Here at Brash we believe that sustainability starts with every small action, even the decision to recycle old office equipment. Through our partnership with I-Go Life in WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling, we’re seeing first-hand how impactful recycling all kinds of office equipment can be—for our planet and our communities.
Why Recycling Office Equipment Matters
Each year, countless pieces of office equipment like PCs, printers, and other devices are discarded and often end up in landfills. However, by recycling even a single piece of equipment, we can save thousands of litre of water and hundreds of kilowatt-hours of energy—resources needed to produce new devices. Choosing to recycle isn’t just about waste reduction; it’s about reducing demand for raw materials, cutting down our environmental footprint, and re-imagining our technology use for the long term.
Brash Solutions’ Impact
Together with I-Go Life, we’ve been making strides in office equipment recycling. Here are some of the impressive results so far:
- Carbon Offset: Recycling just 15 kg of PC systems allowed us to offset 0.0225 tonnes of CO2. By choosing to recycle, we’re preventing emissions that contribute to climate change.
- Energy Savings: By wiping and refurbishing items like computers and monitors, we saved 3,610 kWh of energy—enough to power the average UK household for over four months. This energy saving is significant, considering that manufacturing new equipment is energy-intensive.
- Water Conservation: Our refurbishment processes saved around 190,000 litres of water, equivalent to 570 bathtubs full. Recycling reduces the water required to create new devices from scratch.
- Raw Material Savings: Recycling 15 kg of PC equipment saved us 0.027 tonnes of materials, decreasing demand for resource-intensive mining and production processes.
These numbers reveal the tangible benefits of recycling. Not only do they represent saved resources, but they also demonstrate how we can maximize our existing resources without tapping into new ones.
Beyond the Environmental Benefits
Recycling goes beyond environmental sustainability; it brings positive social change too. Here’s how our program is impacting communities:
- Technology Redistribution: By refurbishing office equipment, we’re able to redirect technology back into use in businesses, charities, and low-income communities. These items become valuable tools for work, education, and communication.
- Job Creation: Recycling supports jobs in areas like secure data wiping and IT asset disposition. By reusing office equipment, we’re also supporting employment and growth in specialised IT roles.
- Community Support: We’re dedicated to giving back, and part of our recycling efforts includes reintroducing equipment to communities that need it most. Working with charities and non-profits, we’re ensuring that technology is accessible to all.
How You Can Help
Each piece of office equipment has a greater impact than you might think. If you have unused or outdated devices in your workplace, consider recycling them. Together, we can save resources, reduce waste, and create meaningful social impact.
Join Our Mission
At Brash Solutions, we’re committed to sustainable, responsible practices. Join us by making thoughtful choices around your office equipment, recycling whenever possible, and spreading the word on the importance of sustainability. Together, we can create a future that values resources, reduces waste, and supports our communities.