How Environmental Regulations Are Shaping the Future of Data Center Recycling
A typical data center has several data storage devices, computer services, and a variety of networking equipment, such as routers and switches. As of 2023, U.S. data center energy use neared 176 terawatt-hours. It accounted for close to 4.4% of the energy used in the U.S. It’s expected that this number will reach 12% in […]
The Role of IT Asset Management in Building a Circular IT Economy
The average person discards 47 pounds of electronic waste every year in the U.S., which translates to approximately 500 pounds of e-waste every second. Estimates are that only 25% of electronics are recycled correctly. Low recycling rates are concerning for a multitude of reasons.While recycling rates remain low, the electronics manufacturing industry continues to grow. […]
The Hidden Risks and Costs of Retaining Legacy Technology
A company I know of uses a lot of the same technology that was installed in the 1960s when the plant opened. The company’s owner would rather spend time and resources trying to find tool and die specialists, electricians, and engineers who can keep the equipment going with quick fixes and patches that go back […]
Why Compliance Documentation Matters in Electronic Recycling
Electronic waste (e-waste for short) is a growing problem for businesses and individuals. In the 2024 “Global E-Waste Monitor,” it’s reported that 62 billion kilograms (around 136.687 billion pounds) of e-waste are generated around the world. It’s a lot.More concerning is that only about 22% of that e-waste is collected and recycled correctly. The rest […]
IT Asset Redeployment vs. Recycling: Which Option Is Better for Your Organization?
When your IT assets are no longer necessary or stop working, you are often faced with the option of recycling or redeploying them. On average, computers replace desktops every three to five years. Laptops are often replaced every three or four years. Servers usually get replaced every three to five years and upgraded every five […]
How Recycling Old Tech Helps Companies and Consumers Hit Sustainability Goals
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) found that the amount of e-waste generated between 2010 and 2022 increased by 82%. Over the next five years, it’s expected to rise another 32%, to a staggering 90.3 tons. To make the technology that the world depends on, rare earth elements are necessary. Currently, only 1% […]
From Harvest to Hazard: Safely Reclaiming Materials From Solar & Wind
The need for clean energy is great. Ocean temperatures continue to rise, and one consequence of this increase is the intensification of extreme weather events. In the U.S. alone, we’re seeing destructive wildfires and droughts, dangerous floods and tornadoes, and snowfall that’s higher than houses.The shift to alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind, […]
Reducing Microplastics from Consumer Electronics: Emerging Challenges & Innovations
Consumer electronics continue to progress and make our lives easier. The internet and home computers started to become more common in the 1990s, followed by laptops, cellphones, and tablets. Technology helps people in their daily lives at work, school, and home.The same devices that make life easier also created a big problem. Microplastic pollution is […]
The Rise of Subscription-Based Electronics and Its Implications for IT Asset Disposal
Have you ever leased a car? You pay a monthly fee and have full use of that vehicle until the lease is up. It’s an affordable way to have a new car to drive, but you have to follow the lease terms carefully and decide if you want to purchase it at the end.Subscription-based electronics […]
Shredding vs. Degaussing in 2025: Best Practices for Data Destruction
Data destruction is a requirement, not an option. Schools, retailers, banks, government agencies, medical practices, and so many other organizations possess critical information that could cause financial or personal harm if stolen. Plus, you damage your reputation for being careless.How you handle old, broken, or unused computers, printers, phones, scanners, etc., takes careful consideration. There […]