There are so many facts and statistics out there discussing actually how much IT recycling goes on. As a business you are responsible for ensuring your old or broken equipment is disposed of responsibly but statistics suggest that the UK isn’t one of the world’s best recyclers. In fact, there are many countries succeeding in IT recycling where we fail.
Statistics suggest that up to 50 million tons of e-Waste are disposed every year across the world. Many of the items simply being thrown into landfills include precious metals including gold and silver which could easily be reused. 80% of all electronic products being disposed of end up in landfills and incinerators which allows toxic chemicals to spread into the earth and air. The lead in electronic equipment can be highly dangerous to humans and the environment.
The top 5 IT recycling companies in the world are all based in Europe. Number one is Switzerland followed by Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Norway. The forward thinking of these countries clearly had a part to play in the EU WEEE Directive which ensures all businesses must follow strict regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed that IT and WEEE waste is now the fastest growing source of waste in North America and we’re sure the UK can’t be far behind. Just some of the valuable materials within IT equipment includes:
- Copper
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
There are also many plastics and other materials which can easily be recycled. More than this many of the items which end up in the incinerator could actually be repurposed or sold on for use by others rather than left to contaminate the earth or atmosphere.
Computer Recycling for Businesses
Buy IT Back specialise in ensuring professional IT recycling and repurposing of old equipment. Your office equipment can be checked and we’ll take it away, paying you a fee for the privilege. Your equipment will be assessed and we’ll ensure it is reused where possible, refurbished where it can be and disposed of responsibly where necessary.
All businesses have a corporate social responsibility and legal requirement to dispose of their IT equipment and any other WEEE responsibly. Trusting a company like ours to handle your IT recycling means that you don’t have to worry about it and we guarantee to work within European Union guidelines to ensure your company is acting legally.
These shocking statistics about IT recycling need to be known so more companies and individuals realise the damage that could be caused by not recycling responsibly. Working with a company like Buy IT Back is simple and straightforward and you just need to get in touch for a quote.
