If you run a business, you're bound to collect old electronics over time. From broken laptops to outdated smartphones, these devices pile up, take up space, and aren’t easy to dispose of. Throwing them away might seem like an easy option, but that comes with significant risks — not just for your organization, but for the environment.
The most responsible solution? Electronic recycling, or eCycling, which ensures that your old devices are disposed of properly, protecting both your business and the planet.
What is eCycling?
eCycling, or electronic recycling, refers to the process of breaking down electronics in a controlled, environmentally responsible way. It involves collecting and processing items like computers, cell phones, printers, televisions, and even household appliances to recover valuable materials while disposing of hazardous components appropriately.
Many eCycling services allow businesses to recycle anything from individual items to large, periodic batches of electronic waste. Some companies also offer take-back programs, allowing you to return old devices for proper recycling when newer versions are released.
Why not just throw away electronics?
When you’re trying to clear out space around the office, it might be tempting to toss an old laptop, tablet, or smartphone in the trash. But doing so can harm the environment, and in some cases, it’s against the law. Here's what can happen when these devices are improperly disposed of:
Environmental and health hazards
Many electronic components contain toxic elements like lead, mercury, sulfur, and beryllium. When these materials end up in landfills, they degrade over time, releasing harmful substances into soil and groundwater — and posing serious risks to humans and animals.
For example, mercury exposure can lead to neurological damage, while lead exposure is a known cause of kidney damage and impaired cognitive development, particularly in children.
Data security risks
Devices like computers and phones often store sensitive data, like business records, customer contact information, and credit card numbers. Simply throwing these devices away without properly wiping the data could leave your business exposed to data theft or breaches, which can then lead to severe financial and reputational consequences.
Legal consequences
Improper disposal of electronic waste could violate state or federal regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Companies like Walmart have faced hefty fines — and bad press — for improper handling of hazardous waste, including e-waste. Penalties for noncompliance can be severe, with fines reaching up to $37,500 per day, per violation.
6 ways eCycling can benefit your business
By integrating eCycling into your operations, you can:
1. Save money
Recycling electronics can lower your waste management costs and help you avoid the fees associated with improper disposal. Some waste management companies charge for dealing with e-waste even when it’s disposed of properly, whereas many eCycling programs provide financial incentives so you can recover some of your investment.
Establishing a regular eCycling program can also help you track assets from purchase to disposal to gain a better understanding of your purchasing cycle — which in turn enables better forecasting and budgeting.
2. Minimize environmental impact
Corporate social responsibility is a top priority for many consumers, one that plays a large role in their purchasing decisions and long-term brand loyalty — and sustainability is a key area of focus.
eCycling allows your business to lead by example by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, preventing unnecessary pollution, and preserving natural resources. For example, many electronic components can be salvaged and reused in manufacturing. The more components that are reclaimed, the less we need to mine for raw materials (a process which can cause further environmental harm).
3. Maintain regulatory compliance
Recycling electronics can help your business meet local, state, and federal requirements for e-waste disposal.
States such as California and New York have strict e-waste laws, and businesses that don’t comply risk hefty penalties and reputational issues. Even if your business is in a state with more lenient regulations, certain cities may enforce stricter e-waste requirements, so it's essential to check local laws.
4. Free up office space
Old electronic devices take up valuable real estate in your office — and while workplace clutter might seem trivial on the surface, it can have significant impacts on morale and productivity.
Instead of letting electronics pile up in closets, desk drawers, and storage cabinets, eCycling allows you to reclaim that space for more productive use.
5. Ensure data security
It’s always a good idea to wipe data from unused devices yourself, but eCycling can offer extra peace of mind. Many eCycling services ensure that old devices are properly wiped or physically destroyed to protect against data breaches.
Certified recycling providers typically follow Department of Defense (DoD) federal guidelines and R2 certification standards, ensuring that your sensitive information is handled securely.
6. Upgrade your technology more often
Implementing an eCycling program makes it easier to refresh your technology infrastructure regularly. With the cost savings from responsible disposal, frequent upgrades become more feasible, keeping your employees happier and your business more technologically competitive.
For example, with an established business mobile phone recycling program, you can easily recover value from outdated devices and reinvest in newer models.
Manage e-waste with Reunitus
If you’re ready to start managing your electronic waste responsibly, Reunitus offers a seamless solution for businesses and community organizations.
With Reunitus, you can:
Recycle as needed — No bulk recycling required. Send electronics when you’re ready, even in small batches.
Earn money — Recoup some value from your previous technology investments by getting paid for recycling devices.
Reduce hassle — No need to schedule pickups or drive to a recycling facility. Just box up your items, send them in with a prepaid shipping label, and we’ll handle the rest.
No matter the amount of e-waste you have or the size of your business, electronics recycling should be a simple process. Whether you have a few old phones or an entire storage closet of unused tech, we make it easy for you to free up office space, comply with regulatory requirements, and minimize your environmental impact.