Earth Day is the perfect excuse to finally deal with that stack of outdated hardware — old phones, retired laptops and equipment gathering dust in storage. Because cleaning up your infrastructure should be as intentional as building it. Proper disposal goes beyond freeing up space. It protects your data, reduces e-waste and keeps your organization aligned with best practices. Disposing of hardware properly isn’t just about freeing up shelf space. It’s about safeguarding sensitive data, meeting regulatory standards and reducing environmental harm.
Why recycling business hardware matters
- Environmental impact: Recycling hardware reduces the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills, where it can release harmful toxins into the soil and water. By recycling, businesses can help reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the environment.
- Resource conservation: Recycling hardware allows valuable materials such as metals, plastics and glass to be recovered and reused in the manufacturing of new products. This helps conserve natural resources and reduce the need for mining and extraction of raw materials.
- Compliance with regulations: Many countries and regions have strict regulations regarding the disposal of electronic waste. By recycling their hardware, businesses can ensure they are compliant with these regulations and avoid potential fines or penalties.
- Corporate social responsibility: Recycling hardware demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which can enhance a business's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders.
- Cost savings: Recycling hardware can also help businesses save money by reducing the need to purchase new equipment and lowering disposal costs. In some cases, businesses may also be able to earn revenue by selling their recycled hardware to recycling companies.
Implementation steps:
- Take stock of your old tech: Dig out those old computers, phones and anything else that’s ready for a new life.
- Call your managed IT provider: They’ll help you figure out the best way to recycle, ensuring everything’s done by the book.
- Make sure your data is gone: Your managed IT provider will securely wipe all your old devices, so no sensitive info makes it into the wrong hands.
- Recycle with confidence: Your IT professional will guide you to certified recyclers who’ll dispose of your tech the right way.
Where to Recycle Your E-Waste:
Here are some great options for recycling your tech for free:
- Los Angeles Sanitation S.A.F.E. Centers: Drop off your old tech at a city-run S.A.F.E. Center for free disposal. Learn more on the Los Angeles Sanitation website.
- Los Angeles County Collection Centers: You can also take your e-waste to permanent collection centers in Los Angeles County. Find a location near you on the CleanLA website.
- TechWaste Recycling: This service offers free e-waste pickup for Los Angeles residents with 10 or more devices. More details on their website.
- E-Waste Solutions: Free e-waste recycling with data destruction and certificates of destruction. Visit their website.
- Staples and Best Buy: Both retailers offer free recycling programs for electronics. Staples has recycling stations for a variety of devices, and Best Buy will take a wide range of old tech. Learn more about their programs at Staples’ e-waste page and Best Buy's recycling page.
Overall, recycling hardware on Earth Day (and throughout the year) is a simple yet impactful way for businesses to contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.