Electronic Recycling
At PNW Telecom, our main commitment is to our environment. This means any equipment or component that cannot be re-used, is disassembled, separated and compiled as groups of raw materials in order to be reused on another device. Any remaining materials are disposed of in an environmentally friendly method.
Consequences of a Constantly Evolving Industry
Due to a constantly evolving technological industry, most electronic devices have a relatively very short lifecycle before they are inevitably replaced by the newest gadget. Every year, the amount of electronic equipment that is disposed of increases, as more devices become obsolete and are subsequently upgraded by businesses and individuals on a global scale. The majority of this obsolete equipment ends up in the landfill or gets incinerated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only about 15-20% of electronic waste, or e-waste is currently being recycled.
Environmental Outcomes
Electronics recycling helps eliminate toxic scrap that can damage the delicate ecosystems around the world.
Electronics recycling is currently a relatively small piece of the puzzle, with regards to waste management, however, there has definitely been an increase in the volume of e-waste in recent years. This is concerning for those of us who are concerned about what we are leaving for future generations. So, instead of sending your used equipment directly to the landfill, do the planet and your business a favor, and enlist our help!
Benefits of recycling electronics
Most people don't think of recycling their grandma's 28-year-old house phone as a worthwhile endeavor, however, even though this piece of technology has long since been obsolete, most devices are rich in precious metals such as gold and silver, which can be condensed and used for new devices. In fact, the United States extracts approximately 4.4 million tons of precious metals from recycled electronics every year.
More than 320 tons of gold and 7,500 tons of silver derived from recycled e-waste are used each year to make new products around the world.
Sources:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Fact Sheet: MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN THE UNITED STATES." Web Accessed January 13, 2018
2. The Balance. "Sustainable Businesses: Electronic Devices a Rich Source of Precious Metals for Recyclers." Web Accessed January 9, 2018