The sustainability of our planet is something no company can afford to ignore. As organisations become increasingly digital, it is more important than ever to ensure that all of their IT devices are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Refurbished IT devices offer a major opportunity for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact while still performing the same critical functions as new equipment. Not only do they provide a sustainable alternative, but they also save money in the long term - making them an attractive choice for any organisation aiming to make corporate social responsibility a priority. In this post, we'll be exploring how companies can create a greener future by harnessing the potential of refurbished IT devices.
Introduction
The rapid development of technology has increased the demand for electronic gadgets and greatly increased electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is a major environmental concern as it often contains toxic substances that can pollute air and water resources. To combat this issue, many organisations are turning to refurbishment as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new IT devices.
E-waste is a major environmental concern as it often contains toxic substances that can pollute air and water resources.
Refurbishment – A Growing Trend
As organisations seek more sustainable solutions and ways to reduce their carbon footprint, the refurbishment industry is witnessing a surge in popularity. They are recognising the value of refurbished IT equipment that offers performance comparable to new equipment at a fraction of the cost. This growing trend is also supported by several studies showing that playback devices are a reliable option and are having a positive impact on the IT landscape.
The market for refurbished devices is expected to grow, with more organisations adopting a circular economy approach to managing their IT assets. This trend is expected to have a lasting impact on the IT landscape as companies become more aware of their environmental responsibility and the cost advantages associated with refurbished devices.
Refurbishing as an Alternative
A. Benefits of Refurbishment
i. Less Air and Water Pollution
Refurbishment reduces air and water pollution, e-waste, and the carbon footprint associated with the production of new devices. Raw material extraction and manufacturing are highly carbon-intensive processes, so most of the global warming impact of electronic devices occurs during the manufacturing stage.
For example, common items such as mobile phones account for 79% of total pre-use CO2e emissions, while laptops account for 77%. In fact, an average midsize laptop embodies about 263 kg of CO2e. The impact of frequently changing devices is clear. Manufacturer emissions increase when products are not designed to last or cannot be repaired. As a consumer, the number one way to reduce the hidden environmental costs of your device is to use it for as long as possible. Extending the life of devices and repairing them when they break can slow down the flow of newly manufactured devices. For example, extending the life of your laptop by 50% or 100% can significantly reduce your carbon footprint over time.
ii. Creates Less E-Waste & Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
E-waste, also known as electronic waste or e-scrap, refers to used electronics nearing the end of their useful life, which are discarded, donated, or given to recyclers. These electronic devices often contain toxic and harmful substances such as mercury that pose serious risks to human health and the environment. It is estimated that by 2021 there will be an average of 7.6 kg of e-waste per person, resulting in 57.4 million tonnes of e-waste worldwide. Unfortunately, only 17.4% of this e-waste was properly collected, treated, and recycled.
The carbon footprint of IT devices is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, stemming from the manufacturing, usage, and disposal of these devices. Using your IT devices for a longer period reduces the need for manufacturing new ones, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
The improper handling of e-waste results in a significant loss of scarce and valuable raw materials, including precious metals like neodymium, indium, and cobalt. Recycled metals are two to 10 times more energy-efficient than metals smelted from virgin ore, and mining discarded electronics produces 80% fewer CO2 emissions per unit of gold compared to mining from the ground.
iii. Cost Savings
Opting for refurbished IT devices can lead to significant cost savings without compromising on quality or performance. Refurbished devices are typically more affordable than their brand-new counterparts, with savings of up to 50-70% on the initial cost. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers and businesses alike.
One of the main advantages of purchasing refurbished equipment is the extended warranty that is often offered. These warranties cover hardware issues and potentially save you money on repairs or replacements, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Refurbished devices also offer greater flexibility when it comes to upgrading your IT equipment. With the initial cost being lower, you can invest in higher-spec devices or additional components at a fraction of the price of new equipment, giving you the opportunity to enhance your overall IT infrastructure. This improved cost efficiency allows more budget to be reallocated to other areas of the business, improving overall business performance and competitiveness.
Using your IT devices for a longer period reduces the need for manufacturing new ones, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
Challenges of Refurbished Devices
Reliability Concerns: One of the biggest challenges facing individuals and businesses when it comes to refurbishing IT equipment is reliability. Refurbished devices don't always perform the same as new devices. Some users have reported shorter lifespans and common issues requiring repairs and troubleshooting. Ensuring that a warranty is provided when purchasing refurbished technology is crucial in case the manufacturer's guarantee doesn't suffice. To minimise reliability issues, it is recommended to purchase refurbished devices from reputable sources or directly from the manufacturer, rather than third-party sellers on platforms like eBay.
Shorter Life Cycle: Refurbished IT devices are often assumed to have shorter life cycles compared to their brand-new counterparts. While this is not always the case, it is generally a fair assumption. Refurbished laptops, for example, are reported to have a life cycle of two to four years, whereas new laptops can last for seven years or even up to a decade. The shorter life cycle of refurbished devices can be a concern for businesses and individuals who require a long-term solution and do not want to invest in replacing their IT equipment frequently.
Thorough research and choosing a proven and reputable refurbisher are essential to overcoming these IT equipment refurbishment challenges. Ensuring your equipment is properly tested, repaired, certified, and insured increases your chances of a successful, cost-effective IT equipment refurbishment.
Best Practices for Implementing Refurbished IT Devices
To ensure the successful implementation of refurbished IT devices in an organisation, it is important to follow the best practices:
Partner with a reputable refurbisher: Choose a reliable refurbisher that offers high-quality, certified devices, along with warranties and ongoing support.
Set clear expectations: Communicate your organisation's needs and performance requirements to your refurbisher, ensuring that the refurbished devices meet your specifications.
Plan for regular maintenance: To maximise the lifespan and reliability of refurbished devices, schedule regular maintenance checks and updates.
Educate and train staff: Inform your employees about the benefits of refurbished devices and provide training on their proper use and maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embracing refurbished IT devices can play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future for both the environment and businesses. By opting for refurbished technology, organisations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, decrease e-waste, and save on costs without compromising performance. Despite some challenges, such as reliability and shorter life cycles, these can be mitigated through thorough research, working with reputable refurbishers, and implementing best practices. By integrating refurbished IT devices into their operations, companies can demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility and promote a greener, more eco-friendly future.
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Our secure IT asset disposal services provides the dependable solution you need for your e-waste and end-of-life asset needs. Our team applies safe and sustainable steps that are regulatory-compliant at every stage of the process.
From the point of collection, auditing, shredding and/or wiping to remarketing and/or donating your IT assets, you can be sure with our end-to-end services that we take your security seriously.
We have coverage against the loss of or damage to your goods during transportation. This includes marine cargo shipment from the ports to the warehouses
Our professional team of asset removers ensure your devices are packed safely into our vehicles which are also equipped with GPS-tracking systems. We have armed our warehouses with fingerprint-only access complete with security alarms and 24/7 CCTVs in place
Our reach spans across the globe through our networks of partners and vendors. Wherever your business is based, you can leverage our worldwide network and we would be happy to assist you throughout your ITAD journey
SPW is Asia's go-to solutions provider for data destruction, data erasure, IT asset remarketing, and environmentally-responsible IT asset disposals. Contact us and learn how you can incorporate an ITAD strategy into your business today.
