Guest Post: Responsible ITAD & E-Waste Recycling is a Fast Track to Achieving ESG and Circular Economy Goals for Any Business

By John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of ERI

One of the lesser-known strategy for companies to attain their ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. and decarbonization targets is the responsible recycling of electronic waste.

E-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream on the planet — by a margin of 2 to 4 times the speed of the second fastest growing stream. Spurred by increasing consumer demand for the newest technologies and the shortening life spans of many devices, e-waste is piling up in landfills both domestically and abroad. Despite the steady increase in the amount of e-waste being generated each year, a mere 17% is being responsibly recycled.

The straightforward solution: enterprises and all types should explore the responsible recycling of their e-waste. By realizing the potential of responsible ITAD and e-waste recycling disposal, businesses can make significant strides towards fulfilling their ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. goals and circular economy ambitions.

A Circular Economy

Through the recycling of e-waste, businesses can substantially mitigate their ecological impact and align with the “E” in ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.. E-waste frequently contains hazardous materials and valuable resources, underscoring the importance of appropriate disposal and resource reclamation.

Embracing responsible e-waste recycling can be a significant step towards realizing circular economy goals. Rather than perpetuating the linear “take, make, dispose” model, a circular economy minimizes waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable product lifecycles. By ensuring that discarded electronic devices are recycled and reintegrated into the production cycle, businesses contribute to a more sustainable and efficient economic model.

Electronic devices are a perfect entry point into the circular economy. To make a tablet or cellphone, you have a metal or plastic case, computer components, wires, etc. Metals such as copper, iron, silver, lead, tin, and aluminum are typically mined from the earth and then used in manufacturing to create components required for new devices.

By working with an e-waste recycling or ITAD company that is transparent and able to track all materials from each device processed, an opportunity is created for businesses to not only do the right thing for the planet, but also demonstrate their impactful efforts via ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. or sustainability reports. 

A Distinct Advantage for Businesses

E-waste recycling also offers tangible business advantages. It enhances brand reputation and constituent trust. Consumers today value businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By responsibly managing e-waste, businesses position themselves as responsible corporate citizens and environmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. stewards.

Extracting valuable materials from recycled electronics also reduces the need for purchasing virgin resources, resulting in potential cost efficiencies.

In short, responsible e-waste recycling is a direct stride toward achieving ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. objectives and fostering a circular economy. By harnessing the environmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature., socialSocial criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates., and business advantages of appropriate e-waste disposal, a company of any size can make significant progress in the effort to reduce its environmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. footprint, conserve resources, and enhance its reputation.

Incorporating responsible e-waste recycling into an ESGEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. strategy is an easy win that literally is in the palms of all of our hands. 

About the author:

John Shegerian is Chairman and CEO of ERI, the largest fully integrated IT and electronics asset disposition provider and cybersecurity-focused hardware destruction company in the United States. ERI is the first and only company in its industry to achieve carbon neutrality at all its facilities nationwide, and the first to achieve SOC 2 Type I and II certifications for security and data protection. ERI has the capacity to process more than a billion pounds of electronic waste annually at its nine certified locations, serving every zip code in the United States. ERI’s mission is to protect people, the planet and privacy. For more information about e-waste recycling and ERI, call 1-800-ERI-DIRECT or visit https://eridirect.com.