eWaste: a necessary evil, or a wasted opportunity?

Sustainability isn’t usually the first thought that comes to mind when we think about the technology we use in our business. We often want to use the most high-spec tools for the job, and our employees may also have their preferences when it comes to choosing or upgrading your business tech stack. Who doesn’t love getting their hands on the latest release of shiny hardware?

But what happens with that hardware when it’s time to upgrade?

62 billion kg of eWaste was generated globally in 2022. Aotearoa has no legislation around the management of eWaste, and only around 2% of eWaste in Aotearoa is formally recycled in a well-managed way. Our eWaste per capita is over 20kgs (the average being 7.8kg per capita).

These stats are not a good look for a country that prides itself on its approach to environmental responsibility. So, the onus is on us as businesses to take more responsible steps when it comes to choosing and recycling the hardware required to operate.

Mike shared more about what businesses can consider when it comes to eWaste and sustainability in tech in this recent chat with Digital Boost.