5 Ways for IT to Curb E-Waste
Posted by Crystal Nichols on Mon, Jan 02, 2012 @ 08:03 AM
Discarded electronic equipment is becoming a major concern for our age. Electronic waste creates a new factor in the environmental problem. When electronics are discarded, there are at least two major concerns: the missed opportunity to reuse or recycle, and the release of various toxic materials into the environment.
Fortunately, there are some things that IT can do in order to reduce its e-waste footprint:
1. Start with e-waste policies. Curbing e-waste is something that should be modeled from the top down. CIOs are responsible for lifecycle management, and making sure that e-waste is a part of that management process only makes sense.
2. Consider it during the purchasing process. When a new IT purchase is made, take into consideration how it will be disposed of when the time comes. Identify those products with hazardous materials, and figure out which products have components that can be reused.
3. Reduce consumption. While most IT departments are already stretching things a bit when it comes to longevity, others are more cavalier. Identify ways to make do with the existing infrastructure, as long as it doesn’t impact efficiency.
4. Reuse. Peripherals, power cables, hard drives, and more all have the potential for reuse. Be careful here, of course; for example, older hard drives are likely to use more power than newer ones, and you don’t want to simply reuse a hard drive and then find that it’s actually using more energy.
5. Recycle. Many vendors have a recycling policy when it comes to old equipment. Old equipment is bought back and then redeployed or donated to those in need. In a worst case scenario, the precious metals in your IT equipment should have some value to local recycling firms, so contact them to determine whether or not they can help dispose of old systems in a way that’s environmentally friendly.
6. Participate in the community. Connect with other businesses outside of the supply chain and encourage curbing e-waste. Use your influence to make an impact on other people in your community, including those in your own industry.