E-waste- sustainability
“ IT asset disposal is a responsibility, not just an obligation”
As companies deploy new technologies, they are faced with the issue of what to do with their old IT assets.
It is no longer acceptable for organisations to throw out old technology or simply to pass it along. IT asset disposal is not only a responsibility that should be taken seriously it can also bring huge benefits to an organisation while at the same time being a good corporate citizen.
Key Concerns
Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing contributors to our waste stream. As more and more outdated electronic equipment ends up in landfill, the negative impacts of e-waste on the environment and humans will increase.
When e-waste is sent to landfill, poisonous substances can leach from decomposing waste and into the environment.
These substances can seep into groundwater, contaminate the soil and enter the food chain. There is also a risk that humans may develop health problems by coming into contact with the toxins. These include respiratory ailments, reproductive, developmental and nervous system problems.
What can we do to be part of the solution?
Although it is unavoidable for electronic equipment to eventually become redundant, we have the responsibility to minimise the impact our e-waste has on the environment. Most types of e-waste contain many valuable resources that can be recovered and reused. Often much less energy is needed to recover these resources than to produce new materials.
91% of the life-cycle energy of IT equipment is tied up in the hardware itself. That is, in the production of the item. That means that only 19% of the life cycle energy is in its usage. So, whilst it is important to employ products that are efficient users of electricity, it is perhaps more important to extend the useful life of a product in the market before eventually disposing of it. We attempt to do that by finding an avenue for sale as working equipment or for parts before sending it to be recycled. What is important though, are the benefits to all of us of "going green." Not just for the obvious environmental pluses but also in terms of corporate responsibility and risk minimisation. It's not a good look to have one of your old assets wash up on Bondi Beach with your company name all over it and full of your customers data!
Multi R IT has agreements with Australia's leading accredited e-waste recyclers. We can offer our customers the peace of mind that any obsolete or non working equipment is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, seamlessly integrated with our other services.
