What to Do with All the Hardware You Replaced Over the Holidays?

Now that the holidays have passed and are winding down, you may need to phase out some of your old technology to make room for the new. Maybe you’re looking to the new year as an opportunity to upgrade some of the tech your business uses. In either case, it is essential to dispose of your old tools responsibly and sustainably.

Let’s review some practices to ensure your processes meet these needs.

How to Properly Dispose of Old Technology

Learn Why Recycling is Essential

It can be too easy to discount the impact of modern e-waste at any scale simply because so few people know exactly what goes into creating today’s hardware. Many essential components are inherently toxic. 

Consider the lithium batteries that so many of our devices now use. It doesn’t take much to make these batteries explode, and like traditional alkaline batteries, they require special processing to be disposed of safely.

Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to assume that any electronic device—including those cute singing cards you get nowadays—needs to be handled explicitly to prevent environmental and personal harm.

Review What You Have

When you implement new technologies, consider what they replace and whether the old can be discarded—or, better yet, if they can be fixed and worth donating to schools, not-for-profits, or those in need. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep your tech streamlined and potentially save money by lengthening the lifespan of what you already have.

On a Related Note, Keep Your Technology Organized

Some technologies may not necessarily need replacing, so you must keep your assets organized and, ideally, recorded so that you always know what you have. This will help you more effectively track what needs to be phased out and what needs to be obtained.

Seek Out Recycling Opportunities

From more traditional technology—computers, mobile devices, and the like—to modern toys with integrated electronics and smart capabilities, manufacturers often provide recycling services to help responsibly dispose of these obsolete devices. Municipalities also commonly maintain relationships with electronic recycling plants, or you can work with them directly to deliver batteries, old toys, and the aforementioned technology for safe processing.

Microtechs can also be an invaluable resource, helping you plan and execute your business’ technology recycling needs and ensuring you have the right technology to pursue your organizational goals and objectives. Call us at (415) 246-0101 to learn more about what we can help you accomplish in the new year.