This is how the digital divide truly closes

At eSmart Recycling, we always say that giving out computers is only part of what we do. What really drives us is the way people connect through technology.

Tony Selvaggio, our founder, expressed it in a way that inspires us every day: it’s not enough to provide access — what matters is how the community uses that technology to grow together and stay connected. That phrase is the compass guiding every project.

A problem that hasn’t gone away

The digital divide is not a thing of the past.

  • In the United States, 24 million people still don’t have broadband internet at home, especially in rural areas and low-income communities.

  • In low-income households, about 41% don’t own a laptop or desktop computer.

These numbers make something very clear: donating equipment helps, but it doesn’t solve everything. The real challenge is to provide guidance, teaching, and spaces where technology can truly be used.

How the community makes a difference

From our experience, several elements change the game:

  • Practical training: showing people how to use tools that matter in daily life — from job searches to accessing healthcare or education.

  • Meeting spaces: places where people can share questions, support each other, and learn together.

  • Purpose-driven refurbishing: giving new life to donated devices, always making sure data is securely destroyed, and delivering them ready to be used.

  • Useful, local programs: designed with each community’s reality in mind, from workshops to relevant digital content.

  • Strong partnerships: working alongside companies, schools, and organizations so that initiatives don’t stop at a single event but remain active over time.

What we experienced in St. Pete

On September 12, we were in St. Petersburg at the PSTA eRevolution Drive. It was a day that said it all.

People showed up with laptops, phones, and even game consoles. But the most valuable part wasn’t the devices — it was the energy of the gathering. Every conversation, every smile when handing over a device, showed that this is about much more than recycling: it’s about sharing a common purpose.

That day made it clear that the digital divide doesn’t close with wires and screens alone, but with the strength of a community moving together.

Our role at eSmart Recycling

What we do has several layers:

  • We collect and refurbish equipment through secure processes that meet standards such as HIPAA.

  • Around 30% of what we recover is donated, always paired with programs that ensure real use.

  • We generate clear reports so that those who trust us know exactly what their support achieved.

It’s more than just access to technology, is bringing the community together to maximize the power of technology and become a digitally connected and empowered community” – Tony Selvaggio

What inspires us is simple: when technology comes together with community, the possibilities multiply. A refurbished device can be the key to an online class, a new job, or a family connection.

That’s what we strive for: every delivery to be paired with relationships, learning, and shared experiences. Every event has a chance to bring people together around something bigger.

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Recent posts

September 15, 2025

At eSmart Recycling, we always say that giving out computers is only part of what we do. What really drives us is the way people connect through technology.

Tony Selvaggio, our founder, expressed it in a way that inspires us every day: it’s not enough to provide access — what matters is how the community uses that technology to grow together and stay connected. That phrase is the compass guiding every project.

A problem that hasn’t gone away

The digital divide is not a thing of the past.

  • In the United States, 24 million people still don’t have broadband internet at home, especially in rural areas and low-income communities.

  • In low-income households, about 41% don’t own a laptop or desktop computer.

These numbers make something very clear: donating equipment helps, but it doesn’t solve everything. The real challenge is to provide guidance, teaching, and spaces where technology can truly be used.

How the community makes a difference

From our experience, several elements change the game:

  • Practical training: showing people how to use tools that matter in daily life — from job searches to accessing healthcare or education.

  • Meeting spaces: places where people can share questions, support each other, and learn together.

  • Purpose-driven refurbishing: giving new life to donated devices, always making sure data is securely destroyed, and delivering them ready to be used.

  • Useful, local programs: designed with each community’s reality in mind, from workshops to relevant digital content.

  • Strong partnerships: working alongside companies, schools, and organizations so that initiatives don’t stop at a single event but remain active over time.

What we experienced in St. Pete

On September 12, we were in St. Petersburg at the PSTA eRevolution Drive. It was a day that said it all.

People showed up with laptops, phones, and even game consoles. But the most valuable part wasn’t the devices — it was the energy of the gathering. Every conversation, every smile when handing over a device, showed that this is about much more than recycling: it’s about sharing a common purpose.

That day made it clear that the digital divide doesn’t close with wires and screens alone, but with the strength of a community moving together.

