Electronic waste collection is becoming increasingly popular. Luckily, they are not difficult practices to implement.
Old electronics are often discarded in landfills, polluting the environment and depleting resources, but this unsightly practice can be avoided. If done correctly, companies can set up better e-waste collection practices that greatly minimise human impact.
This blog explores how Australian businesses can improve on their e-waste management systems, from setting up collection centres to joining efforts with licensed e-waste recycling companies.
1. Understanding Electronic Waste Collection
Informing employees of the best practices your business should employ when it comes to e-waste disposal best practices is essential. If used technologies are mishandled, what were once useful products are transformed into toxic waste that pollutes soil and water.
Training sessions, webinars, or informative campaigns should be organised to raise awareness. Do not forget to explain the necessity of avoiding putting outdated electronics into general rubbish bins. Instead, motivate staff to hand over their old gadgets at designated spots.
2. Set Up E-Waste Collection Points in the Workplace
Establishing convenient e-waste collection points in offices is one way of enhancing e-waste collection by businesses.
Marked collection points should be set up at strategic locations which are easily accessible, such as breakrooms, offices, or near the entrances.
Businesses can minimise the possibility of employees throwing away discarded electronic devices in the general rubbish by making it simple for them to dispose of e-waste in the office.
3. Work with an E-Waste Recycling Company
It is important to partner with certified e-waste recycling providers like Cleanway. We are an EPA-licensed waste management company with the necessary experience to manage various types of electronic waste.
Electronic devices are often loaded with materials which can be recovered once the device is properly disassembled.
4. Allow Customers to Return Recycled Products
Establishing a scheme for customers to return old electronics is one of the effective ways of improving e-waste collection. This has already been implemented by some electronic device manufacturers, but there are still more opportunities.
This is referred to as “product take-back” and helps minimise e-waste while also encouraging people to dispose of old electronics in a safe manner.
Some can be incorporated with curbside recycling bin schemes.
5. Set Regular E-Waste Collection Days
Businesses can put in place recurring e-waste collection days, which will help streamline and make e-waste management more efficient.
These collection events may be organised one to two times a year, during which everyone will be able to deliver their old unused electronics for proper recycling.
Apart from enhancing the collection of e-waste, regular collection days can also create awareness and interest in the local population.
It is possible for businesses to set collection events and provide some discounts or vouchers to people who turn in their old electronics.
6. Reduce E-Waste Collection By Repairing And Refurbishing Electronics
One of the best techniques to minimise the amount of e-waste generated is offering specialists the opportunity to prolong the useful life of electronic devices.
Instead of making it a norm that every new device renders the previous one obsolete, businesses can start spending money on repair and refurbishment.
Offering a repair service or collaborating with nearby repair shops is a good idea to keep expensive electronics in use instead of in the rubbish. This can also be combined with resource recovery centres.
7. Move Away From Physical Devices to Cloud Business Technologies
A new practice emerging among businesses, in particular companies dealing with technology, is going digital and minimising usage of physical devices.
One means of achieving this is through cloud computing, which allows access to stored data and applications without the need for physical computers.
Companies can also promote the use of digital tools and resources as an alternative to using paper and other disposable materials. Businesses can work towards a reduction of electronic waste by creating a paperless and minimal hardware office space.
8. Keep an Eye on The Progress and Collection of E-Waste
Companies may implement a reporting system to monitor how much e-waste has been collected, where it has been sent, and if it was actually properly recycled or not.
When companies continuously report on the collection of e-waste, it shows how dedicated they are to the climate as well as transparency which can be beneficial to clients as well as stakeholders.
When companies publicly announce their targets for reducing electronic waste, it helps create a trustworthy impression and sets them ahead in the field of climate-friendly business.
9. Track Changes to E-Waste Regulations
Australia has implemented various policies with the intention of reducing the negative effects of e-waste. Every company should be vigilant regarding these policies so that they do not stray from best practices as mandated by law.
In 2019, for instance, the Australian Government launched the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) to enhance recycling rates of electronic devices.
With policies established, companies can assist the country with its e-waste problem without incurring fines.
Employees and clients will also be informed about these policies, which confirms the business’s commitment to proper e-waste management.
Final Note
For any Australian business, improving e-waste collection is one of the cornerstones of sustainability. Educating staff, establishing collection points, collaborating with registered third-party recyclers, and adopting paperless practices are practical steps every business can take to minimise their e-waste.
Adopting responsible practices for e-waste management extends beyond the environmental impact – there are business benefits as well.
Companies can enhance their reputation, target consumers who care about the planet, and keep pace with increasing regulations. E-waste collection should be prioritised so that Australian businesses can mitigate the effects of electronic waste and promote a sustainable future.