Electronics Recycling Leader, R2 Recycling, On How Big Business Reduces E-Waste

With the growing issue of electronic waste, many businesses are now implementing proper recycling protocols in an attempt to move towards sustainability.

While the ongoing pandemic has inevitably helped to mitigate our carbon footprint, e-waste continues to be a significant contributor to the global environmental crisis.

R2 Recycling, a premier electronics and computer and electronic recycler based out of Lakewood, NJ, has made it their mission to encourage businesses to adhere to standard recycling protocols when it comes to outdated or unused technology. Throughout this article are quotes from spokespeople at R2 Recycling.

Tossing out electronic waste at the curb is illegal in a growing number of jurisdictions — many big businesses need to shoulder their share of the blame.

While e-waste remains a growing problem for many big businesses, the good news is that they can do something about it.

According to R2 Recycling, here are four ways that big businesses can reduce e-waste and be part of the solution instead of contributing (however unintentionally) to the problem.

1. Deploy a Container On-Site to Collect E-Waste

For some larger organizations, the question is not why should we get rid of our e-waste?, but rather where do we put our e-waste?.

Indeed, this is a valid inquiry considering that we are not talking about a handful of components or appliances — but instead dozens or even hundreds of old, outdated and broken items. Fortunately, the answer is simple: deploy a container on-site that, when filled, is simply replaced with another container once it’s full.

Businesses can choose to either deploy an unlocked or locked container on their premises.

R2 Recycling, which is one of the nation’s only computer recyclers that can legally and safely collect, disassemble and recycle computers know what they’re talking about when it comes to safely recycling electronics equipment.

An unlocked container is suitable for gated areas, such as on a secured parking lot that is protected by perimeter fencing and security. In contrast, a locked container is suitable for ungated areas. All that staff need to do is place e-waste in the container and consider it gone. Furthermore, businesses can encourage employees to bring unwanted electronics from home and place them in the container as well. Most people have at least a few old and broken items that are just taking up space in a basement, garage or attic.

2. Have E-Waste Picked-Up

Businesses that don’t want to deploy a container on-site, or who may not be able to due to space limitations (i.e. they share a public parking lot with other businesses) can simply have e-waste picked up by professionals. Not only is this fast and easy, but it may, in fact, be preferred to the container option because some types of e-waste need to be removed and handled with care to avoid injury.

Businesses that are concerned about the process disrupting daily operations do not need to worry when they partner with professional e-waste management and computer recycler. Arrangements can be made to have items picked up during non-business hours or, at least, during times when minimal employees and customer activity are occurring, such as late afternoon on a Friday.

3. Sponsor an E-Waste Collection Event

Businesses that want to solve their e-waste problem and at the same generate a great deal of goodwill in the community (which is not just the right thing to do, and can be profitable as well) can sponsor an e-waste collection event (sponsorship can be done exclusively or in conjunction with other businesses or towns).

The goal of sponsoring an e-waste collection event is not just to generate as much e-waste as possible, it is also about creating awareness, and reminding other businesses as well as residents in the surrounding community that computer recycling and proper e-waste disposal is everyone’s problem, which means that everyone can be part of the solution. Also, attend events on recycling business e-waste to be part of the solution.

4. Drop Off E-Waste at an Appropriate Facility

A final option for businesses that want to rid themselves of e-waste responsibly and ethically is simply to drop it off at a suitable recycling facility, such as those that R2 Recycling operates around the country.

By scheduling a time in advance, they can be assured that when they arrive at the R2 Recycling facility, their team will be ready to help them say goodbye to their e-waste once and for all.