How Tech Companies Are Tackling the Problem of E-Waste

25 August 2025

Technology is advancing at an incredible rate. Every year, we’re introduced to the latest smartphones, laptops, and gadgets that promise to enhance our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. But, let’s be honest: what happens to last year’s model when we upgrade to the newest tech toy? Spoiler alert—it often ends up in a drawer for months, or worse, in a landfill. This growing tech graveyard is what we call e-waste.

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices like phones, computers, and televisions. And let’s not sugarcoat it—this problem is HUGE. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, the world generated a staggering 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019 alone. To put this into perspective, that’s heavier than all the commercial airplanes ever built. And here's the kicker: only 17.4% of that waste was properly recycled.

So, with the rapid pace of tech innovation and the growing mountain of discarded devices, how are tech companies stepping up to tackle this problem? Let's dive in and explore how some industry giants and startups alike are addressing the e-waste crisis.

Why E-Waste Is a Big Deal

Before we get into solutions, it’s important to understand why e-waste is such a big deal in the first place. Electronic gadgets aren’t just plastic and metal; they contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these toxins make their way into the environment, they can harm ecosystems, contaminate water supplies, and even pose serious health risks to humans.

On the flip side, your old tech also contains valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. But here’s the sad part: when e-waste isn’t recycled properly, these precious metals go to waste. It’s like throwing money in the trash.

Given the environmental and economic impacts of e-waste, it’s clear that something needs to change. And that’s exactly what tech companies are starting to realize.

Circular Economy: A New Way of Thinking

One of the most promising approaches to tackling e-waste is the concept of the circular economy. Instead of the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, a circular economy focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Think of it like a never-ending loop—products are designed to be repaired, reused, or recycled, rather than being thrown away.

For example, Dell has been a pioneer in adopting circular economy principles. The company has implemented a closed-loop recycling system, where they use recycled plastic from old electronics to make new products. This reduces the need for virgin materials and helps keep e-waste out of landfills.

Similarly, HP has embraced circularity by designing products that are easier to repair and upgrade. They also offer recycling programs that allow customers to return old devices, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and reused.

Apple’s Recycling Revolution

It’s impossible to talk about e-waste without mentioning Apple. The tech giant has been making waves in the e-waste space with its innovative recycling initiatives. One of the most impressive examples is Liam, a robot that can disassemble iPhones to recover valuable materials like cobalt, lithium, and gold.

Apple has also introduced the Apple Trade-In program, where customers can trade in their old devices for credit toward new purchases. This not only encourages consumers to recycle their old gadgets but also helps Apple recover valuable resources that can be used to manufacture new products.

And let’s not forget about Daisy, Apple’s latest recycling robot. Daisy can dismantle up to 200 iPhones per hour, recovering key components that can be used in future devices. It’s a perfect example of how technology can be used to solve the very problem it helped create.

Google’s Sustainable Hardware Push

In recent years, Google has also been stepping up its e-waste game. The company has made significant strides toward making its hardware products more sustainable. For example, Google’s Pixel 5 smartphone is made from 100% recycled aluminum, reducing the need for new raw materials.

Google has also committed to using recycled or renewable materials in all of its hardware products by 2022. This move is part of the company’s broader sustainability goals, which include achieving carbon neutrality and zero waste to landfill across their entire business operations.

In addition to using recycled materials, Google offers a Take Back program that allows customers to recycle their old devices for free. The company even provides detailed instructions on how to wipe personal data from devices before sending them in, ensuring both security and peace of mind for users.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Carbon and Waste Reduction

Not to be left behind, Microsoft has made its own ambitious commitments to reducing e-waste. In 2020, the company announced plans to become carbon negative by 2030, which includes reducing waste across its entire supply chain.

Microsoft has also set up a program to refurbish and resell old Surface devices. These refurbished devices are sold at a lower cost, making tech more affordable while also keeping devices out of landfills. The company’s Circular Centers, which are designed to reuse and recycle materials from data centers, have already helped Microsoft reuse 83% of its servers and components.

Microsoft has also partnered with organizations like PCs for People, which refurbishes donated devices and provides them to low-income individuals and families. This not only helps reduce e-waste but also bridges the digital divide by providing access to technology for those who need it most.

Fairphone: A Sustainable Smartphone Alternative

While the big players like Apple and Google are making strides, smaller companies are also leading the charge in tackling e-waste. One standout example is Fairphone, a Dutch company that produces smartphones designed to last.

Fairphone’s devices are built to be modular, meaning users can easily repair or upgrade individual components (like the camera or battery) without having to replace the entire phone. This approach not only extends the lifespan of the device but also reduces the demand for new raw materials.

Fairphone is also committed to using fairly sourced materials and ensuring that workers in their supply chain are treated ethically. By focusing on both sustainability and social responsibility, Fairphone is proving that it’s possible to create tech that’s kinder to both people and the planet.

The Role of Consumers in Reducing E-Waste

While tech companies are making great strides, we as consumers also play a crucial role in tackling the e-waste problem. After all, we're the ones buying and discarding these devices in the first place. So, what can we do?

1. Think before you upgrade: Do you really need the latest gadget, or can your current device last a little longer? By holding onto our tech for a bit longer, we can help reduce the demand for new devices and the associated e-waste.

2. Recycle responsibly: If you do decide to upgrade, make sure you recycle your old device properly. Many tech companies offer free recycling programs, and there are also third-party organizations that specialize in e-waste recycling.

3. Donate or sell: If your old device is still in good working condition, consider donating it to someone who needs it or selling it second-hand. This gives your device a new life and keeps it out of the landfill.

4. Repair instead of replace: If something goes wrong with your device, see if it can be repaired instead of immediately replacing it. Many companies, like Fairphone, are making it easier than ever to repair your own gadgets.

The Future of E-Waste Solutions

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the e-waste problem, it’s clear that tech companies are starting to take responsibility for the impact of their products. From adopting circular economy principles to developing innovative recycling technologies, the industry is making progress.

But there’s still a long way to go. As consumers, we need to keep pushing for change by supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and by making more conscious choices about how we use and dispose of our devices.

The good news? If we all do our part—both companies and consumers—we can make a big dent in the e-waste problem. After all, it’s our planet, and it’s worth protecting.