Strategies to extend the lifespan of electronic devices

Applying circular economy principles to business technology means ensuring that devices, materials, and components are used for as long as possible, repaired, refurbished, reused, and finally recycled safely. For companies committed to sustainability, this is not just an ethical goal: it can generate savings, new revenue streams, and lower regulatory risks.

What circular economy mean in tech

In the technology field, these are the key principles:

• Design for durability and repair: products that can be opened, fixed, and upgraded.

• Reversible supply chain: planning for end-of-life collection of equipment, components, and metals.

• Refurbishment and reuse before recycling.

• Secure data management when disposing of equipment.

• Use of recycled and renewable materials in components and packaging.

Why apply the circular economy to business technology?

Here are some reasons backed by real data:

• A study by Oliver Wyman estimates that moving from a linear to a circular economy could unlock between $883 billion and $1.5 trillion in new economic value for U.S. industries, while also reducing between 370 and 850 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually.

• Dell, for example, reported that in 2024 it used more than 95 million pounds of recycled or renewable materials in its products, including low-emission aluminum, bio-based plastics, recycled cobalt, and recovered metals.

• Other efforts include modular design (like USB-C ports that can be unscrewed instead of soldered) to make repairs easier and extend product lifespan.

How to get started: practical steps for companies

Here are some specific ideas any sustainability officer can launch:

1. Audit the full lifecycle of your devices
   Track how many devices you own, how long they last, how repairable they are, and what happens at the end of their lifecycle.

2. Green purchasing policies
   Require that new devices come with accessible spare parts, can be upgraded, have modular designs, and use recycled or lower-toxicity materials.

3. Internal reuse and donation programs
   Many companies donate devices they no longer need (laptops, routers, etc.) to communities or institutions instead of disposing of them.

4. Partnerships with recyclers and specialized firms
   Ensure e-waste is securely destroyed or recycled under proper standards, with certified data wiping, safe handling of batteries, and material recovery.

5. Measurement and reporting
   Set metrics such as diverted waste, recycled materials, avoided emissions, and economic value recovered.

Real-world cases to inspire

• Dell is adopting modular design, scaling up the use of recycled and renewable materials, and has set the goal of reusing or recycling an amount equal to its annual sales by 2030.

• Rheaply, Inc. provides a platform for organizations to manage physical assets for internal reuse or redistribution, cutting down waste and unnecessary purchases.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

• Upfront costs: modular, recyclable, and repairable products can cost more initially, but pay off with longer lifespans and lower disposal costs.

• Internal resistance to change: procurement, IT, and operations teams need alignment and training.

• Regulations, certifications, and standards: compliance with data destruction, e-waste rules, and environmental certifications is critical.

• Reverse logistics: collecting, storing, and transporting devices for refurbishment or recycling requires infrastructure and planning.

What we do at eSmart Recycling

We collect used technology, securely destroy data under standards such as HIPAA, evaluate equipment, and allocate about 30% of revenues to repair and donate devices. This way, we help companies meet their social and environmental responsibilities, reduce their waste footprint, and integrate real circular economy practices into their operations.

In addition, we deliver a personalized Impact Report to each company, showing in numbers and visuals the direct results of recycling with us: how many devices were recovered, how much e-waste was processed, how many people gained access to technology, and what environmental benefits were achieved. It’s a transparent tool that turns every action into measurable outcomes that companies can share internally and with their communities.

Circular economy in business technology is not just an environmental ideal: it’s a practical strategy to cut costs, lower risks, strengthen reputation, and create social value. Companies that start now will be better prepared for stricter regulations, demanding consumers, and markets that reward sustainability.

If you are responsible for sustainability, compliance, or risk in a company, the short answer is: yes, outdated technology can become a serious liability in an audit. Here’s why, what risks you should expect, and what you can do about it—with real examples.

Why old technology is an audit risk

When auditors review internal controls over information systems, they want to see processes, hardware, and software that are secure, documented, up to date, and free of critical vulnerabilities. If you are using:

• Unsupported systems that no longer receive patches,

• Hardware that does not meet modern security standards,

• Devices with data that was “improperly wiped,”

Then you could violate regulatory requirements, accounting standards, or even privacy laws.

