In alignment with the principles of Zero Waste Week, Sumillion Limited is shedding light on the detrimental impact of electronic waste on our environment and society. Have you ever wondered about the fate of your electronic devices when they are not disposed of correctly?
As an advocate for social responsibility and sustainability, Sumillion has long been engaged in social governance initiatives in rural #Ghana through our partnership with To Live In H.O.P.E. While this work may not appear to be directly related to IT, we firmly believe in promoting equal rights for all, starting by providing communities with access to basic human rights.
It’s disheartening to discover that within the Ghanaian capital, Accra, lies the world’s largest e-waste dump – #Agbogbloshie. What was once an untouched wetland has transformed into a roughly 20-acre landfill due to the urbanisation of Accra in the mid-late 1900s. By the 2000s, an estimated 80% of technology sent to Ghana from more economically developed countries, primarily in Europe and the United States, could not be utilised and ended up in landfills. Today, Agbogbloshie serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of improper e-waste disposal.
So, what happens to this waste, and how is it processed? The answer lies in the tireless labour of workers, many of whom are part of the lowest stratum of a hierarchical employment system, referred to as ‘Burner Boys.’ They resort to openly smashing and burning electronic devices to extract valuable metals, notably copper. However, this process releases toxic chemicals into the ground, water, and atmosphere, contaminating the surrounding soil, water sources, and even wildlife. The health risks are alarming, affecting not only the workers but also the nearby inhabitants, particularly children who live in these hazardous conditions.
The health repercussions for those working in Agbogbloshie are devastating, with many Burner Boys succumbing to cancer in their 20s. Survivors often face chronic respiratory issues, nausea, migraines, and physical injuries, lacking essential education about the hazards they encounter daily. It’s a hazardous environment that needs urgent attention.
While many of us assume that our discarded devices are disposed of responsibly, the reality is often quite different. Electronic waste can find its way to less developed countries, out of sight and out of mind.
So, where does Sumillion come into the picture, and how can we make a difference? Sumillion offers a range of services designed to ensure that your devices are disposed of effectively, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Our IT Asset Disposition (#ITAD) services play a pivotal role in supporting the circular economy. Responsible management of retired IT assets not only reduces environmental impact but also safeguards sensitive data and creates value for businesses. Working components can be repurposed, turning your waste into someone else’s valuable asset.
When you’re refreshing your equipment, it’s important to ensure your staff have the right equipment to fulfil their roles. Sumillion provide multiple options, from new, remanufactured, and refurbished client devices. These options could save you money and emissions by giving nearly new devices a second lease on life. This promotes a circular economy by preventing working parts from ending up as waste.
#Leasing equipment is another sustainable choice. It allows you to use a device and upgrade at the end of the agreement, ensuring that the devices are reused or recycled correctly, and their parts used for refurbished equipment.
Partner with Sumillion on your journey towards a more sustainable future and make the process as seamless as possible. With our expertise, we can collaboratively find solutions, no matter how big or small, to embed sustainability in your workplace.
Here’s how Sumillion can assist you:
- Repair: Instead of discarding a device when it’s not performing optimally, let Sumillion help you upgrade individual components, extending the device’s lifespan.
- Reduce: Limit your company’s contribution to e-waste by opting for device leasing, ensuring safe recycling at the end of the contract or refurbishment.
- Reuse: Consider remanufactured devices as an alternative to purchasing new ones, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy.
- Recycle: Safely dispose of your e-waste through Sumillion’s ITAD services.
Let’s commit to putting an end to the waste crisis in places like Agbogbloshie. Talk to Sumillion today, we can confidently find sustainable solutions to make a positive impact on your business and our environment and society.
