By Faridat Salifu
As the global e-waste crisis continues to escalate, ERI, the nation’s largest IT and electronics asset disposition provider, has joined forces with Staples to launch a nationwide Tech Trade-In program designed to extend the life of unused electronics and promote sustainable consumption.
The initiative, aimed at addressing the growing problem of electronic waste, allows consumers to trade in their working tech devices at any Staples store across the U.S., receiving store credit in return.
This program builds on the success of the longstanding Staples and ERI partnership, which has already recycled over 188 million pounds of e-waste since its inception in 2012.
As tech devices continue to proliferate, many households are accumulating unused electronics, contributing to a mounting e-waste problem. The new trade-in initiative provides a simple, consumer-friendly way for people to responsibly dispose of their electronics while receiving value in return.
John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of ERI, emphasized the importance of the initiative in the context of e-waste management. “With the Tech Trade-In program, we’re offering an opportunity for people to easily recycle their old devices in a responsible way.
By extending the life of unused tech, we’re reducing the volume of e-waste that ends up in landfills, while also making sure that functional devices are refurbished and reused,” he said.
The environmental impact of e-waste is significant, with millions of tons of discarded electronics piling up each year. Improper disposal of these devices often results in hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, leaching into the soil and water.
The Tech Trade-In program offers a practical solution by ensuring that electronic devices are either refurbished or recycled responsibly, reducing the environmental footprint associated with discarded tech.
Consumers participating in the program can generate a value quote for their device through Staples’ online trade-in portal, drop it off at a local Staples store, and receive a same-day e-gift card. Staples associates are on hand to assist with the process, packing up devices for refurbishment.
The simplicity of the trade-in process makes it accessible to a broad audience, encouraging more people to participate in sustainable technology disposal practices.
“This program is a win for consumers and the environment,” said Brian Coupland, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Staples.
“Not only are we helping people get great deals on new tech, but we’re also providing a solution to the growing e-waste problem by extending the lifespan of existing devices.”
As e-waste continues to grow, programs like the Tech Trade-In are crucial in promoting a circular economy, where technology is reused and recycled rather than discarded. By offering financial incentives to consumers for their old electronics, ERI and Staples are not only addressing environmental concerns but also encouraging more responsible tech consumption habits. The partnership highlights how collaboration between companies and consumers can be a powerful force in tackling global sustainability challenges.