Can a company spark real change by going full “Marie Kondo”? Absolutely. At eSmart Recycling, we believe that organizing, decluttering, and letting go of what no longer serves you doesn’t just “spark joy”—it creates tangible impact for the planet and the community.

1. Why bring a Marie Kondo mindset to e-waste?

At its core, Marie Kondo’s method is about keeping only what sparks joy, encouraging more conscious and sustainable choices. For a U.S. company aiming to lead in sustainability, this means reviewing aging tech assets and deciding—what should we keep, refurbish, or recycle? The difference is doing it with purpose, not just obligation.

2. The e-waste wave—and why now matters

The e-waste tsunami is real: in 2022, the world generated about 62 million tons of it, yet only 22% was properly recycled. That’s a mountain of valuable resources wasted, plus serious environmental risks. The time to act is now.

And the market reflects it: the e-waste management industry is projected to grow from $70 billion in 2024 to $81.27 billion in 2025. For your company, this isn’t just duty—it’s an opportunity to lead.

3. What we do at eSmart Recycling

Based in Tampa, we’re committed to double impact—environmental and social. We collect, audit, and securely destroy data under HIPAA standards. We revalue equipment, allocate about 30% of revenues to repairs and donations, and deliver reports, certificates, and measurable impact for our partners.

Every device that no longer sparks joy in your IT room can be transformed into an opportunity for someone else.

4. Real examples that inspire

a) Salesforce and the “reverse unboxing”

Salesforce automated the retirement of 40,000 servers: cutting manual effort by 80%, saving 10,475 MWh (enough energy for 83 households per year), and avoiding 3,506 metric tons of CO₂—equal to the annual carbon sequestration of 15,336 acres of U.S. forest.

b) Dell and circular design

In 2024, Dell used more than 95 million pounds of recycled or renewable materials in its products. Over 96% of its packaging was reused or renewable. They’ve even designed laptops with modular USB-C ports and accessible batteries, aiming to recycle or reuse as much as they sell by 2030.

5. How to apply “Marie Kondo mode” in your company

1. Take a clear inventory: identify devices that no longer deliver value.

2. Sort with purpose: refurbish, reuse, recycle, or retire.

3. Guarantee secure data destruction, following HIPAA or other regulations.

4. Work with a certified ITAD partner (like us at eSmart Recycling).

5. Strengthen your ESG reporting: it builds reputation, compliance, and savings.

6. Measure real benefits: from energy savings to reduced emissions and social impact.

6. Common questions we hear

• Will this disrupt operations? Not if it’s planned well. In fact, recycling and refurbishing can often be cheaper and more effective than replacing everything blindly.

• Is it financially worth it? Yes. Refurbishing and resale recover value and reduce costs. Plus, it aligns with regulatory trends like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Decluttering your tech isn’t just about space or compliance—it’s a statement of values. Choosing responsible recycling says the future matters, your people and communities matter, and the planet is non-negotiable.

At eSmart Recycling, we see it daily: we turn storage rooms full of forgotten gear into equipped classrooms, more efficient offices, and solid ESG reports for our partners. That’s how Marie Kondo mode becomes a corporate strategy that truly sparks joy—joy in a cleaner planet, children with access to opportunities, and businesses with purpose.

The next step is yours: will you let obsolete tech gather dust, or will you turn it into real impact with us?

When we collect old equipment from companies, we know that what appears to be a dusty storage closet can become something far greater: a fully equipped classroom, a connected community center, or a gateway to new opportunities. At eSmart Recycling, this is the mission we carry forward every single day.

Our Impact in the U.S.

From Tampa, we’ve been transforming tons of outdated technology into tools for learning and inclusion. This year alone, we’re processing about half a million pounds of electronics, keeping them out of landfills and extending their useful life.

We’ve donated more than 3,000 computers and devices to underserved communities, working alongside over 50 nonprofit organizations across five countries.

In Tampa Bay, we set up a full digital lab at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club (West Tampa), in partnership with BayFirst Bank. We’ve also collaborated with the Hillsborough Education Foundation, AMRoC FabLab, Pace Center for Girls, Hope For Her, and many other local nonprofits.

During a community laptop drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs, we collected 131 devices, at least 25 of which were reusable—each one a Windows 10 Pro machine ready for remote learning.

Through a partnership with the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, we received 500 used computers to refurbish and distribute to community organizations, students, and adults in Pinellas County.

Extending Impact to Latin America

Our work doesn’t stop in the U.S. Through our alliance with the Nuestra America Foundation, we’ve delivered recycled devices to rural schools, community centers, and youth programs across Latin America. In one rural center, students who previously had no access to computers can now research online and connect with the wider world.

Recently, in Peru, we donated 30 refurbished computers to the Ronald McDonald House and Corazones Felices. As a result, a brand-new computer lab now serves around 70 children and teenagers, helping them develop their digital skills.

Why We Do It

We’re driven by the belief that electronic recycling can truly close digital divides. In Tampa, we saw companies discarding thousands of perfectly functional computers at the same time nonprofits were struggling to provide technology to families in need. That disconnect inspired us to act.

Since 2016, we’ve created a model where every piece of equipment gets a second—and often better—life: as an educational tool in the hands of kids, families, and communities with limited access to technology.

Questions We Hear from Companies

• Is it safe? Absolutely. We guarantee certified data wiping and destruction, backed by full transparency with reports and certificates.

• What about cost? Donations often come with tax benefits, free up storage space, and strengthen your company’s reputation.

