E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide. It refers to discarded electronic gadgets. Seeing the pace of the IT industry, it is easy to understand why e-waste is growing at unimaginably high rates.
As a result, the computer recycling industry has also grown over the past few years to tackle e-waste. Businesses use the latest technologies to recycle or dispose of IT equipment properly. This blog aims to debunk some common myths and state the relevant facts about IT recycling.
Myth 1: All e-waste ends up in landfills
Trust issues are usually always there in lesser-known industries. That is why a lot of people feel like even if they hand over their equipment to an IT recycler, it will still somehow end up in the landfill.
This is a significant misconception. An e-waste recycling centre that is R2 certified and well-equipped has several processes that it can use to mitigate unnecessary waste. Many companies even consider refurbishing the electronics and making them usable again.
If it is impossible, their expert professionals use the latest technologies to extract the valuable materials and ensure their usage in new products. Then, the materials that are not useful or harmful to the environment are appropriately disposed of.
However, statistics show that most e-waste is dumped in landfills yearly. This is not to be confused with the negligence of recycling companies. That includes illegal dumping in a lot of underdeveloped countries. This is due to a lack of awareness, even in developed countries, let alone developing countries.
Myth 2: Recycling e-waste is not worth the effort
E-waste recycling has a profound impact on the industry and the world. The myth believers think that it uses more energy than it saves, or the energy spent is not worth it.
This, indeed, is not the case. Electronic devices sometimes have scarce metals inside. Energy spent on extracting them from electronics and computers is lesser than energy used to mine for new resources.
On the other hand, this myth also stems from a lack of knowledge about the dangers of e-waste. Improper disposal pollutes the environment by releasing toxic elements into the land, underground water, and the air. It increases the chances of developing many health issues in the people living nearby.
Proper recycling conserves natural resources by reducing the need for mining new materials and protecting the environment.
Myth 3: Data on old devices can’t be securely wiped
Modern software and tools can wipe out any traces of your personal data on a hard disk, making it totally non-recoverable. Different companies use different methods to ensure permanent data deletion. Here are some of the most common techniques used in the industry.
Data wiping
It is erasing data from electronic media so no user can access it. We either use a wiping tool or connect the storage device physically with the wiping device.
Overwriting
In this technique, overwrite the existing data with unreadable patterns of 0s and 1s. Businesses can use specialised data overwriting algorithms to implement this approach.
Shredding
This is the most cost-effective and safe method of physical destruction. Industry machines are used to destroy the storage drives rather than using simple hand force to smash them.
Similarly, some people also think that the donation of devices is risky due to sensitive data. You can hire any good data destruction service to avoid it.
Myth 4: Only old TVs and computers can be recycled
No, a lot of equipment is easily recyclable. Computers, monitors, smartphones, switches, and servers are entirely recyclable. The list includes networking devices, fibre optics, lab equipment, and medical imaging equipment. Cable boxes, DVD players, cell phones, and fax machines are also on the list. Do you want to find out if a particular equipment is recyclable? Visit this website.
Here is one of the most essential facts about IT recycling that you must know. It would help if you looked for a certified e-recycler that can dispose of all types of electronics in accordance with the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003.
Myth 5: Refurbish & reuse are not good options – It is better to recycle or shred
A lot of devices are not tricky to refurbish and repair. Reuse is possible, even for obsolete machines. It is not necessary to break it into pieces. Large organisations could benefit from surplus electronics. However, it would help if you had a good asset management plan as a business to minimise the probability of data breach. Also, make sure the refurbished items meet the industry standards.
Myth 6: E-waste is always exported overseas to countries with weak environmental regulations
Businesses with solid policies and robust plans can handle e-waste and prevent this export. The educated personnel know how to tackle such tricky situations.
Zero–waste reporting is a mandatory part of reliable computer recycling services. They will allow their customers to track where their electronics go even after they leave their facility. They know that the opposite behaviour would hurt their reputation.
Myth 7: My city’s waste or recycling departments will take care of it
Many people think the city government will ensure recycling if they put their electronics in the trash. This is far from the truth.
The efforts made at the city level rarely focus on electronics. They are more about bags, plastics, bottles, etc. And it’s simply because they lack the proper facilities to do it. There is a reason why dedicated laptop recycling services and computer recycling businesses are operating throughout the UK and the world. Only local e-waste recycling organisations would help you with that.
Myth 8: The recyclable materials in devices are too little to bother with
Research on electronics waste facts shows that one million mobile phones can provide 22 pounds of palladium, 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold.
Myth 9: All e-waste recycling centres are same
No, there are a lot of differences in policies as well as the services they provide. For example, some would provide data destruction services, and some would not. If you go for the latter, you must find a separate data destruction business. Similarly, there are differences between the equipment collection services of different centres.
Myth 10: E-waste recycling doesn’t make a difference globally/ It is for businesses not individuals
E-waste is a big deal. It is a problem for everyone who lives on planet Earth. Collaboration between businesses, individuals, and governments is mandatory to make the impact required.
Conclusion
E-waste recycling is worth the effort since it helps you avoid terrible environmental consequences and conserves natural resources. Things like illegal exporting and many landfills are not far from the truth, but various organisations worldwide are working for the cause.
Knowing the facts about IT recycling can help you become a responsible recycler. You begin to understand the importance of ensuring proper data destruction. You play your part by spreading the knowledge that you learned.
Computer Wasteis one of the leading UK e-waste recycling organisations. They are known for their impeccable expertise in computer recycling, IT asset management, data destruction, and auditing/reporting.