Why Recycle Electronics?

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Apr 15th, 2015

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A large part of the Securis mission is our commitment to proper IT recycling and ensuring that our customer’s retired electronics (and our own) never end up in a landfill. Recently, an IT professional who works at a fairly large healthcare facility asked us why we bother taking the time to break apart old computers and make sure that all parts and scrap are re-purposed or recycled. “After all,” he said, “it’d be much less expensive and quicker to just shred the hard drive and dump the rest.”

While he has a point, we feel strongly about our green initiatives and hold our R2 certification for this very reason – R2 means that nothing ends up in places like Agbobloshie, the world’s largest e-waste dump.

Today, The Washington Post ran an article about the children who make a living in the toxic world of discarded electronics. Chilling photos by photographer Valentino Bellini show pollution, huge piles of electronic waste, and black, smoke-filled air from burning e-waste.

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Bellini believes that his powerful photos will help to change something in the life of the subjects he portrays. We hope so as well.

“According to a United Nations StEP initiative report in 2013, Americans on average each generated 65 pounds of electronic junk, and it’s only going to increase. In the next four years, the global volume of electronic waste is expected to increase by 33 percent; the Guardian points out the increase will weigh as much as eight Egyptian pyramids. The Atlantic reports that up to 80 percent of all discarded electronic devices and appliances end up in dumps similar to Agbogbloshie.”
An earlier article in The Guardian also discusses the dump. Formerly a wetland in Ghana, the e-wasteland is now where boys and young men go through devices to retrieve valuable metal, most especially copper. According to the article, most workers experience lung problems, nausea, debilitating headaches, eye damage, and often die from cancer in their 20’s.

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Disturbing photos of the area show the above bridge, built from discarded computer monitors. Another shows cows with open wounds grazing at the dump.

So, for our our IT professional friend who asked about why we bother with taking the time to properly recycle electronics, our planet is why. The future is why. Bellini’s chilling photos are why.

ewaste wash post man standing wash post article
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Christopher Madeira
Director of Marketing
ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert
Snapshot / Quick Stats
- 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
- Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
- Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
- Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy
Areas of Specialization
- Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
- ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
- Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.
Professional Narrative (Career Journey)
Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.
Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.
At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.
Quote
“Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.
Personal
A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling, connecting with his community, and aviation photography.
Trust & Transparency
Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.
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