Business Pickup
The peace of mind that comes with knowing end-of-life IT equipment is handled securely is one of the most important reasons customers turn to Quantum. In our reuse and recycling programs, we have various steps in place to ensure devices are handled properly. Here’s a closer look into each stage.
1. Pickup
Whether through pickup services, drop-off, or retrieval through a mail-back program, the first step in our recycling process is getting equipment into our facility. Quantum ensures a secure chain of custody to maintain data security throughout all aspects of transport and logistics. We offer flexible solutions to meet the needs of each business, municipality, or other customer.
2. Receiving
Quantum has systems in place to track your products throughout the entire reuse and recycling process. Every individual asset or pallet that enters our building is given a unique product ID number for traceability and to provide operators with processing instructions. Not only does this ensure the integrity of your data and our services, but it also provides a controlled and measured way to report on how your devices were processed.
3. Sortation
While some customers must have devices destroyed for compliance or liability reasons, those devices that come to us without specific handling instructions will be evaluated for reuse potential. Since reuse of electronics is 25 times more carbon-efficient than recycling, we support reuse in all possible cases where the customer allows.
Quantum is R2 certified, meaning we prioritize sustainability in electronics recycling and are committed to the goal of working towards zero e-waste. In addition, we maintain several data security and quality certifications. This ensures your products are handled with the utmost level of care when being processed for refurbishment or recycling.
For devices being refurbished, all products are tested for core functionality and sold with a warranty. Refurbishment offers the greatest business value, as it allows us to charge you less or pay you more for late-model devices that can be resold. While reuse of the whole device is always the best option from an environmental standpoint, sometimes only the components have reuse potential.
Despite our best efforts, most devices we receive in our recycling operations are too old or broken for repair and reuse. At that point, material moves through to our recycling system.
4. Hazard removal
Once it’s determined a device will be recycled, we remove any components that could cause problems further down the chain. For example, flammable materials like paper and wood are removed, as well as lead, mercury, and batteries. This pre-processing of materials maximizes safety and ensures the best possible commodity output for subsequent steps.
5. Processing
Quantum employs both manual and mechanical processing methods using state-of-the-art technology to take electronics and turn them into base commodities. We use a range of processes including shredding, magnet separation, eddy current separation, and optical sortation, among others, to maximize the value of the commodities we process. Our detail-oriented approach to processing also promotes both safer work conditions for our employees and a safer environment overall.
6. Settlement and reporting
Our thorough reports explain with a high degree of detail exactly what we did with devices. Customers receive a clear breakdown of costs, as well as credits generated throughout the recycling process.
Unique to Quantum, we can on request generate a Carbon Impact Report. This customized report clearly lays out the benefits of reuse and recycling including the amount of carbon avoided with easy to understand equivalents for context. Companies can use this report as part of their own carbon reduction initiatives.
For the secure and safe processing of your end-of-life electronics, turn to Quantum. As a fully audited electronics recycling company, we use processes that have been developed to minimize waste while maximizing value and security. Find out more about our recycling solutions here.