Reuse before Recycle; The Sustainable Model for an Equipment’s Life Cycle
In the past, network and telecom dealers have faced a major challenge offloading used ICT equipment. With IT equipment having a defined life cycle implied by manufacturers and vendors, many network managers wonder if it’s best to send the equipment for recycling, scrap it, or put it in good use elsewhere and thus most equipment ends up in warehouses until they are no longer functional.
Faced now with a fast-evolving tech space and a need to upgrade amidst tight budgets, network managers are actively seeking ways they can extend their equipment’s life cycle and manage their networks efficiently. The question posed in such a scenario becomes, how does one get the best from equipment that has reached its end-of-life?
In this article, we’ll show you how you can effectively reuse your IT equipment before offloading it for recycling. We’ll help you better manage the end-of-life stages of your equipment when transitioning to alternative technology and understand your role in ensuring a sustainable technology cycle.
Let’s dive in.
What is Reuse before Recycle Framework?
One of the most ideal ways of disposing used network equipment is by extending the equipment’s value for use by a ready market. This introduces the sustainable concept of a circular economy, a system that is restorative and regenerative by design aimed at keeping equipment at its highest utility before it’s recycled.
The framework aims at inspiring those with early model equipment that they consider obsolete (or one that needs to be upgraded), not to write it off, yet. The hardware can still be a very competent choice for other businesses and service providers to fulfil their basic needs.
Secondary market IT vendors in the circular economy system help ensure no equipment is discarded and reduce the need for the purchase of new equipment. They do so by continuous testing, refurbishing, and redeploying the equipment for more service.
Why Reuse Network Equipment
Properly disposing of old IT and telecom equipment is no longer a matter of just convenience; it’s now a serious environmental concern. As such, it pays to use the right way of discarding the equipment and it’s worth every effort.
Here’s why:
Extend the Equipment Life Cycle
Part of the normal ‘life cycle’ of most technology devices is that they eventually reach their point of ‘planned obsolescence.’ This is the point the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) no longer produces or sells the product and will eventually discontinue the support offered. This happens with all network and IT companies who are constantly updating their products and releasing new innovative features to enhance a bleeding edge of technology in organizations.
The end of a product life cycle may be necessitated by several reasons; market demand, products reach maturity and need to be replaced by functionally richer technology, or technological innovation that drives changes to the product.
End of the product life cycle does not necessarily mean you’ll be forced to abandon the product and move to the prescribed replacement; it means the end of procurement. Even if you choose to abandon the product, this doesn’t mean the end of its use.
Recoup your Money Back
Most technology innovations cost a significant investment. It may be easy for those with deep pockets to invest in latest and high-end equipment but not so easy for those with limited funds. Regardless, no one would mind recovering some initial investment from a device they no longer use.
By reusing the equipment, you’ll not only be getting a tremendous amount of the money you used to buy it, but you’ll save on your budget to buy new equipment.
Demand for Refurbished Products is Exploding
The constant need to upgrade to the latest technology devices and the increasing strain by budgets allocated to IT departments is forcing most dealers and enterprises to opt for refurbished products. Most users have come to appreciate the value in saving budgets while getting functional products that will fulfil their needs and those of their customers. As such, most enterprises are receptive to the use of verified refurbished dealers to source for them thoroughly tested and cleaned hardware. By doing this, they’re extending the life of these products while getting the most for their network requirements.
Minimize E-waste
Careless disposal of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) or e-waste, contributes to increased harmful elements to the environment. Most of the devices are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of properly.
Working with the right reuse dealer helps you minimize the impact of e-waste. Equipment sent for continued use (whether resold or donated) is not considered hazardous waste. Instead, the reused equipment contributes to the circular economy, which reduces waste by extending the equipment’s life cycle.
Where network equipment has become obsolete -neither usable nor sellable- RefHub has partnered with a licensed e-waste management services provider. Our partnership offers you a fully managed end-to-end recovery service for recycling, to curb the negative impact on the environment caused by e-waste
The Sustainability goal of the Reuse before Recycle Methodology
As we move into the 4th industrial revolution, many innovative new technologies have been developed that will allow better operations and connectivity in IT and networking. This will be the trend moving forward, thus, the constant need to upgrade to the new technology.
But what happens to the equipment that was working fine? Where do you take it? If your solution is piling them in a warehouse somewhere, the equipment will be a loss. You’ll require additional storage and budgets for new equipment now and then.
With the reuse before recycle methodology, you’ll help initiate sustainability by choosing to be part. You’ll be part of the organizations driving the conversation of helping other businesses and enterprises, who are limited by budgets, advance in their technology growth.
In doing this, you can opt to reuse your ICT hardware by reselling it or giving them away as donations or charity. As a result, the IT and network industry will be growing towards being a global union enhancing sustainability and technological support.
How can you access such equipment for reuse?
RefHub is an online marketplace that links sellers and buyers of used and unused network and network related hardware. We provide a simple and easy way for companies to dispose of network equipment to a ready market (consisting of service providers and enthusiasts) looking to reduce the cost of doing business by repurposing used and functional equipment.
Looking to offload your used equipment for reuse? It’s easy; just register to become a vendor on our website, to recover some value from the used equipment.
Wrap Up
Working with a specialized used equipment dealer is the ideal way to get rid of your equipment. When thinking of discarding your equipment, the key thing is to ensure you extend your equipment’s life cycle by selling it to other buyers that can still use them.
If you’re interested in extending your used equipment’s life cycle by selling them to buyers who need them, feel free to reach out to us, and we shall gladly help.
