{"id":1032374,"date":"2023-03-21T14:05:55","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T14:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grist.org\/?p=605641"},"modified":"2023-03-21T14:05:55","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T14:05:55","slug":"consumers-looking-to-reduce-e-waste-have-new-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2023\/03\/21\/consumers-looking-to-reduce-e-waste-have-new-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Consumers looking to reduce e-waste have new options"},"content":{"rendered":"

The international supply-chain scramble that began with the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to ease up. A global chip shortage has caused endless waits for new cars<\/a>, and spiked prices for electronics like new iPhones<\/a> and TVs. But even as brand-new items do start to become available again, many consumers hope to hold onto the technology they already have.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In late 2022, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the nation\u2019s first Digital Fair Repair Act<\/a> into law. This landmark legislation requires equipment manufacturers to make diagnostic and repair information available for digital electronic parts. Equipment must also be made available to repair providers and consumers. The law is part of increasing efforts to reduce the mounting e-waste crisis: More than 54 million metric tons<\/a> of phones, computers, and other electronic waste are produced per year, according to the U.N. Environmental Program.<\/p>\n

But legislation is just beginning to catch up to the public’s growing demand for sustainability. Over the last few years, CircleIT president Will Cohen has seen a surge of interest in the company\u2019s recycling programs. In 2019, he was sitting in his doctor\u2019s office when his doctor casually asked about Cohen\u2019s work. When Cohen told him he repurposed electronics and personal devices, his doctor was thrilled, explaining he had computers he didn\u2019t know how to recycle because of privacy laws. <\/p>\n

The chance conversation inspired Cohen to launch the company\u2019s Digital Solution<\/a>: a way for people to safely upcycle personal electronics with guaranteed data erasure, and the ability to track their products throughout the process. The certified B Corporation already handled computers and other devices by the thousands for large-scale clients. The Digital Solution added the ability for individuals to \u2014 with six clicks on the company\u2019s website \u2014\u00a0pay a flat $12, get a QR code, and find their nearest FedEx Print & Ship Center to drop off their device for secure data handling and erasure, along with real-time updates.<\/p>\n

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