Our role at eSmart Recycling

What we do has several layers:

  • We collect and refurbish equipment through secure processes that meet standards such as HIPAA.

  • Around 30% of what we recover is donated, always paired with programs that ensure real use.

  • We generate clear reports so that those who trust us know exactly what their support achieved.

It’s more than just access to technology, is bringing the community together to maximize the power of technology and become a digitally connected and empowered community” – Tony Selvaggio

What inspires us is simple: when technology comes together with community, the possibilities multiply. A refurbished device can be the key to an online class, a new job, or a family connection.

That’s what we strive for: every delivery to be paired with relationships, learning, and shared experiences. Every event has a chance to bring people together around something bigger.

September 15, 2025

World Sustainability Day 2025 is the perfect chance for companies and sustainability leaders in the U.S. to put real actions into motion and inspire their teams to embrace a greener culture (Awareness Days).

What does this day really mean for your company?

This day can serve as a milestone to promote responsible practices, reduce your environmental footprint, and align your team with global sustainability goals. It’s not just about symbolic gestures — it’s about inspiring real change in the way we work, purchase, and collaborate.

Practical, team-friendly ideas you can launch

1. Kick off an internal team challenge

Launch a challenge such as “reduce daily break room waste” or “cut down on single-use plastics.” Encourage healthy competition while building a culture of shared responsibility. Track progress weekly and celebrate achievements.

2. Host an internal “Sustainability Fair”

Invite local organizations focused on recycling, responsible consumption, or clean energy to share their initiatives. It’s a way to connect your team with real resources and show that sustainable actions are within reach.

3. Strengthen green practices in the workplace

Use the day to reinforce or introduce new initiatives such as recycling, eco-friendly supplies, or energy-saving habits. Encouraging these practices not only protects the planet but can also improve employee satisfaction and reduce costs.

4. Embrace hybrid or remote work

If your business model allows it, use the day to review or promote hybrid and remote work options. Reducing commuting has proven to be an effective sustainability lever across industries.

5. Support real causes by choosing responsible suppliers

Review your supply chain and — if possible — switch to vendors with strong green commitments. Sustainable purchasing doesn’t just look good; it pushes the entire value chain toward cleaner practices.

A real-world example to inspire you

In the hospitality industry, Marriott The Luxury Collection hosted a retreat with chefs from around the world focused on sustainable cooking practices: local sourcing, supply chain analysis tools, and foraging programs. The results were long-lasting — teams were engaged, products improved, and awareness grew beyond the event itself.

Why should you make it happen?

  • Purpose-driven motivation: employees feel part of something meaningful.

  • Tangible benefits: cost reduction, healthier workplaces, and competitive advantage.

  • Visibility and credibility: highlighting World Sustainability Day with real actions and examples builds trust and improves SEO.

Closing: one day to spark long-term impact

World Sustainability Day shouldn’t just be a date on the calendar. It can be the starting point for new practices, more conscious decisions, and a workplace culture that inspires both inside and outside the office. If every company takes a small step, the collective impact can be massive.

We believe days like these are reminders that change starts with daily choices — in how we work, and how we bring our teams along.

 

September 15, 2025

For three years, a CPU tower just sat there: taking up space in the office, never turned on, never needed. Like a dusty piece of furniture, forgotten. Nobody filed the paperwork to decommission it, nobody recycled it, nobody donated it. And when someone finally moved it, they realized it had been in the way all that time… for no reason.

This may sound anecdotal, but it reflects a huge problem that many U.S. companies face: ghost hardware. Devices that no longer serve a purpose but also aren’t properly managed, turning into symbols of inefficiency and environmental risk.

Why does this happen?

In most companies, decommissioning old tech is not a priority. There’s often no clear owner, processes are slow, and, in many cases, people simply let time pass. As a result, servers, desktop towers, old laptops, or even printers end up sitting in closets or storage rooms.

The EPA estimates that the U.S. generates more than 6.9 million tons of electronic waste each year, but less than 20% is properly recycled. And a large part of that e-waste comes from offices that just don’t know what to do with obsolete technology.

Why is it a problem?

A forgotten computer doesn’t just take up physical space. It also:

  • Generates hidden costs: storage, inflated inventories, and administrative overhead.

  • Creates risks: many devices still contain sensitive data that, if not wiped, can lead to security breaches.

