Happy New Year! Now it’s important to start the year off on the right foot. People usually do this through New Year’s resolutions when it comes to personal matters. But, for business, companies really need to knuckle down and get to work in order to reach important milestones.

Following COP26, countries set their aims to reduce the worst impacts of climate change such as CO2 emissions and coal. However, electronic waste was excluded from the agenda entirely. This is odd considering how it’s the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, with a prediction that it will reach 74 million metric tonnes globally by 2030.

But how does it damage the environment? And what solutions can businesses implement? E-waste will only continue to multiply, so it’s best for businesses to actually do something about it.

Here’s everything you need to know:

How does tech disposal damage the environment?

There are a variety of ways in which e-waste is bad for the planet.

Firstly, electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, zinc, nickel etc. If these materials are released into the environment, they can cause damage to soil and water. Then that will spread to our wildlife, livestock and crops. Subsequently, it finally passes onto us through the food chain.

These materials can cause severe damage to our blood and kidneys, as well as both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Often, we never pay any attention to what materials make up the phone in our hand or the laptop sitting on our desk. But they are hazardous. Ingesting large quantities will lead to many health problems and potentially even death.

If and when this e-waste is warmed up by the sun, toxic chemicals are released into the air, damaging the atmosphere. That can be bad news as it firstly contains the very oxygen we need to live, but secondly, it protects us from harmful ultraviolet solar radiation. The atmosphere is also a key ingredient in the formation of liquids due to the pressure it provides, meaning water would cease to exist, and it also warms the planet – keeping it habitable for us to live on.

The improper handling of e-waste also results in a significant loss of scarce and valuable raw materials, including neodymium, indium, and cobalt. And since the demand for laptops and phones will only ever increase, this could see us burn through the materials in no time whatsoever. The lack of recycling here is going to have long-term implications for years.

All in all, tech disposal can have serious consequences for the environment. It may not be 100% apparent right away, but it does either way nonetheless.

How can wiping and reusing tech make a difference?

Instead of throwing that old laptop away and replacing it with another one, why not use software like The All-New WipeDrive 9.7 to erase all the data thoroughly and reuse it?! 

WipeDrive is the global market leader in secure data destruction. If a computer is infected with a virus, malware, or other dangerous infections, WipeDrive can be used to get it back to a safe working condition once again. Even if it’s running slowly, WipeDrive is able to clear the entire hard drive, ready for a fresh operating system to be installed. Then the business can reuse it once again instead of going and forking out hundreds of pounds for a replacement model.

Doing this will ensure that the tech doesn’t get thrown away into landfills, potentially causing the environment and its inhabitants to be impacted significantly. In addition, businesses can proactively help the environment by including this as part of a pledge and assisting the globe in reaching net-zero. It’s also more time-efficient and easier to do rather than having to throw the tech away for good.

SystemSaver Enterprise is another product that can securely and permanently delete all personal and company data while leaving the operating system and programs intact. It’s perfect for reusing computers within a business and safe and secure. This will similarly make computers run faster and remove those stubborn viruses, malware and other pesky infections!

In need of a mobile clean-up? Then WipeDrive Mobile is designed exactly to do just that and more! The software can erase all data from iOS devices, then reload the most recent version automatically. Devices erased with WipeDrive Mobile end up in a like-new state with all sensitive data gone. This is ideal for those looking to update and reuse a work mobile.

To find out more, visit our website today! Alternatively, give us a call on 0345 340 3105 to speak directly to our team or fill out an enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome any potential questions you may possibly have.