Studies suggest that the world is predicted to produce around 75 million metric tonnes of e-waste by 2030, from TVs and computers to laptops, phones and other everyday devices that we think nothing of. These devices contain toxic chemicals that can damage the soil and when thrown into landfills, can wreak havoc on our ecosystems and contribute to the climate crisis. Luckily, choosing recycled gadgets is easy to do and it offers countless benefits, both for you as a consumer and the environment as a whole. Here are just a few of the perks of choosing recycled gadgets over new ones.
More sustainable
One of the biggest benefits of using recycled gadgets is that it’s more sustainable and contributes towards a cleaner environment, which benefits us all. If everyone recycled their old electrical items, it could cut millions of tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Recycling items not only cuts back on pollution but it also saves water, as well as minerals and materials such as copper and gold. More of us are thinking of ways we can cut our carbon emissions and make steps towards greener living, and opting for recycled gadgets over new ones is an easy but effective way to do so.
It’s cheaper
Sourcing materials for new electricals costs companies big, because of the scarcity of these materials but also the labour involved in mining them. That’s partly why when you buy a new electrical item, it can cost so much more than when you buy one secondhand. But buying recycled items means these materials can be reused, which cuts down the cost to source them and makes recycled items cheaper to produce – and cheaper to buy for you as a customer.
Contribute to the job market
When you buy recycled gadgets, you’re showing demand for these items, which means IT recycling and repurposing businesses can grow. Recycling our old electricals so they can be repurposed creates hundred of new jobs in electrical reuse and recycling, so simply by making a small but very significant switch from new to recycled, you can do your bit for the economy without it costing you more in the process, simply by helping businesses in this sector thrive. And it encourages other businesses to do the right thing and invest more in recycling, knowing there’s demand for it.
Final thoughts
We could save millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions just by making the simple switch from new gadgets to recycled ones, and it’s something that not only helps the environment but also our wallets. Recycled items are just as functional as new ones, so you don’t have to compromise on quality, but you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet.
At Priority WEEE, we specialise in recycling electronic gadgets, and we can provide you with an easy and affordable way to dispose of these devices in an appropriate way. Contact our team today to find out more.