devices needed in the office not only increased
efficiency and security, but it makes firms more
resilient and flexible. With 60% of businesses
plan to allow employees to continue remote
working in the coming years, policies must
be developed to combat redundant PCs and
laptops, whether that’s donating them to good
causes, redeploying them into workers’ homes,
or recycling them. According to a report from
3stepIT, 36% of decision-makers don’t know
where their electronic waste ends up, with 10%
confessing to dumping it in the landfill.
THE RIGHT TO REPAIR
Over the past several years, pressure has been
mounting on manufacturers to change the
way they design their products. The Right to
Repair movement has gained momentum in
Europe, with campaigners arguing that they
should be able to repair their electronic devices
freely and without the risk of damaging their
warranty. Technology companies have received
real criticism for developing devices that are
designed to become obsolete within a few
years, making them intentionally difficult to
repair or refurbish to maximize their profit
margins and force consumers to upgrade. And
it’s not just consumers or the environment who
are out of pocket as a result of these dodgy
selling practices - small businesses suffer, too.
One report suggests that recycling and reusing
computers could create an additional 300
jobs a year for every 10,000 tons of computer
waste processed rather than disposed of.
One of the companies singled out for its poor
product repairability is Apple. The iPhone
is one of the greatest examples, with Apple