High-quality business-class equipment is often replaced before it reaches the end of its lifecycle due to performance or safety standard issues. Experts from GreenDice and Coop Bank explain why companies should recycle their equipment and how much electronic waste has already been prevented.
“Quality technology should serve its purpose for as long as possible. Equipment doesn’t go out of use because it’s no longer functional, but for example, in banks, they are replaced due to non-compliance with performance and safety standards,” explains Coop Bank's ESG manager Johanna-Maria Siilak.
GreenDice, which focuses on extending the lifespan of used electronic devices, confirms that a quality business-class computer can still work for years after the company has phased it out. Their experience shows that if a company uses a device for an average of five years, then through recycling, its lifespan can be extended by at least another five years. Such activities have a significant impact. According to GreenDice's CEO Argo Alaniit, they have helped redirect over 2500 devices for reuse, and as a result, it is estimated that nearly a ton of electronic waste has been prevented. Coop Bank has transferred nearly 500 devices to GreenDice. Of these, 177 have already been directed for reuse and have found new users, while non-functional devices have been responsibly disposed of.
"We talk a lot about the circular economy, but if we cannot track the entire lifecycle of equipment up to the recycling of materials, it remains an empty marketing term," notes Alaniit. According to him, reuse is not only beneficial for the environment, but local communities benefit the most, as their digital development can be accelerated in this way. Siilak also states that it is the creation of social value that should motivate companies to find ways to fully utilize quality equipment.
For example, nine educational institutions across Estonia have received new equipment, including schools, kindergartens, youth centers, and community centers. The impact of reuse is not limited to environmental benefits. Extending the lifespan of equipment allows institutions to use quality technology at a much lower cost and direct the saved funds to other important activities. For instance, in the youth digital development project of Häädemeeste municipality, GreenDice's solution was 34,000 euros cheaper than a competing offer. Additionally, the service included warranties, insurance, IT support, and educational webinars.
Alaniit explains that before reaching a new user, every device is thoroughly checked and configured. Then, these devices remain in the system managed by GreenDice, which includes user support, warranties, insurance, and monitoring the entire lifecycle of the device until its final utilization. In addition to laptops, monitors, tablets, headphones, speakers, laptop docks, and various network devices also enter reuse.