• Does the impact show? Yes—it shows in every classroom, every community center, and every family we’ve helped equip with technology.

Every time we pick up a device, we know we’re preventing e-waste while opening doors for students. What once sat forgotten in a closet now powers education, creativity, and connection. And when those screens light up, it’s not just the computers that come alive—it’s the future of the communities we serve.

Let’s be honest: recycling laptops, servers, or cellphones isn’t always top of mind for companies. And not because it’s unimportant, but because excuses always pop up. The truth? Most of them are easy to dismantle. Here are three of the most common ones—and how you can move past them without overcomplicating things.

“It’s too expensive and complicated.”

The first reaction is usually: “This is going to cost a fortune and take weeks.” And yes, e-waste recycling does involve separating materials, handling toxic metals, and meeting regulations. It’s not something just any IT team can improvise.
The good news: some take-back programs and partnerships make it simple. At eSmart Recycling, we handle everything—pickup, logistics, compliance. You just choose when and where.

“There’s no ROI.”

Another classic excuse: “Why spend money on this if it doesn’t generate revenue?” The reality is that the value isn’t always immediate. It’s in hitting ESG goals, strengthening brand reputation, and reducing carbon emissions.
For context: recycling metals like gold or copper consumes far less energy than mining them from scratch. Still, only 10–15% of the gold inside e-waste is actually recovered. That’s an enormous amount of wasted resources. With us, you can reuse devices internally, resell them, and unlock real value from what’s sitting in storage.

“I’m worried about data security.”

The fear of an old hard drive ending up in the wrong hands is a valid concern. Nobody wants a data breach. But this shouldn’t stop you—today, there are certified processes for data erasure, degaussing, and shredding that eliminate sensitive information for good.
The EPA highlights that devices, if properly treated, are a valuable resource. At eSmart Recycling, we follow strict security protocols and provide certificates of data destruction so you can meet regulations and rest easy.

How to flip these excuses around

1. Partner with us: at eSmart Recycling, we take care of logistics, security, and compliance. No improvising, no burden on your internal team.

2. Show clear results: we provide reports on recycled volumes, recovered materials, and ESG metrics—so leadership sees the impact in black and white.

3. Engage your whole team: we help with training and awareness campaigns so every employee understands the “why” and supports your recycling policy.

In 2025, postponing tech recycling isn’t an option anymore. The world produces over 60 million tons of e-waste every year, and only a fraction is managed properly.

The difference between your company staying stuck in excuses or moving into action is choosing the right partner. At eSmart Recycling, we turn barriers into opportunities: real sustainability, full compliance, and a stronger reputation.

Is your company hoarding e-waste without realizing it? Warning signs

You may not notice it, but your company could be hoarding electronic waste (e-waste). Old computers in storage, routers nobody uses anymore, hard drives forgotten in a drawer. All those things you keep around “just in case” rarely come back to life. In the meantime, they take up space, create risks, and slow down your sustainability goals.

Why does this matter so much?

Holding on to outdated technology might seem harmless, but it isn’t. Obsolete devices with sensitive information can become an open door to cyberattacks or fines for failing to comply with regulations like HIPAA or GDPR.

And it’s not just about physical space. Digital hoarding is just as costly: duplicated files, disorganized emails, and unused data stored forever. All of this costs money in infrastructure and energy, while also putting your company’s data security at risk.

Clear signs your company is “hoarding”

• Your storage looks like a tech museum. Computers, cables, and monitors that haven’t been touched in years. Beyond the clutter, they can be a physical hazard — think flammable batteries — and a security threat if data hasn’t been properly wiped.
• Digital chaos everywhere. Multiple versions of the same document, duplicated folders, endless email chains. It slows down processes and hurts productivity.
• Hidden costs. Storing data indefinitely isn’t free. It requires servers, maintenance, and energy, adding up over time and working against your green goals.
• Your sustainability goals are falling behind. If devices are never recycled or reused, you’re missing a chance to turn waste into real social and environmental impact.

Practical solutions that actually make a difference

1. Create an ITAD (IT Asset Disposition) strategy

A clear plan to identify, de-inventory, and properly dispose of outdated assets prevents buildup and helps you stay in control.

2. Work with us: a certified recycler

There are no shortcuts here — if you want to handle e-waste responsibly, you need a trusted partner. At eSmart Recycling, we are certified, we securely destroy data following the highest standards, and we operate under a triple-impact model: environmental, social, and economic.

What does this mean in practice? While we help you comply with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, we also give a second life to part of your equipment by donating it to kids and families in need. You solve a problem and, at the same time, create a real positive impact.

3. Schedule regular pickups

Don’t let e-waste pile up. Set quarterly or semi-annual collection days to keep your space organized and minimize risks.

4. Ensure secure data destruction

Before recycling, make sure all data is wiped or destroyed under accredited standards. That way, you protect sensitive information and avoid compliance issues.

5. Train your team

Processes only work if people understand them. Educate employees on how to recycle and manage digital clutter. Building a culture of sharing — not hoarding — information makes a big difference.

What your company gains when it stops hoarding

By adopting these practices, you:

• Strengthen security and compliance.

• Reduce storage and energy costs.

• Advance your sustainability goals.

• Boost productivity and innovation.

At eSmart Recycling, this is our everyday work: we collect outdated devices, securely destroy the data, refurbish what we can, and donate technology to communities that need it most. Your company can join this model and turn a liability into an opportunity for real impact.

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.

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.