For example:

• A report from Balbix highlights that “end-of-life” software can lead to active vulnerabilities, data loss, failed integrations with modern systems, and unsafe patches.

• A state audit in Washington found that many “legacy” applications lacked clear maintenance policies and updated inventories, which increased both security risk and operational costs.

Risks that may surface during an audit

Here are some of the issues auditors might flag if old technology is not managed properly:

1. Weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR / SOX)
   If financial data runs through unpatched or obsolete systems, auditors may conclude that there are “significant deficiencies” or “material weaknesses” in controls.

2. Legal and regulatory compliance
   Laws like HIPAA, GLBA, and FACTA require secure data destruction and proper handling of sensitive information. Disposing of devices without certification or relying on unsupported software may trigger fines or sanctions. For instance, Morgan Stanley faced SEC action after reportedly failing to wipe servers that contained client data.

3. Cybersecurity audit risks
   Modern audit frameworks emphasize cyber risk. According to the IBM-Ponemon “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025,” the average cost of a U.S. breach reached $10.22 million. Outdated systems are an easy entry point.

4. Hardware disposal and data sanitization
   Standards like ISO 27001:2022 require that data be irreversibly erased before equipment disposal, with documented policies in place. NIST 800-88 provides detailed guidance on purging and destroying storage media.

5. Hidden costs and operational risks
   Legacy systems often bring higher maintenance expenses, frequent failures, and incompatibility with newer technologies.

What companies should do before the next audit

Practical steps to keep outdated tech from turning into audit trouble:

• Maintain a current inventory of hardware and software. Flag unsupported systems and devices storing sensitive data.

• Establish clear policies for secure IT asset disposal, following NIST 800-88 or ISO 27001 standards, with full documentation.

• Apply strict controls around legacy systems: limited access, monitoring, segmentation, and patching where possible.

• Vet third-party recyclers or ITAD providers—look for certifications and make sure they provide destruction certificates.

• Replace or migrate business-critical legacy systems before they trigger audit findings.

• Train IT, compliance, and legal teams on how outdated technology creates real regulatory and financial risks.

A practical example

Say your finance team still relies on an accounting server running an unsupported operating system. During a SOX audit, the auditor asks about vulnerability patching. If the server is exposed, it could compromise the integrity of financial data. And if decommissioned drives from that server are found without destruction certificates, that could escalate to regulatory concerns.

At eSmart Recycling, when we receive end-of-life equipment, we ensure data destruction is carried out under recognized standards. We also provide certificates of destruction—helpful evidence in audits.

Managing outdated technology with proper documentation and secure disposal practices ensures that your next audit won’t uncover unnecessary liabilities.

That morning in St. Pete, the transit terminal looked different. Families and neighbors showed up with boxes and backpacks filled with laptops, phones, and chargers that had been sitting at home for years. Some devices were scratched, others wouldn’t even turn on, but they all shared the same story: forgotten in a drawer, unused.

At the E-Revolution Drive, people realized that beyond clearing out space at home, recycling can actually change lives.

Recycling electronic equipment is not something extra. In the United States, electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it contains materials that can be recovered and reused. Keeping them stored at home or in offices only delays a problem that impacts both the environment and people.

What does recycling technology mean

The devices collected went through a simple process: those still working were repaired so someone else could use them. The ones that no longer worked were carefully taken apart piece by piece, recovering metals and plastics that still have value.

Nothing ended up in the trash, and every part found a new purpose.

During the day, we saw neighbors arrive with backpacks, boxes, and even plastic bags filled with forgotten devices. Phones, laptops, and chargers that had been collecting dust for years. People handed them over with a smile, relieved to know that their old tech would have a better destination. That mix of relief and excitement was what made the E-Revolution Drive so special.

Why do it with public transit

The partnership with PSTA made perfect sense. Many people who rely on public transit also face the digital divide. Having access to a device means they can:

• Use the PSTA app and plan trips in real time,

• Connect to online classes,

• Apply for jobs and access basic services.

