According to a study conducted by a United Nations partner, Solving the e-waste Problem (StEP), the amount of e-waste generated worldwide is expected to increase from 48.9 million metric tons in 2012 to 65.4 million metric tons by 2017. Unfortunately, solutions to the e-waste disposal issue are not keeping up with the waste being generated.
E-waste, or old, unwanted electronics, includes:
- Cellphones
- Laptops
- Computers
- Plugs, cables, cords
- Monitors
- Tablets
- Televisions
It is no surprise that the U.S. tops the list of e-waste producers, with the amount estimated at 66 lbs per person in 2012. USNews.com states in its article:
The United States topped the list of the 184 countries analyzed for the total volume of e-waste generated each year, at 9.4 million tons in 2012; followed by China, with 7.2 million tons. By comparison, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency reported the U.S. generated 1.9 million to 2.2 million tons of e-waste in 2005.
Clearly, e-waste is a global problem that will continue to increase. While more people in the United States are becoming aware of e-waste recycling, there is still plenty of room for improvement.
One of the concerns many consumers and business owners and managers have about e-waste recycling is data security. This is a valid concern and one noted by the United Nations in their report. In addition to the negative effects that e-waste can have on the environment if not recycled properly, there is the added concern over data security as data breach threats continue to rise.
It is possible for consumers and businesses to be responsible with their e-waste and data by working with companies that follow good practices for both. We work with our recycling partner, Living Green Recycling to handle e-waste collection. Living Green Recycling works with companies that are ISO, R2, or e-Steward, or a combination of three.
When it comes to data security, our priority is our customer’s security. Because of that, we voluntarily joined NAID
, the National Association for Information Destruction, and comply with their recommendations for safe handling of data containing devices. We can also provide data destruction certification documents for clients, giving them a paper trail to prove they have taken the proper steps to destroy sensitive data. In addition, we maintain E & O insurance to give our clients another level of protection.
If you have e-waste that you need to responsibly dispose of, but are also concerned about data security – contact us. We have an easy solution for both your e-waste and data security problems.