Have we all indeed experienced a digital product malfunctioning, such as our trusty headphones? As substitutes for helping you enjoy music, obsolete gadgets have morphed into the ubiquitous scourge of e-waste.
The term “e-waste” refers specifically to discarded electronic devices, including those nearing the end of their useful life, that are donated, discarded, or sent to recyclers. Although “e-waste” is widely employed, the EPA considers it a subset of used electronics, recognising the value of supplies that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled to significantly reduce waste sent to landfills or incorrectly disposed of at unregulated dump sites in the US and abroad.
The electronic waste management policy explains that e-waste is comprised of a diverse range of materials, some of which can be hazardous to the environment. If not disposed of properly, these discarded gadgets pose significant threats to both the environment and human well-being.
While some modern electronics also utilize rare and expensive resources, including essential raw materials, These materials could potentially be recycled and reused if effective waste management strategies are implemented. Enhancing the collection, treatment, and recycling of end-of-life electronic and digital equipment can significantly boost resource efficiency and facilitate the transition to a circular economy. Additionally, this initiative could significantly enhance the provision of essential raw materials, thereby fostering a safer environment.
According to the United Nations, it is estimated that a staggering 62 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated in 2022, representing an alarming 82% increase from 2010. This trend is expected to continue, with e-waste production projected to rise by another 32% to reach a staggering 82 million tonnes by 2030.
In accordance with the UN International E-waste Monitor 2024, a mere 22.3% – or less than one quarter – of global e-waste generation in 2022 was properly documented as being collected and recycled, resulting in a staggering US$62 billion worth of recoverable resources going unaccounted for and posing increased air pollution risks to communities worldwide?
To transition to a circular financial system, we must adopt a significantly more environmentally friendly approach to resource management, which inherently involves collective efforts to reclaim valuable raw materials from electronic waste.
To reduce electronic waste, it is crucial to increase the diversity of products that can be returned to companies capable of reusing, remanufacturing, reselling, or properly recycling them. The concept of product takeback is widely recognized as a practice where companies accept returned products from consumers, with the goal of either reusing or recycling them in an environmentally responsible manner.
Effective management of electronic waste (e-waste) is crucial for promoting environmentally sustainable practices in the technology industry, ultimately reducing its ecological footprint. Through collaboration with various stakeholder groups and recycling partners, we have successfully implemented numerous initiatives to boost the environmental sustainability metrics (ESM) associated with electronic waste (e-waste) management.
Our next-generation environmental sustainability strategy prioritizes a transformation to a regenerative, circular model.
Cisco aims to revitalize its enterprise by extending the lifespan of its products and providing sustained support.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re integrating closed-loop thinking into the creation of our products and their corresponding packaging. Designing with purpose implies that we prioritize sustainability, fostering a culture of reusability, minimizing environmental footprints, driving innovative solutions, and valuing the worth of our stakeholders. To enhance the long-term value of their products, we are introducing innovative choices for Cisco and our customers, including cost-effective options and as-a-service models that incorporate circular economy principles.
Cisco introduced Round Design Guidelines, which guide the company’s product development process to ensure our products and packaging adopt a more circular approach throughout their lifecycle. By fiscal year 2025, our objective is to seamlessly integrate Round Design Rules into all latest Cisco products and packaging, ensuring a cohesive brand experience. To achieve this milestone, we are collaborating closely with our internal engineering and supply chain teams as well as our valued suppliers to bring these guidelines to life.
We’re committed to reducing waste and extending the lifespan of our products by reusing and recycling discarded hardware through a comprehensive remanufacturing process that prioritizes sustainability. Cisco offers its Takeback and Reuse Program at no additional cost to customers and partners, ensuring nearly 100% of returned items are either reused or recycled. The service facilitates clients’ contributions to a more comprehensive and robust financial ecosystem.
It’s crucial for us to maintain our employees within the circular economy. Cisco’s annual Recycle IT Day occurs across multiple Cisco campus locations, typically coinciding with Earth Day celebrations. From the inception of Cisco’s recycling initiative in 1995 through our fiscal year 2023, a collective effort from our employees and contractors has led to the remarkable achievement of recycling numerous units of used electronics.
To foster a truly circular economy, it’s essential that value chains work together seamlessly, involving customers returning used products, partners engaging in discussions about circular business models, and suppliers prioritizing sustainability in the materials they use to create products.
Discover the latest developments in Cisco’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, targets, and commitments, as well as our most significant impact, across our company’s environmental, social, and governance spheres.
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