The UK is already at a fork in the road when it comes to waste recycling and environmental measures, but as more of us adopt a hybrid or fully remote way of working as a result of the pandemic, how have our recycling habits changed? According to Defra figures, the UK fell short of its 2021 target for WEEE collections by 2.6% last year as a result of the lockdowns, and small mixed WEEE categories fell 10.5% below the target overall.
A shift to remote working
The acceleration of remote working means that the number of required electronics and IT devices to power this way of operating a business has increased considerably. Many businesses have purchased new laptops and equipment for staff to work remotely, whether full-time or in a hybrid fashion, and equipment such as printers, desktop computers and other office equipment has been rendered unnecessary.
To achieve a hybrid model of working, a lot of businesses have closed offices or redesigned their work environments to accommodate fewer workers, meaning there’s a risk that many business owners may fail to consider the environmental cost of downsizing.
The need for e-waste collections
But the risk to this is that these items will simply be thrown away, particularly by individuals who may get rid of their own devices in place of new items supplied by their employers. As a result, e-waste management can be a challenge for businesses with so many devices being replaced without due care or attention. Organisations need to conduct IT recycling collections to ensure that these devices, whether personal or business-owned, are recycled in the appropriate way to reduce the impact to the environment.
A circular economy requires e-waste solutions like IT recycling more than ever, and with the rise in remote work and the increase in duplicate devices, there’s a risk that businesses will neglect their responsibilities when it comes to disposing of electronic devices safely and in an environmentally friendly way.
With e-waste collection services, like those offered by Priority WEEE, you can ensure that not only are your devices being recycled properly but that your company data is secured and disposed of appropriately. When combined with additional efforts from staff, it ensures that your IT equipment is handled properly and securely.
Final thoughts
A hybrid workplace might be beneficial in numerous ways for your business, but without due care, it’s not necessarily a sustainable option. A small shift in your e-waste management is necessary but it doesn’t have to be more difficult or time-consuming. Working with an e-waste recycling company can make the process of ridding your business of old or unwanted devices safer and more secure, enabling you to keep your carbon footprint lower while also accommodating a new way of working.
As experts in IT recycling and e-waste, we’re well equipped to help businesses make better choices when it comes to adopting a new way of working. For further advice and guidance when it comes to IT recycling and WEEE directives, get in touch with Priority WEEE today and a member of our team will be happy to help.