Circular Economy
The concept of circularity, often referred to as the circular economy, presents a compelling solution to the challenges of waste and resource depletion. By reintegrating electronic devices at their end of life into the supply chain, it aims to extend their usability, reducing the urgency for landfill disposal and promoting sustainable resource utilization.
How We Got Here
The transition away from linear economies is compelled by the escalating correlation between consumer demand and waste production. The rapid growth of e-waste, currently the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, poses severe threats to our planet’s overall well-being.From contaminating soil and water to detrimental impacts on human health, the complexity of issues associated with this problem expands as it worsens.Companies face significant fines each year due to data breaches that occur after data-bearing devices leave their inventory. To prevent digital or physical data theft, technology must be securely wiped, regardless of its destination after use, whether for storage, resale, waste disposal, or transfer to another employee.Constant consumer demand for technology drives a continuous stream of new production and manufacturing.
To keep pace, devices are not always designed for longevity or to accommodate emerging technological advancements. This relentless race results in escalating waste generation and the depletion of non-renewable resources for development.Surprisingly, landfills house some of the world’s richest deposits of precious resources, as e-waste holds an abundant inventory of valuable materials ideally suited for recycling and repurposing, if only they were not confined to landfills.