Here are 4 Reasons Why Electronic Recycling is Good for your business and the environment.
Are your old computers sitting in a closet collecting dust? You’re not alone — most businesses have piles of old or broken electronics taking up valuable real estate. And once the junk pile gets big enough, you’re likely to realize you’re never going to use them again, so you might as well toss it all. Before you do, though, you should realize that the trash can isn’t the best place for all your old technology. Instead, consider these advantages of electronics recycling that will benefit your business and the environment.
1. It’s Dangerous to Send Electronics to the Landfill
Electronics waste, or e-waste, accounts for just 2% of all landfill items, but it also makes up 70% of all toxic landfill waste. That’s because dangerous materials used to create the electronic devices, such as lead and mercury, don’t break down when disposed of. Rather, they can enter the land and water and create toxic conditions!
Using an electronics recycling program ensures these materials are properly disposed of to keep the planet safer for all of us.
2. Electronics Recycling is Better for the Planet
Most of us don’t think about what it takes to create the devices we use every day. Most devices are made of precious metals like gold or silver and a slew of other components we take from the earth. When devices aren’t recycled, though, we’re continually relying on the planet for new materials.
Let’s put this into perspective:
● It takes 530 lbs of fossil fuel, 1.5 tons of water, and 48 lbs of chemicals to make just one computer and monitor.
● 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered per one million cell phones that are recycled.
● Recycling 1 million laptops can save the equivalent of the electricity used by 3,657 homes each year.
● Right now, only 12.5% of electronic “waste” is actually recycled.
Recycling means less stress on our natural resources and manufactured components, which can help curb pollution and potentially reduce costs of goods in the future.
3. Electronics Recycling Creates Local Jobs
Electronics recycling isn’t possible without the skilled hands and hard work of real people. When you opt to recycle your electronics, you’re helping to grow the need of the industry and can provide job security for those in the field. This means helping out your local community by keeping people employed and boosting the economy.
4. It Clears Up Clutter in Your Facility
Could you better use the space in your business if it weren’t being occupied by old electronics? Most businesses would agree they could!
Getting rid of clutter in your facility can free up valuable workspace or storage you can use to increase your revenue.
Where to Find Electronics Recycling Near You
At eCycle Florida, we’re all about making electronics recycling easier on you. That’s why we have facilities in around several of Florida’s largest metros to serve you better. What’s more, you can schedule a free pickup and we’ll do all the heavy lifting for you!
Find a location near you and contribute to our state’s social responsibility! Contact us today to learn more.