The popularity of electronic products has been growing exponentially over the last decade or so. The launch of new computers, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets often results in discarding of out-dated products that are referred to as e-waste. The list of e-waste includes, but is not limited to computers, printers, CDs, hard drives, gaming consoles, smartphones, televisions, etc. According to recent studies, an alarming 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were created only in 2019. However, unfortunately, only 17.4% of this electronic waste was appropriately managed.
The most serious concern surrounding e-waste is the impact it has on the environment. These wastes often contain hazardous substances that are harmful to human health and the environment. This the biggest reason for socially responsible businesses to invest in e-waste management.
Another major problem related to e-waste concerns data security. While discarding their old electronic devices, many individuals fail to realise that their personal information remains on their discarded device. Erasing data completely from a computer’s hard drive is extremely difficult. Therefore, hard drives that are not destroyed properly can be compromised easily by the hackers to access sensitive information including credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
If you run a business, you should be even more careful about dealing with your electronic waste. It is extremely likely that your discarded devices or disks are full of personal information belonging to your employees and clients. If you ignore this, it can quickly turn into a massive legal and financial nightmare for you.
Mentioned below are some reasons why every modern-day business generating e-waste should take adequate measure to manage their waste.
- In the context of IT asset disposition, all businesses are exposed to the growing threat of breach of data security. Effective management of e-waste is the best way to deal with this problem.
- Obsolete IT assets sent to landfill sites take thousands of years to decompose, and cause serious damage to the nature and its resources. Moreover, dumping your e-waste to these sites involves paying a landfill tax that may affect your business. By recycling old electronics gadgets, you can play your part in saving the environment and reduce your landfill tax.
- Discarded electronic wastes often contain toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. They can contaminate drinking water by leaching into our groundwater resources. Proper management of old electronics can help address this problem.
- Electronic waste management is also important for the recovery of precious metals.
- Over the last few years, there has been a growing awareness about e-waste management around the world. Some countries have already put together strict regulations against disposal of e-waste and others are likely to impose such restrictions very soon.
- By implementing a comprehensive management strategy for e-waste, businesses can built their reputation as a socially responsible organization and reach out to a wider group of consumers.
If you are serious about protecting your digital data as well as the environment, please contact us at Mastershred. We have an advanced range of media shredders for computer hard drives, USB, CD, tapes, and much more.