The rapid technological advancements have not only blessed us with cutting-edge electronic gadgets but also given rise to the issue of proper electronic waste disposal. Since businesses usually utilize scores of electronic devices including IT equipment, this disposal is a bigger challenge for them.
Contrary to popular belief, many businesses have started to see electronic waste as an opportunity to improve the longevity of their devices, cut down operation costs, and contribute towards sustainability efforts for the planet. This forward-thinking approach focuses on the positive effects of recycling e-waste and encourages businesses and individuals to adopt recycling practices for a healthier environment.
This blog shines a light on the positive effects of recycling electronic waste on the environment and the overall operations of businesses. It further explores reliable options for recycling your e-waste in the USA in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
The Positive Effects of E-Waste Recycling for Businesses
Most businesses today are backed by technology. This makes it an integral part of the daily operations of businesses regardless of their nature. Once these devices reach the end of their life cycle it becomes a challenge to dispose of them safely. It is a serious issue for businesses because they generate electronic waste in large volumes.
Business owners are now more aware than before of the hazards of improperly disposed e-waste because of the evidence that electronic waste is not only bad for the environment but also is a threat to public health.
Businesses can make a significant impact on reducing the burden of discarded electronics. This can be achieved through implementing special e-waste policies by organizations and by partnering with certified e-waste recycling companies like Ez on the earth. We have been serving in the e-waste industry for over three decades and offer compliant and eco-friendly recycling services for e-waste at our recycling plants in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
E-Waste and The Environment: Is the Risk Really That Big?
One often wonders, what's all the hue and cry about the hazards of electronic waste? The reality is that concern about this issue is indeed much called for. The stats around electronic waste paint a grave picture.
According to the United Nations, in 2019 alone the generation of e-waste reached a whopping 53.6 million metric tonnes. Compared to this staggering amount, the recycling rate in most countries does not go beyond 20%. This is unfortunate because the volume of e-waste that is not recycled ends up in landfills, where it becomes a nuisance for the environment and human health.
Additionally, while the term electronic waste gives the idea that used electronics have no value, in reality, this is not true. E-waste is estimated to have a value of around $62.5 billion each year which diminishes if proper recycling procedures are not implemented.
Finally, from these stats, it can be deduced that the risk of e-waste to the environment is significant, and immediate action is required to reduce this risk.
The Positive Effects of Recycling For The Environment
Now that we know that irresponsible disposal of electronic waste is a potent risk factor for the worsening of the planet, let us explore the positive effects of recycling e-waste responsibly in an eco-conscious manner.
Environmental Conservation
As businesses become more aware of the importance of sustainability, they also pay more attention to conserving the environment. One of the most prominent positive effects of recycling e-waste is the benefit it derives for the planet and environment.
When used electronics are discarded in landfills it invites a host of problems because of chemical leaching. Since electronics contain several chemicals including heavy metals like mercury, lead, nickel, and cobalt it is possible that these can leak into the soil and groundwater contaminating these resources and endangering the life that is dependent on them.
Proper e-waste recycling helps to safely remove these toxic substances from old electronics and diverts them from landfills thereby conserving the environment.
Preservation of Natural Resources
The biggest monetary positive effect of recycling e-waste is the recovery of valuable materials. Used electronics are a source of useful materials including copper, gold, and silver and these can be extracted during the process of recycling. Once recovered they can be directed for use at other industries or sold in the market.
The recovery of these rare earth elements reduces the burden on natural resources to be extracted from their ores. It also curbs mining activities that cause environmental degradation.
Mitigating The Risk of Climate Change
Improperly discarded e-waste often ends up in landfills or incinerators. Burning of electrical devices releases a cloud of harmful gasses like CO2 and a host of other greenhouse gasses. These gasses damage the ozone layer and contribute to the acceleration of global warming and climate change.
Responsible recycling of electronic waste ensures that these old gadgets are handled in a way that does not harm the environment or its resources in any way.
E-Waste Recycling And Cost Savings
This might come as a surprise for many. While it is true that recycling of e-waste is encouraged mainly due to the environmental benefits it offers, proper e-waste recycling can also yield financial gains for your business. Recycling e-waste by partnering with a reliable e-waste recycling company can save money as the traditional methods of waste disposal are priced higher than e-waste disposal methods.
Besides this, businesses can steer clear of fines and legal penalties associated with improper e-waste disposal and hence save money.
Positive Effects of Recycling Beyond The Environment: A Spot-Free Business Reputation
Brand image and reputation are two very important aspects of a business. By investing in compliant e-waste recycling services you can achieve an excellent reputation with regulatory agencies.
Including e-waste recycling programs in your company policy can also help boost your reputation amongst consumers. As the world increasingly puts more importance on sustainability and green initiatives, businesses that have an environment-first policy can attract better investments and increased sales.
Where to Find Reliable E-Waste Recycling Services
Ez on the earth provides a comprehensive range of e-waste recycling services for businesses and enterprises of all scales and backgrounds. We deliver eco-friendly and customized services to fit the unique needs of your business.
Of the many facilities we offer, the highlights of our service are:
- On-site pick-up services for bulk recycling
- Safe and secure data destruction with a certificate
- Responsible Logistics for streamlined recycling
Conclusion
The bottom line is that there are multiple positive effects of recycling e-waste especially for businesses since they typically generate greater volumes of electronic waste. The stats around e-waste point out the need to adopt sustainable and responsible disposal methods for discarding e-waste to achieve the benefits associated with its recycling.
Some of the positive effects of recycling electronic waste include protecting the environment, safeguarding natural resources, and slowing down climate change. To avail these benefits it is imperative to partner with a reputable e-waste recycling company and get started on your recycling journey.