That’s why it matters. What looks like an old paperweight to you could be the key for someone else to regain connection and independence in their daily life.

The importance of sharing these stories

The event was covered by FOX 13 News Tampa Bay, showing how the community embraced tech recycling without complications.

Seeing it on local television helped spread a simple message: we all have a drawer full of cables or an old phone, and letting them go is easier than we think.

What companies can do

For sustainability leaders, initiatives like the E-Revolution Drive send a clear message:

• Take part in community events to connect employees and customers with recycling,

• Build partnerships with municipalities, schools, or local organizations,

• Communicate results transparently: devices collected, materials recovered, emissions avoided.

The E-Revolution Drive highlighted something we all know but often overlook: we all have devices at home we no longer use, and they can serve a better purpose.

That day in Tampa, we saw how bringing in an old phone, a laptop, or any other device can truly make an impact. There was no need for a big speech—just people willing to recycle and share what they no longer needed.

Today, many companies are proving that technological sustainability is no longer just a good intention but a concrete line of action. Here, I’ll show what leading U.S. companies are doing, how they are making it happen, and what sustainability managers can learn to join this movement. At eSmart Recycling, we are also part of this change, contributing through secure recycling, refurbishment, and donations.

What “technological sustainability” means in practice

By technological sustainability, I mean reducing the environmental damage caused by technology: lower carbon emissions, less water use, more recycling/refurbishment, modular design, responsible materials, renewable energy, and so on.
Some frequent questions are:

• How do I measure real emissions? By including scope 1, 2, and 3 (direct, energy-related, and supply chain). 
• How to prevent data centers from skyrocketing consumption? Improve efficiency, architecture, cooling systems, and buy renewable energy. 
• Are “net-zero” or “carbon negative” goals realistic? Some are ambitious, some are already partly achieved, but all require investment, traceability, and transparency.

What leading companies are doing

Here are some concrete examples:

Google

• Goal: net-zero emissions across operations and value chain by 2030. 
• In 2024, it reduced data center energy emissions by 12%, even though electricity consumption grew 27% year over year due to AI expansion. 
• Replenished 4.5 billion gallons of water to balance consumption; in 2023, replenishment was 18%, and in 2024, it reached 64%. 
• Invests in clean energy projects where data centers are co-located with renewable plants, ensuring the electricity used is carbon-free at the source. 

Microsoft

• Goal: carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. 
• Has contracted about 34 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in 24 countries. 
• Signed long-term deals for carbon-free energy, including nuclear. For example, an agreement with Constellation to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1, adding 835 MW of clean electricity. 
• Increasing supplier accountability with stronger metrics, low-carbon materials, and sustainable procurement.

Key lessons for sustainability leaders

Based on what these companies are doing, here are some actionable takeaways:

The role we play

At eSmart Recycling, we contribute on multiple fronts:

• We collect used technology, audit, and securely destroy data. 
• We repair and donate equipment: over 30% of what we collect is refurbished and delivered to underserved communities. 
• We provide reports and certificates, giving sustainability leaders verifiable data for their own disclosures.

Companies like Google and Microsoft show that technological sustainability requires bold goals, transparency, supplier collaboration, and concrete actions such as clean energy, responsible materials, and circular strategies. For those leading sustainability today, adopting measurable steps brings real benefits: stronger reputation, regulatory compliance, and reduced environmental risk. With the right commitment, meaningful results are within reach.

Procrastination may not initially seem like an environmental issue, but it does have real costs for companies, society, and the planet. When you postpone tasks, you’re not only losing productivity—you may also be contributing to wasted energy, higher indirect emissions, and added stress on systems already under pressure. Let’s break down what this means, what research says, and what business leaders in sustainability can do about it.

What does “sustainability” mean in the context of procrastination?

For us, sustainability is about environmental care, social responsibility, and conscious resource use. Procrastination can influence each of these areas:

• Environmental: more energy is used by idle technologies, servers, offices, and devices.

• Social: higher stress, lower workplace well-being, and unequal productivity levels.

• Economic: revenue losses, penalties, and reduced operational effectiveness.

