Electronics Recycling & Business: 4 Model Companies that Do I.T. Right

Far too often we hear of the repercussions of improper e-recycling. When businesses do not work with a trusted e-recycler or choose to illegally dispose of their electronics, they continue to damage our environment and contribute to worldwide problems. On top of environmental issues, these companies are finding themselves in sticky situations, from major fines to exposed data, as a result. Fortunately, there are many responsible companies working hard to ensure their electronics do not end up in the wrong hands or places at the end of the product’s life.

At Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, we believe in protecting our customers’ data, safeguarding the environment, and minimizing e-waste wherever possible. That’s why we’re reviewing four model companies that are making positive strides toward reducing e-waste. Their stories are so inspiring they might have you considering how your business can reach sustainability goals while protecting company data.

1. Amazon

Since books can so easily be recycled or reloved, it’s no wonder Amazon developed a recycling program for its Kindle devices. If a Kindle breaks or is replaced, Amazon will take back the old device free of charge. Customers can simply go online and request a shipping label to send the device to a recycler, where its data and personal information is removed. From there, products are broken down for materials to be reused.

What we love about this …

As the world of electronics continues to evolve, companies that make recycling electronics easier can contribute to making a difference. Amazon’s program is free of charge as they cover both the shipping and recycling of the device, which makes the process simple and sustainable long-term.

2.  Canon

Another awesome example of a forward-thinking environmental steward is Canon. Similar to Amazon, Canon takes back all consumer and home office products if they’re broken or obsolete. From cameras and accessories to printers and calculators, Canon works with customers to “ensure appropriate recycling … to help improve the environment and our local communities.”

What we love about this …

Canon accepts many products they manufacture to guarantee their products are handled appropriately and responsibly. Consumers can simply search for the product they want to send back online, add to the cart, and return the product for processing.

3.  Sprint

Sprint’s Buyback Program continues to be a hot topic in the recycling industry. Recognized by the EPA for responsible electronic waste management, Sprint buys back any mobile device for refurbishing or recycling based on how the device performs in testing. Sprint’s goal is finding a useful second life for the phones they collect, and of the phones that can’t be salvaged, materials go to recyclers with accredited third-party certification to ensure responsible recycling occurs.

What we love about this …

Sprint is taking environmental responsibility to the next level by accepting any mobile device regardless of the carrier or condition. In addition to clearing data, refurbishing usable devices, and dismantling and recycling materials, Sprint offers customers a financial incentive of up to $300 per eligible device. Their buyback initiative not only contributes to less e-waste, it motivates customers to do the right thing, too.

When it comes to recycling and refurbishing your company’s devices, ensure you’re working with a partner that contractually owns liability of data destruction and security to provide you true peace mind. Read more about secure data destruction in a previous blog.

4. Dell

To track where the technology giant’s parts are ending up, Dell and BAN are partnering to monitor e-scrap flows. The team planted tracking devices inside scrap electronics collected through consumer take-back programs.

“We applaud Dell for their desire to step up and work with us to proactively get ahead of potential downstream accountability issues and to take action,” said Jim Puckett, executive director of BAN, in an article published in E-Scrap News. The goal of this initiative is to ensure Dell’s partners and vendors comply with the company’s export policies and adhere to electronics recycling standards.

What we love about this …

We are excited to see Dell taking so much initiative when it comes to how their products are recycled. Unfortunately, with many electronic recyclers shipping e-scrap overseas instead of processing it domestically, finding a trusted e-recycler is more important than ever to protect the environment and ensure your company’s data is not at risk. Ask for proof of data destruction any time you turn a device in for recycling, refurbishing, or remarketing.

You Can Do It, Too! Protect Your Data and the Planet.

Your business doesn’t have to be the size of Sprint or Amazon to meet your sustainability goals and practice environmental stewardship. Each business can make a difference while protecting company data by working with a trusted e-recycler.

The team at Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction follows a comprehensive process to make your job easier. To do so, we:

• Assess old or obsolete electronics
• Pick up electronics that are no longer of use
• Physically destroy all hard drives using a shredder or degausser so you never have to worry about your company’s data getting into the wrong hands
• Properly recycle equipment that cannot be reused
• Refurbish or sell any equipment (also referred to IT Asset Disposition) you cannot redeploy to your business – this means more money in your pockets for new equipment or staff

Additionally, we recycle a broad range of electronics so you don’t have to work with multiple vendors. From company cell phones to laptops and external hard drives, we always adhere to NAID requirements and are backed by insurance to help create total security for you, your business, and your customers.

Ready to start responsibly e-recycling? Give us a call at (833) E-Recycl or message us online to inquire about 2019 planning or to discuss the obsolete equipment that’s been sitting around for too long. We’ve got you covered.

Categorized in: E-Recycle, Electronics Recycling