Electronic Recycling - Forming part of your company’s Environmental Policy

Computers and electronics are an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, data storage, keeping up with the daily news, and many other activities in our lives. We have reached the point where we can't live without them. But electronics have become a waste disposal problem as well.

Large quantities of televisions, computers, printers and other electronic equipment are finding their way to closets, attics, garages, storage areas, illegal dumps and landfills as the products become obsolete.  The computer and electronic waste stream is growing rapidly in Ireland and around the world.

Some components in most electronic products contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. These toxics are not a problem when consumers use these products, but they can create environmental problems if they are thrown away with other garbage.

Recycling and reusing electronic equipment reduces the amount of hazardous materials that may enter the environment. Recycling and reuse programs also reduce the quantities of electronic scrap being land filled.

Shred-it can provide you with a one-stop shop solution for the secure disposal of your paper and computers.  Where appropriate, some obsolete components of your computers can be forwarded for recycling.  So not only are you securing your companies information, you are also protecting the environment. 

•    The service begins with the collection of the goods to be recycled. Collection can be arranged within 24 hours.
•    The electrical component is stripped and all electronic components that can be used again are salvaged.
•    The non-working parts are sent to a specialist recycling plant for recovery of metals both precious and ferrous.
•    All customers are given a Certificate of Recovery when the goods have been processed which will cover them of any environmental responsibilities under the Waste Management Act and recently introduced WEEE Directive.
•    Rebates on certain electronic goods are also obtainable.


There are a number of options which will reduce your organisations need to recycle electronic equipment:

Lease equipment - Consider leasing computers rather than purchasing them. By doing so the user does not assume ownership of the product in a lease. When it is time to upgrade the computer to a newer product, the old unit is returned to the vendor, often for a credit toward the purchase of a new computer.

Purchase durable products - Take the time and effort to evaluate the various electronic devices. Money can be saved in the long run by purchasing a more durable and slightly more expensive piece of electronic equipment.

Repair instead of replace - Repairing an electronic device may be cheaper than replacing it.

Purchase upgradeable equipment - Equipment can often be upgraded by replacing a single component, such as memory chips, instead of the entire unit. Discuss upgradable issues with the retailer prior to making the purchase.
 

• DMG Group Information
• Document Management Information
• Scanning & Imaging Information
• Document Shredding Information
• Document Management Legislation