Time to rethink how we dispose of old technology

When organisations update their IT, surplus devices are often treated as something to remove quickly. Laptops, tablets and phones are boxed up, recycled or discarded, even when they are still perfectly usable.

There is growing recognition that this approach needs to change.

Old technology is not always waste. With the right handling, it can continue to support people while reducing unnecessary environmental impact. Rethinking IT disposal means pausing before throwing devices away and considering what else they could do.

Most of a device’s environmental impact comes from how it is made. Extending the life of existing technology reduces the need for new manufacturing and helps limit electronic waste.

At furbd, we work with organisations to make responsible reuse straightforward. Surplus devices are securely wiped, refurbished and passed on where they can be useful again. This supports both environmental responsibility and access to technology in the community.

Across the Tees Valley, more businesses are beginning to look at IT disposal differently. It reflects a wider shift towards making better use of the resources we already have.

Before disposing of surplus technology, it is worth asking what else it could support. A device that is no longer needed in one place may still be valuable somewhere else.

You can read the article that sparked this conversation from Tees Business here:
https://teesbusiness.co.uk/2024/04/04/time-to-rethink-your-it-disposal/