E-waste is an environmental issue that concerns both households and offices but regulations mean that businesses with electrical equipment have a responsibility to get rid of it in a way that considers the environment. While the regulations in place might seem like a hassle, they don’t have to be and some simple steps can help you cut the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) you produce.
WEEE covers virtually any electrical device, from a mobile phone to office photocopiers, for both household and commercial electrical waste that is at the end of its life. In 2005 the European Commission introduced the WEEE Directive in order to promote the responsible disposal of electrical products.
Electrical items contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and if waste products are simply dumped in landfills these chemicals eventually leak as the items decay. This can be dangerous for our environment and in the long-term for people. Under the WEEE Directive a business with electronic equipment has an obligation to dispose of or sell the electricals they no longer need.
Whether you have a single item that needs disposing of or a whole range of computers as you update your office, it can be a challenge to find the time and means to get rid of your unwanted WEEE. Kwik Sweep’s service takes this into consideration and can provide you with efficient and smart staff to clear away your waste with minimum inconvenience to you. What’s more we have a commitment to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill so you can rest assured your products won’t damage the environment.
Reducing the amount of e-waste your office produces isn’t just beneficial for the environment, it can help you cut costs too. If you want to cut the amount of WEEE at your business, try implementing some of these tips:
• Re-evaluate the need for new equipment – You might be tempted to purchase new office equipment but do you really need to? Sometimes considering how to apply your current equipment for a new purpose or simply upgrading can work just as well.
• Extend the life of your office electronics – Looking after your electrical equipment means it can last much longer. For items that are likely to be carried around, such as phones and laptops, this could mean ensuring they have protective casing, for example.
• Consider repairing equipment – It’s not always possible or cost effective to repair items but considering whether it’s worthwhile could save you money too.
• Look at leasing equipment – If you’re working on a project that requires new electrical equipment but it’s unlikely it’ll be used frequently you could look at leasing the items rather than purchasing.
• Buy environmentally friendly products – While it won’t reduce your waste, buying environmentally friendly products contributes to the bigger picture. You can purchase electronic items that have been made from recycled good themselves or those containing a reduced amount of certain materials, such as lead or mercury.
