Green Your Office Gadgets to Save Both the Planet & Your Money

Reusing old gadgets or making them like new again is a complicated job that needs a lot of different services working together

Glenn Burgess

In this decade, many businesses are realising the importance of being more environmentally friendly & thinking about the long-term. People, politics, & investors are talking about environmental, social, & governance (ESG) practices.

But it’s not just about using clean energy or giving money to help the environment. It’s also about changing how companies work, making sure employees & partners know about sustainability, & making changes in every part of the business.

Today, businesses rely a lot on things like smartphones & laptops. These things have their own challenges & opportunities when it comes to being sustainable, like recycling and making them last longer.

This is a great chance for businesses to show they care about ESG & to teach their employees about it. It can also help them save money in the long run.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) & Pre-Owned Mobile Phones

The secondhand market for consumer electronics is growing rapidly, especially for smartphones. In 2023, refurbished smartphone sales increased by more than 14%, reaching $13.3 billion in the first quarter, surpassing new smartphone sales, despite supply shortages.

This trend reflects changing consumer preferences & is expected to continue over the coming decade. A major reason behind the growth of the secondhand mobile market is the concern about electronic waste, known as e-waste.

The rapid use & disposal of electronic devices have led to a significant increase in e-waste, which is harmful to the environment, human health, and animals. Each year, more than 53 million metric tons of e-waste is generated globally, and only 17% of it gets recycled.

Improper e-waste management results in toxic chemicals seeping into the soil & water & hazardous emissions during disposal. Additionally, producing new smartphones & electronics consumes a great amount of valuable resources.

The materials in e-waste are estimated to be worth around $60 billion, making it crucial for companies to focus on recycling & refurbishing used smartphones. Failing to do so worsens the shortage of raw materials, leading to higher production costs and an unsustainable product life cycle.

Infrastructure is progressing

As more people prefer sustainable choices, the infrastructure to support the growth of secondhand mobile markets is also improving. The worldwide electronics recycling market was worth about $40 billion in 2022 & is projected to reach $110 billion by 2030.

Recycling or refurbishing a used smartphone involves a complex process that needs a well-organised network of services. According to a 2022 study, convenience is a significant factor in recycling.

Japan, a global leader in managing electronic waste, offers numerous easy drop-off points for people to dispose of their used smartphones. They also have dedicated centers, thoroughly assess devices & places for repair & refurbishment.

At ATRenew, we are working on expanding recycling-related infrastructure in China. To make recycling more convenient, ATRenew has opened nearly 2,000 physical stores to provide the necessary infrastructure.

Ways for businesses to position themselves

It’s essential to understand that making a positive impact on reducing e-waste isn’t just the responsibility of device manufacturers and refurbishment centers. Any modern organisation that’s aware of these issues can position itself as a responsible entity dedicated to cutting down on electronic waste.

One key step in this process is educating employees. Providing training on responsible usage, maintenance, and proper disposal of electronics can significantly extend life of these devices, making them suitable for refurbishment.

Companies can also hold public presentations or workshops to educate both employees and regular consumers, demonstrating their commitment to the public.

Additionally, implementing internal policies can make a big difference. For example, offices can establish shorter tech upgrade cycles, where current devices are updated, or allow employees to use their own devices with appropriate security measures in place.

No matter which approach an organization takes, they can showcase their efforts on social media, which not only helps with branding but also resonates with both consumers and potential talent.

A way to move forward sustainably

The increasing popularity of secondhand mobile markets reflects a broader change in how consumers behave, & it’s not just a passing fad. It’s a well-founded response to the challenges of electronic waste & limited resources.

Consumers are now more aware of their choices & the impact they have. Secondhand smartphones are becoming a preferred choice because they fit with sustainability and responsible consumption principles. This is encouraging businesses to provide more options to meet this demand.

This positive cycle means that the growth of secondhand smartphone markets in recent times will continue into the next decade. These markets are helping reduce electronic waste, preserve important resources, & make advanced technology accessible to a wider range of people. In doing so, they are shaping a more sustainable & fairer future.