Firms should start cutting the amount of electronic waste they create rather than wait for the introduction of new rules, according to national law firm Clarke Willmott.
With International E-Waste Day taking place on Wednesday, 14th October, Clarke Willmott says organisations are upgrading laptops, mobile phones, monitors and other IT equipment more often than ever.
Karen Higgins, head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Clarke Willmott, says e-waste has reached record levels globally in recent years, yet a significant proportion is still not formally collected, reused or recycled.
“For businesses, e-waste is no longer simply an operational issue. It is increasingly linked to ESG commitments, supply chain due diligence and resource efficiency,” says Karen Higgins.
“Stakeholders are paying closer attention to how organisations procure, manage and dispose of technology, particularly as demand rises for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements.”
On the legal side, the picture is also shifting, according to Tim Williamson, partner and head of the Regulatory team at Clarke Willmott.
“The direction of travel is clear: organisations are being encouraged to keep products in use for longer and to dispose of equipment through accredited routes. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, right-to-repair initiatives and circular economy policies are all gaining momentum.
“Businesses should verify that anyone collecting their unwanted equipment is authorised to do so and keep a clear record of what was handed over and to whom. That documentation is the best protection if a regulator raises concerns.”
Practical steps include extending device replacement cycles where appropriate, buying refurbished equipment and improving asset tracking.
Karen Higgins adds: “Firms can also donate usable equipment to community organisations and work with suppliers that can demonstrate strong environmental and data security standards. These measures can reduce waste, lower costs and support wider sustainability objectives.
“While net zero discussions tend to focus on energy, travel and carbon, managing technology and e-waste is an increasingly important part of the sustainability agenda.
“Organisations that adopt a more circular approach now are likely to be better prepared for the regulatory and market expectations of tomorrow.”
This year’s International E-Waste Day campaign focuses on “fast tech”, the growing volume of low-cost electrical and electronic items that are bought, used and discarded.