  • Impacts sustainability: heavy metals and plastics in electronics require specialized recycling to avoid environmental harm.

The opportunity to do better

That forgotten CPU tower is a metaphor for what can be changed. Today, companies have multiple options to prevent hardware from turning into clutter:

  • Manufacturer recycling programs: Dell, HP, and Lenovo all offer services to collect and process outdated devices responsibly (Dell Asset Recovery Services).

  • Social impact donations: Nonprofit organizations accept refurbished computers for education or digital inclusion.

  • Specialized ITAD partners: IT Asset Disposition providers handle the entire process, from secure data destruction to environmentally responsible recycling.

A CPU sitting around for 3 years isn’t just an anecdote. It’s a reminder that IT asset management must be part of every sustainability strategy. It’s not just about freeing up space: it’s about saving resources, protecting data, and demonstrating environmental commitment to clients, employees, and partners.

Ghost hardware will always exist in offices… unless someone takes action. And that action, beyond solving clutter, can become a competitive advantage for your company.

 

September 15, 2025

Recycling medical devices is no longer something hospitals and clinics in the U.S. can afford to overlook. These are not just old machines collecting dust—once they reach the end of their life, they can either become an environmental and compliance headache… or an opportunity to drive sustainability forward.

What does medical device recycling mean?

Simply put, recycling medical equipment involves collecting outdated devices, erasing any patient information they may hold, dismantling them, and separating their materials. Metals, plastics, and even batteries can be put back into the supply chain. The key is doing it within regulations: the EPA oversees medical and pharmaceutical waste management, while HIPAA requires strict protection of patient data.

Step by step inside a hospital

It all starts with classification: monitors, infusion pumps, plastic components, batteries—each category follows a different stream. Next is data elimination, which is crucial for compliance. It’s not just about unplugging the device—secure data wiping software or physical destruction of memory storage is required.

Once the data is cleared, the devices are dismantled. Recyclable materials are separated and sent to specialized processors, while hazardous parts are handled with extra care. The best practice is to partner with certified recyclers, such as R2 or e-Stewards, which guarantee safe and environmentally responsible processes (SAMR Inc.).

Finally, hospitals receive a certificate of recycling, an important document proving that waste was handled properly—often essential for sustainability reporting.

Recycling vs. reprocessing: two different paths

In some cases, recycling isn’t the only option. There’s also reprocessing of single-use devices. This means cleaning, sterilizing, and reusing them under FDA-approved safety standards. Far from being niche, this practice can save hospitals millions of dollars while preventing tons of medical waste from ending up in landfills (Wikipedia: Single-use medical device reprocessing).

Why your healthcare facility should care

  • Environmental impact: keeps hazardous materials out of the air, soil, and water.

  • Economic value: reduces both purchasing and disposal costs.

  • Reputation: shows patients, communities, and regulators that your organization is committed to sustainability.

In 2025, “going green” is no longer a slogan. Recycling and reprocessing medical devices is now a strategy for saving money, staying compliant, and leading in sustainability. And those who start today will be a step ahead tomorrow.

 

September 14, 2025

If your old servers, routers, and forgotten devices could talk, they would probably say: “I can still be useful—just give me a proper ending.” The truth is that what’s collecting dust in your storage room isn’t just old hardware: it represents an opportunity to boost sustainability, reduce costs, and optimize resources. Let’s look at what these silent devices are really telling us and why it matters for U.S. businesses in 2025.

The reality behind electronic waste

In the United States, about 2.7 million tons of consumer electronics (such as TVs, computers, and phones) were generated in 2018. While that’s less than 1% of total municipal solid waste, it shows the clear impact of technology piling up.

Globally, the number is even more alarming: in 2022, around 59.4 million tons of e-waste were produced, and only less than 20% was formally recycled.

What’s worse, in 2022 alone, 12 million tons of valuable metals were lost because they were not properly recovered.

Why this matters for U.S. businesses

  1. Recover valuable resources: Devices like laptops and smartphones contain gold, copper, silver, and lithium. Recycling them reduces the need for mining.

  2. Reduce environmental risks: Stored equipment may contain toxic substances that can contaminate air, water, or soil if not managed responsibly.

