Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Recycling Your Technology is the Way to Go

Recycling Your Technology is the Way to Go

February 15, 2024

Recycling your technology is something that you may not put too much thought into, but the facts are that a lot of the technology we use can be really harmful to the environment if it isn’t recycled properly. This month, we are going to go into what happens to your old tech and how having a plan for recycling your old tech can help.

What Happens When You’re Done with Your Tech?

For the most part, the technology that gets thrown away is disposed of like most other garbage: Burnt or put into landfills. This isn’t good. With people using technology so much, it results in over 40 million tons of eWaste per year; and that figure is just going up. Technology often contains some materials that can seriously damage the environment. Metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and more can make their way into groundwater and can result in some pretty gnarly birth defects and health issues. 

What Responsibilities Do Businesses Have with Their Technology Waste?

Businesses are at their best when they maintain an ethical code. Businesses are responsible for recycling technology to reduce electronic waste's environmental impact. By implementing efficient eWaste recycling programs that align with corporate sustainability goals and contribute to conserving valuable resources and reducing harmful pollutants, businesses can set a positive example and do their part to help reduce the problem at hand. 

What’s the Right Way to Recycle Technology?

To recycle technology responsibly, businesses should start by using local eWaste recycling programs or drop-off locations. Before you bring in your devices, removing personal data from them is extremely important. Disassembling electronic components and separating materials such as metals, plastics, and glass before recycling can really help, but if you don’t want to take the time to do this, getting it into the hands of a responsible recycling outfit will do. Businesses that really want to make their tech useful should explore opportunities to donate or repurpose functional devices to extend the lifespan of technology whenever possible.

We Can Help

At First Column IT, we have relationships with companies that can help any organization responsibly recycle any technology they are looking to discard. If you would like to talk to one of our knowledgeable consultants about transforming your technology recycling strategy, give us a call today at (571) 470-5594.

Previous Post
October 31, 2024
Small Businesses Can Put Up a Fight with the Right IT
Small businesses have unprecedented access to some of the most powerful technologies business has ever seen; ones that were once exclusive to large corporations. These tools not only boost efficiency but also effectively level the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete in markets they simply couldn’t have before. Let’s explore how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the way small businesses operate.
October 24, 2024
New Features Make Video Conferencing Better than Ever
Video conferencing is one of those technologies that have revolutionized the way we work. Over the past decade, however, it has gone from being something super cool to being an essential technology every business needs. The shift towards remote work and digital collaboration, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has punched the innovation of video conferencing into high gear. These changes have not only enhanced the quality and reliability of virtual meetings but have also expanded their accessibility and functionality, making it easier for people to connect and collaborate across distances. Let’s discuss how video conferencing has advanced.
October 22, 2024
How to Keep Your File Organization Structured for Success
No matter what kind of business you work, having a repository of files that is organized and easy to navigate is a huge benefit. Like anything else that has a lot of traction, it is often difficult to keep organized in a manner that is best for your business. Let’s take a look at some ways that you can do just that. 

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation for VA, DC and MD companies. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here