Evidence: time, productivity, and emissions

Productivity losses and business costs

A study by Economist Impact found that U.S. knowledge workers lose around $468 billion per year due to distractions, including unproductive meetings, unnecessary messages, and a lack of focus.

The same report shows:

• 79 hours per person each year are wasted in unproductive meetings.

• 157 hours per year are lost to irrelevant chat or collaboration app notifications.

Connection to emissions

There aren’t studies that measure “emissions caused by procrastination,” but research does link working hours to household carbon footprints. One study found that households with longer working hours tend to produce more CO₂, even if the increase per hour is moderate.

The logic: more hours mean more energy for lighting, HVAC, equipment use, and transportation. If procrastination stretches those hours unnecessarily, it adds to energy waste and indirect emissions.

Workplace and social effects

A large-scale study (22,053 participants) showed that high procrastination levels correlate with lower wages, less job stability, and a higher likelihood of underemployment or unemployment.

This doesn’t just harm individuals—it also affects companies’ ability to retain talent, plan responsibly, and uphold long-term social responsibility goals.

Can procrastination ever be “sustainable”?

It depends on awareness and what you do with that time. In rare cases:

• If you delay a task but spend that time learning about sustainability or social responsibility, it may have positive long-term value.

• If you use the pause for rest and recovery, it could prevent costly errors or resource waste later.

But most of the time, procrastination has a net negative effect.

What businesses can do to reduce the hidden costs of procrastination

1. Measure real distractions
   Track hours lost to unnecessary meetings, interruptions, or app overload. Research like the Economist Impact study provides useful benchmarks.

2. Protect deep work time
   Encourage no-interruption blocks, set norms for after-hours communication, and promote healthier break schedules.

3. Use the right collaboration tools
   Adopt systems that reduce redundant communication, speed up decision-making, and prevent duplicated effort.

4. Raise awareness across teams
   Communicate the real economic, social, and environmental costs of procrastination so employees understand what’s at stake.

5. Integrate sustainability into productivity metrics
   Don’t just measure deliverables—also measure operational waste, resource use, and energy consumption tied to workflows.

Your procrastination probably isn’t sustainable if you ignore it. It creates measurable losses in productivity, workplace well-being, and hidden emissions. But with intentional strategies, companies can reduce these hidden costs and align time management with broader sustainability goals. At eSmart Recycling, we believe every form of waste matters—whether it’s old devices sitting in a closet or hours lost to procrastination.

At eSmart Recycling, we know that every device can have a new story to tell. A laptop that once served its purpose in a company can still make a difference when handled responsibly.

Recently, together with the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council (SHAC) and the Digital Education Foundation, we helped deliver 61 refurbished laptops to students at Davidsen Middle School. That moment reminded us of the true meaning of our work.

What happens before each delivery

It all starts when a company or organization donates its equipment. Our team receives, audits, and performs secure data destruction in accordance with strict standards, including HIPAA and NIST 800-88.
Then, each device is repaired and refurbished by technicians who make sure it can be used again safely and reliably.

Only part of the equipment can be reused. Components that no longer work are sent to certified recycling facilities, ensuring that materials return to the industry instead of ending up in landfills.

What happens when they reach their destination

When refurbished laptops reach students, everything makes sense. What was once unused equipment for a company becomes a learning tool for a child.
At Davidsen Middle School, the smiles said it all. The school community, together with SHAC and Digital Education Foundation, celebrated a project that connects sustainability with digital access.

These partnerships show how collaboration between private companies, community organizations, and schools can create tangible and lasting results.

Why do we keep doing it?

At eSmart Recycling, we believe technology doesn’t end when it’s no longer new. Each refurbished device means less waste, fewer emissions, and more access to education and opportunity.
Over the past few years, we’ve worked with companies and organizations across Tampa and other U.S. cities, recovering thousands of devices and giving many of them a new purpose through educational and community programs.

Our goal is to close the loop: collect, secure, refurbish, and deliver where it’s needed most.
Each delivery, like the one at Davidsen Middle School, reminds us how much a used laptop can do.