  3. Meet ESG and circular economy goals: Current U.S. legislative efforts are focused on strengthening e-waste recycling infrastructure to secure access to critical minerals and promote sustainable supply chains.

What would those devices be “saying”?

A narrative perspective helps:

  • “I still have value” – Many devices can be reused as spare parts or dismantled for components.

  • “Don’t ignore me” – Storing them without a plan means wasted space, hidden costs, and obsolete hardware.

  • “Recycle me, recover me” – Proper recycling turns old units into new raw materials while reducing environmental impact.

Clear examples of business action

  • Donation or internal reuse: Still-working devices can be reassigned to remote offices, donated to communities, or repurposed in other departments.

  • Certified recycling: Use certified programs such as e-Stewards or R2, or work with trusted partners to guarantee environmentally responsible disposal.

  • Corporate incentives: Some companies, like ecoATM, set up kiosks where employees can drop small devices in exchange for cash.

Why now, in 2025?

  • The growing e-waste volume is driving both regulatory pressure and reputational risks. Businesses with strong electronic waste practices will gain a competitive edge.

  • U.S. lawmakers are pushing recycling as a way to reduce dependence on China for critical materials.

  • Companies embracing circular economy models can cut costs, enhance their ESG performance, and position themselves as leaders in sustainability.

At the end of the day, those forgotten devices in your storage room are not just waste—they’re a pending decision. They can sit there, taking up space and losing value… or they can become raw materials, new opportunities for your business, and a tangible contribution to sustainability. The difference lies in the action you take today.

 

September 14, 2025

At eSmart Recycling, we believe that a local company can have a global impact. From Tampa, we’ve shown that electronic recycling is not just about managing waste — it’s about transforming communities, protecting the planet, and creating opportunities that cross borders.

Our mission: more than recycling

Our work begins with something that seems simple: removing obsolete hardware from companies and homes. But what we do goes far beyond that. We securely destroy data, guarantee certified processes, and track the environmental and social impact of every project.

In 2024, we recycled more than 228,879 pounds of e-waste, the equivalent of saving over 2,750 mature trees. We also reintroduced nearly 600 devices into the community, directly benefiting more than 2,000 people. Every computer, every server, every cable we recover stops being a liability and starts being a driver of positive change.

From Tampa to the world

Our story started in 2014, when our CEO, Tony Selvaggio, realized that simply recycling scrap wasn’t enough. Thousands of still-functional devices were being thrown away, and we saw an opportunity: to give them a second life and put them in the hands of those who need them most.

Since then, we have donated more than 3,000 computers to underserved communities and supported more than 12,000 children and families. What started in Tampa now multiplies in other U.S. cities and keeps growing thanks to partnerships with companies and organizations committed to sustainability.

Innovation and certifications

We are certified under the R2v3 standard, which ensures traceability, transparency, and security in every part of the recycling process. This standard is recommended by the EPA as the safest way to handle electronic waste and protect vulnerable communities.

Thanks to this certification, we can offer something unique to our partners: carbon footprint reports and geographic tracking that show exactly where recycled devices end up. This means every company working with us can measure and communicate its impact in a real, verifiable way.

Our social and environmental impact

Electronic waste is one of the major environmental challenges of our time. In the U.S., only about 20% of e-waste is recycled formally and safely; the rest ends up contaminating local environments or being exported to countries without adequate infrastructure.

At eSmart Recycling, we prove that another way is possible. Every pound recycled prevents toxic materials like lead or cadmium from reaching landfills. At the same time, we recover valuable resources like gold, copper, and silver, reducing the need for further extraction.

And most importantly: what some consider waste, we see as opportunity. A forgotten computer can become the tool that changes the life of a child, a family, or an entire community.

Why choose us?

  • Certified security and traceability: R2v3 processes, data destruction, and real-time tracking. 
  • Real social impact: thousands of computers donated, and entire communities benefited. 
  • A global vision: from Tampa to the world, connecting sustainability with opportunity.

Global sustainability doesn’t start in distant places — it starts with local action. At eSmart Recycling, every company that works with us becomes part of a bigger story: one where technology creates opportunities instead of waste.

If your organization is looking for a way to combine data security, environmental responsibility, and measurable social impact, we invite you to join us. From Tampa to the world, we’re building a future where no device is wasted and no community is left behind.

 

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