Our national waste stream is ever increasing and technology is changing so rapidly that the business lifecycle of computers and related equipment is shortening dramatically. What to do with all the obsolete stuff?

Store it? There is always someone who believes, with the company’s interest in mind, that we are going to need/use this stuff and then more computers are replaced with more going into storage. A year later it is just sitting there taking up space. Eventually a decision is made to put the storage space to better use.

Dump it? It is illegal to put CRTs in the landfill due to the hazardous material content. Many municipalities no longer allow any electronics to be dumped. You have to pay to dump it, why not spend that money in other ways?

Donate it? While this is often done with the best intentions, recipients find themselves with stuff they cannot use at all or not when you need to get rid of it. Software licenses are not valid, which make the donation even more problematic. Now they are stuck with your problem and can end up in a landfill.

Sell it? Whether to employees or general public, do you really want to add that process to your business? Do you want your already over-worked IT staff to start cleaning company data from computers, without the proper training, technology and/or time? The hidden cost of doing this does not show up on the books and often companies spend more selling old computers than they collect. Don’t forget about employee complaints when one breaks or someone receives a better unit for the same price.

Recycle it? You are doing the right thing for the environment by ensuring that your eWaste does not become landfill. In case of working computers, you are actually helping bridge the digital divide that is often news. cdm eCycling helps you make this an economical and reliable choice, while also contributing to your environmental bank account.