From the beginning to the end of their lifespans, electronics can be quite costly for businesses to acquire & eliminate from their inventories. But there are cost-effective ways of accomplishing the latter, thanks to companies like Computer Recycling.
What Is Electronic Recycling?
Specialized recycling facilities like the one run by Computer Recycling help safely process electronic waste (or e-waste). E-waste includes devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electronic readers, tablets, and other gadgets. In addition, other electronic items fall into the e-waste category: essentially all items that are plug or battery operated.
When electronic devices cease to function or no longer possess current software, many people are at a loss for what to do. Devices that have internet access often have personal data on their memory storage. This is especially an issue in the medical industry, where protection of sensitive information is paramount. Thus, obsolete computers that include patient records should never be thrown in the garbage.
Electronic recycling is the act of breaking down computer components, including certain metals and plastic, so that they can be repurposed for use in future devices. The process includes recovering all device parts, including monitors, keyboards, motherboards, and central processors.
By using an electronic recycling service, anyone can help prevent material from ending up (often illegally) in landfills to conserve non-renewable resources. This also helps with basic human health when toxins are prevented from entering the air, water, or soil.
Which Businesses Benefit From Electronic Recycling?
For starters, recycling computers can create over 250 jobs per year. E-waste recycling is big business because Americans eliminate approximately $55 billion in electronic devices per year.
Many people believe that tech companies are the only businesses that see any true benefit from recycling, but it goes further than that. New computers and mobile devices are an increased necessity for all industries; this includes industries that are not directly involved with manufacturing or running software firms. With the rapid shift in technology advancements, having the latest device is most useful for immediate communication and downloading apps.
Space is also a top concern for a number of businesses. Electronics & computer recycling is an opportunity for businesses in all sectors to make room to accommodate office equipment & electronics that will become a vital part of their daily operations.
Future Business Costs
Technology devices that are not properly recycled will create financial difficulties for many businesses in the future. This is due to the metals (some of which can be toxic to all forms of life) and fiber used to manufacture these items.
If e-waste is recycled, these materials can be circulated for many years to come. Without e-waste recycling, the material from a device must be sourced & manufactured all over again. This leads to price increases for new mobile devices and laptops.
It’s especially important to properly recycle e-waste because most states have laws on the books making disposal of devices in household garbage & landfills illegal, often punishable by steep fines.
Cleaning Out Offices
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have increasingly turned to work remotely to stop the potential spread. Some have made this move a long-term one, ending their leases or selling space to save on overhead & upkeep costs.
For those businesses as well as those who maintain their office spaces, moving your old equipment out frees up much-needed space which will be useful as we gradually return to some semblance of normalcy. But it is imperative that all devices that are disposed of have their data destroyed: not only is it the right thing to do to protect customers & employees, but it also reduces the risk of a devastating data breach. When you use a firm like Computer Recycling, you will have the peace of mind that comes with a company that provides assurance of wiping and/or physically destroying your hard drives.
Sensitive Data
Data breaches can create significant financial & reputation damage to any company, regardless of size. From a legal perspective, businesses are expected to have security protocols in place for the protection of sensitive data on their devices. If a breach should occur, they can be held liable by the government for any damage that occurs in the form of major fines.
Personal information can include a variety of data: photographs, medical history, schedules, emails, phone numbers, addresses, passwords, and private accounts can be found through mobile devices, desktop computers, & laptops. Since an increasing number of individuals use their devices for work and personal use, data from both can be stored on devices. No matter what security measures an individual may take, their data can potentially be obtained by a hacker who knows their way around firewalls.
Devices that have more connectivity are at a higher risk for security issues. Even smart watches can potentially hold information on an individual. The public is urged to learn about precautionary measures to be taken for current & obsolete devices. One way to stay ahead of bad actors is by working with a proficient expert in data destruction like Computer Recycling.
Computer Recycling offers secure data destruction for businesses all across the eastern United States. They perform Department of Defense (DOD) standard wipes on hard disks, tapes, and computer drives. If the eradication of all data cannot be verified, they then go on to perform physical destruction of the equipment to ensure that this will be accomplished.
Computer Recycling
Computer Recycling is the leading electronics recycling company. It is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses easily recycle electronic waste. Customers can either drop off material at their facility, or they can use a variety of different service options including containers & recycling events. Obsolete electronics can be repurposed into useful devices for the future. By recycling valuable materials in a way that protects data and provides space, businesses and the environment can both benefit.
