Month: April 2023

Batteries are not only bad for the environment when we toss them in the trash, but they can be explosive. Varying types of batteries may need to be handled differently. Overall, if you’re an IT Director looking to dispose of batteries, be sure to know these five things about battery recycling.

1. The risk of improperly disposed of batteries can be extremely dangerous. If lithium-ion batteries touch each other via their connectors, the risk of a fire is massive. Taping up the ends of these batteries is vital to keep them from touching one another. A swollen battery is most at risk of catching fire. This occurs because of excess gasses. Never throw these batteries away. Carefully place them in a container and take them to a specialized recycling facility to ensure proper disposal. 
2. Batteries can be recycled. While each battery is recycled differently, it’s important to reuse the materials rather than mine for new ones. Surprisingly, when mixed correctly, chemicals like sulfuric acid can be turned into water.  Lead, cadmium, and mercury can negatively impact the environment if they aren’t recycled properly.
3. Employees need to be educated on the proper disposal of batteries. An uninformed employee may try to release gas in a swollen battery, which could cause a fire or chemical burn. Additionally, by teaching employees how to recycle batteries, your company reduces its carbon footprint.
4. Responsible recycling is vital. Reputable companies are so important when recycling batteries because non-certified companies may increase legal and/or environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Your existing ITAD company may be able to assist you. If not, it is likely that they will know of a company that they can refer you to!
5. The legalities of recycling batteries tend to differ on a state-by-state basis. Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, all have state-wide battery recycling requirements in effect. DC, Florida,  Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York require the producers of batteries to offer or fund recycling. 

If you have questions about how we can help you recycle batteries at Securis, please contact us here. 

The circular economy is a sustainable way to reuse and regenerate materials often found in technology, which is not only environmentally friendly but can be an economical solution. As more technology enters the economy, we need to get the most from what is already in the cycle.

This system strives to keep materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible. The circular economy helps slow climate change by reducing the number of natural resources extracted (which contributes to nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions). 

The 3 Principles of the Circular Economy

The circular economy has three basic principles: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. These principles are fundamental when it comes to recycling your electronics.

Eliminate Waste and Pollution

There are many ways to eliminate waste from our everyday lives. Some companies have reduced or changed their packaging to reduce their carbon footprint. At Securis, we ensure equipment is recycled, repurposed, refurbished, or resold in compliance with our R2v3 certification. 

The circular economy’s purpose is to reduce the amount of pollution produced. Mining for natural resources uses lots of greenhouse gas emissions.

Circulate Products and Materials (at their highest value).

Circulating products and materials that have already entered the market reduces the need for new materials. Extracting materials from a product prevents the material from becoming waste. 

This occurs in two cycles: the technical cycle and the biological cycle. The technical cycle focuses on reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling products. Rather than focusing on how to keep using materials, the biological cycle focuses on returning biodegradable materials to the earth through composting and anaerobic digestion. 

When it comes to e-waste, the focus will heavily be on the technical cycle and retaining the value of products. An item that works is much more beneficial when reused than a pile of the materials that make it up.  Keeping it together helps keep the maximum value. However, when parts break, it may be more beneficial for the value to repair or refurbish. Eventually, technology gets to a place where it can no longer be repaired or used, so instead, it needs to be repurposed or recycled. Materials can be used in other various ways, be that in technology or other products. 

Regenerate Nature

By eliminating the need to mine for new materials, we can help the earth regenerate itself. This is extremely important when it comes to e-waste recycling. With new technology constantly being created, we need to consider how often we are extracting new materials from the earth rather than regenerating what we already have. By focusing on renewable resources and finding a way to use renewable energy, we can help reduce the impact of climate change. 

Why it’s Important for E-Waste Recycling

It’s crucial to keep the circular economy in mind when disposing of your end-of-life equipment. Rather than tossing it in the garbage, ensure you are getting the most out of your unwanted technology. 

For more information on properly disposing of your e-waste, contact us here.