Dimension Data launches electronic waste removal service

Research indicates that the number of electronic devices at end-of-life will double from 2010 to 2025, and it’s estimated that over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) will be at the decision point for re-use, recycle or landfill in 2013. While the replacement and upgrade cycle of devices is inevitable, the dilemma most organisations face is finding an environmentally friendly e-waste removal service that’s available on a global scale.

To meet market demand for this growing issue, global ICT services and solutions provider Dimension Data has announced the availability of an e-waste removal service as part of its newly expanded Technology Lifecycle Management Assessment that helps organisations better manage their inventory. The Technology Lifecycle Management Assessment catalogues and analyses assets on the network and identifies end-of-life and security issues so that they can be proactively addressed.

Colin Curtis, Dimension Data’s director of sustainability, explained: “According to aggregate data compiled by Dimension Data from 294 Technology Lifecycle Management Assessments conducted on organisations of all sizes and in all industry sectors in 2011, 45% of the network estates assessed will be totally obsolete within five years. 

“Expanding our Technology Lifecycle Management Assessment to include an e-waste solution means our expert advice doesn’t start at the point of disposal. We can now assess the strength of each item in a technology base, determine its point in the life cycle, and then use best practices to dispose of elapsed devices and equipment in an ecological and regulatory-compliant manner. In addition, the organisation’s security and brand are not negatively impacted.”

Other benefits of the service include:

• A thorough assessment of the organisation’s installed base: Cataloguing the installed base and knowing what can be replaced and when, as well as adopting a standard approach to the removal of redundant equipment, can help ease the burden.
• A single plan for removing e-waste globally: This means avoiding the hassle of having to outsource and review e-waste removal services and government regulations in each location. 
• An experienced service provider: E-waste can potentially put a company’s reputation and security at risk. Dimension Data partners with approved, global e-waste providers who pledge their commitment to ethical e-waste handling.
• Simple costing: The company believes that cost is an inhibitor to good stewardship, so there is little to zero cost for take-back in most cases.
• Security: Disposing of redundant equipment carries the threat of sensitive data being accessed by external parties. Dimension Data understands that this is a major concern of companies looking for an e-waste solution and offers security expertise to manage this risk.