Introduction
Experts predict global e-waste volume will grow to 75 million tons annually by 2030. Without proper recycling, the staggering number represents a real environmental and public health threat.
Most companies want to do their part, but keeping up with legal and technical nuances surrounding electronics recycling can feel impossible. The standard life cycle for a business laptop is just three years. If your team does heavy computer work or is spread across multiple locations, recycling old computers becomes a never-ending challenge.
It can be tempting to sign a deal with the first electronics recycler you find just to satisfy your legal obligations and make the problem go away. However, outsourcing electronics recycling is a big decision that should be taken seriously. The right partner can help your company reduce its carbon footprint, protect sensitive data, and save money on disposal costs.
So, when your company is ready to partner with an electronics recycler, remember these five questions.
- Are You Certified?
Certification matters in the electronics recycling business, especially regarding compliance. The R2V3 certification, short for Responsible Recycling Practices Version 3, is this field’s most essential and rigorous standard.
R2V3 certification guarantees that your electronics recycler has a documented system that prioritizes environmental sustainability, data security, and the safety and well-being of workers. The certification process involves independent audits that assess each aspect.
For example, R2V3 standards require that recyclers prove their commitment to protecting the environment through hierarchical strategies focusing on reuse, recovery, and recycling.
- What Services Do You Provide?
Electronic recycling for businesses involves multiple steps, especially when dealing with a large inventory. A reputable electronics recycler should offer comprehensive solutions that meet all your recycling needs.
At ViaTeK Solutions, our services include:
- equipment removal
- inventory tracking
- data destruction
- equipment valuation
- hazardous material handling.
We can handle everything from the initial collection and transportation of outdated electronics to data destruction and proper recycling. When working with a full-service provider, you know your company’s e-waste gets handled ethically and sustainably.
- What Is Your Recycling Process?
A trusted electronics recycler should be completely transparent about their recycling process. You have the right to know what happens to your company’s e-waste, and a recycler should provide these details.
We break down our recycling process into four thorough steps.
- Processing
First, your equipment is carefully weighed and labeled. Our ViaTeK Tacker keeps tabs on individual devices throughout the entire process. For security purposes, hard drives scheduled for shredding are separated from the rest of the equipment and stored in a secure lock after scanning.
- Shredding
Shredding occurs at the end of the day. Data-containing devices move straight from the lock box to our industrial shredder.
- Demanufacturing
Next, we sort your equipment by type. For example, CRT monitors are saved for downstream recycling, while newer LCD screens go to our resell team. We also sort devices based on their potential resale value and scrap material components.
- Erasure and Testing
The final step involves data erasure and equipment testing. We guarantee the total destruction of sensitive information on your devices, including hard drives, SIM cards, SD cards, and other media storage.
After that, our refurbishing experts thoroughly test all equipment for resale value. Devices are refurbished or broken down into parts and sold to downstream recyclers.
4. Do you provide a certificate of destruction?
A certificate of destruction is more than a formality. It proves your equipment was properly disposed of, and any sensitive information has been securely and totally destroyed. Your certificate should include serial numbers, models, and other important information.
You lose peace of mind without a certificate of destruction from your electronics recycler. Your company could face legal and financial consequences if data breaches or environmental violations occur. Certificates of destruction are industry-standard and provide irrefutable proof that your equipment was disposed of ethically.
- What Are Your Costs and Pricing?
Electronics recycling looks different from company to company as each organization has different needs and inventory. That’s why we believe in custom solutions. We treat every order on a case-by-case basis, determining the best strategy for your equipment.
If your equipment has resale value, we will pay you a fair price. We estimate recycling and service fees if the equipment exceeds its useful life cycle. Our goal is to provide competitive pricing while promoting sustainability and convenience for our customers.
Conclusion
Electronic recycling for businesses usually requires a third party. Don’t settle for a mediocre solution when full-service providers are ready to handle 100% of your recycling needs—question potential recyclers about their certifications, services, processes, and certificates of destruction.
At ViaTeK Solutions, we understand that recycling old electronics is more than just a legal obligation – it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on your surroundings. That’s why we offer certified and comprehensive solutions tailored to your business needs.
As a leading electronics recycler, we put data security and environmental sustainability first. Our transparent recycling process and certificates of destruction provide peace of mind and assurance that your company’s e-waste gets handled safely and ethically.
Let us help you reduce your carbon footprint, protect sensitive information, and make a positive impact on the environment. Contact us today to schedule your business’ electronic recycling order.
