Reducing E-Waste: Cisco's Circular Economy and Sustainability Efforts
We've all experienced it: a favorite electronic device, like your go-to headphones, stops working. Instead of enhancing your music experience, they become what’s often referred to as "e-waste."
Understanding E-Waste and Its Importance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines e-waste as used electronics nearing the end of their lifecycle, which may be discarded, donated, or recycled. While commonly used, the term e-waste is only a subset of used electronics, many of which hold valuable materials that can be refurbished, reused, or recycled, reducing landfill contributions and improper disposal locally or internationally.
The European Commission highlights that e-waste contains a mix of materials, some hazardous, which can pose serious environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Additionally, modern electronics often contain rare and valuable resources, such as critical raw materials, that can be recovered and reused. Effective waste management not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports the transition to a circular economy and secures the supply of these essential materials.
The Scale of the E-Waste Problem
The United Nations Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 revealed that in 2022, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated—an 82% increase since 2010, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Alarmingly, only 22.3% of 2022's e-waste was properly collected and recycled, leaving $62 billion worth of recoverable resources unaccounted for and contributing to global pollution.
To transition to a circular economy, it is crucial to improve resource efficiency by reclaiming valuable raw materials from e-waste.
Reducing E-Waste
To combat the issue, we must promote the return of products to manufacturers for reuse, refurbishment, or recycling—a practice often referred to as "product takeback." Proper e-waste management not only advances environmental sustainability but also minimizes the ecological impact of discarded electronics. Collaborative efforts among industries, recyclers, and other stakeholders have significantly improved environmentally sound e-waste management practices.
Cisco's Role in Tackling E-Waste
As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, The Plan for Possible, Cisco is shifting toward a regenerative, circular business model. This involves extending product lifecycles, embedding circularity into design processes, and offering innovative solutions like as-a-service models to maximize value throughout a product's lifecycle.
Cisco's Circular Design Principles, aimed at creating reusable and environmentally friendly products, will be incorporated into 100% of new products and packaging by fiscal year 2025. The company also operates a Takeback and Reuse Program, a free service that ensures nearly all returned products are either reused or recycled.
Cisco engages employees in its circular economy efforts through initiatives like Recycle IT Day, an annual event since 1995 that has recycled over 3,283 metric tonnes of used electronics.
Toward a Circular Future
A successful shift to a circular economy requires collaboration across the value chain. Customers, partners, and suppliers all play a vital role—whether by returning used products, advocating for circular business models, or innovating sustainable materials. Together, we can turn the tide on e-waste and make a meaningful impact on our planet.
Click here to know more about Cisco’s initiatives, goals and/or commitments,
Understanding E-Waste and Its Importance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines e-waste as used electronics nearing the end of their lifecycle, which may be discarded, donated, or recycled. While commonly used, the term e-waste is only a subset of used electronics, many of which hold valuable materials that can be refurbished, reused, or recycled, reducing landfill contributions and improper disposal locally or internationally.
The European Commission highlights that e-waste contains a mix of materials, some hazardous, which can pose serious environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Additionally, modern electronics often contain rare and valuable resources, such as critical raw materials, that can be recovered and reused. Effective waste management not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports the transition to a circular economy and secures the supply of these essential materials.
The Scale of the E-Waste Problem
The United Nations Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 revealed that in 2022, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated—an 82% increase since 2010, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Alarmingly, only 22.3% of 2022's e-waste was properly collected and recycled, leaving $62 billion worth of recoverable resources unaccounted for and contributing to global pollution.
To transition to a circular economy, it is crucial to improve resource efficiency by reclaiming valuable raw materials from e-waste.
Reducing E-Waste
To combat the issue, we must promote the return of products to manufacturers for reuse, refurbishment, or recycling—a practice often referred to as "product takeback." Proper e-waste management not only advances environmental sustainability but also minimizes the ecological impact of discarded electronics. Collaborative efforts among industries, recyclers, and other stakeholders have significantly improved environmentally sound e-waste management practices.
Cisco's Role in Tackling E-Waste
As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, The Plan for Possible, Cisco is shifting toward a regenerative, circular business model. This involves extending product lifecycles, embedding circularity into design processes, and offering innovative solutions like as-a-service models to maximize value throughout a product's lifecycle.
Cisco's Circular Design Principles, aimed at creating reusable and environmentally friendly products, will be incorporated into 100% of new products and packaging by fiscal year 2025. The company also operates a Takeback and Reuse Program, a free service that ensures nearly all returned products are either reused or recycled.
Cisco engages employees in its circular economy efforts through initiatives like Recycle IT Day, an annual event since 1995 that has recycled over 3,283 metric tonnes of used electronics.
Toward a Circular Future
A successful shift to a circular economy requires collaboration across the value chain. Customers, partners, and suppliers all play a vital role—whether by returning used products, advocating for circular business models, or innovating sustainable materials. Together, we can turn the tide on e-waste and make a meaningful impact on our planet.
Click here to know more about Cisco’s initiatives, goals and/or commitments,
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