved, non-branded products—so they can be responsibly recycled and reused rather than ending up in a landfill, reducing the overall impact on the environment when manufacturing from scratch.
How your business can benefit by recycling your e-waste
There are a number of reasons to recycle your e-waste and environmental stewardship is only one.
Environmental stewardship
By recycling and repurposing technology products, you can actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of e-waste. Responsible disposal practices help conserve resources, minimize pollution from hazardous materials, and reduce carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new devices.
Cost savings
Recycling and repurposing technology products with i-Virtualize can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. We can work with you to help reduce the cost of your new technology so you can feel not only better about the planet, but also about your budget.
Data security and compliance
Savvy data thieves love a landfill because they know that all those old electronics may be an open door to unprotected sensitive data. E-waste management involves securely erasing or destroying sensitive data stored on devices, safeguarding businesses against potential data breaches. Proper disposal of technology products also ensures compliance with data protection and privacy regulations, reducing legal and reputational risks.
Not-so-fun fact: 42% of hard drives resold online still contain sensitive data.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Embracing responsible e-waste management practices aligns with a company’s CSR goals and enhances its reputation as an environmentally conscious organization. Demonstrating commitment to sustainability can attract environmentally conscious customers, partners, and investors, fostering long-term business relationships.
Circular economy opportunities
Responsibly recycling technology products contributes to the development of a circular economy. By recovering valuable materials and components, you can contribute to the creation of a sustainable supply chain, reducing reliance on virgin resources, and minimizing waste generation.
Partner with certified recyclers
When you collaborate with certified e-waste recyclers—like i-Virtualize and Cisco—who follow environmentally sound practices, you can ensure that you’re part of a more sustainable solution.
- Simple – Easy, convenient, free—All Cisco products and pre-approved, non-branded products.
- Secure – All equipment is tracked, returned to a secure location, and wiped of all data.
- Sustainable – 99.9% of equipment returned is reused or recycled.
Technology recycling and repurposing offer significant advantages for businesses, including environmental stewardship, cost savings, data security, and improved corporate social responsibility. By actively participating in responsible e-waste management, companies can drive positive change, reduce their environmental footprint, and contribute to the development of a circular economy.
Find out how, with i-Virtualize, we can collectively work toward a future where technology contributes to both business success and a greener planet.
