Circular Economy in IT: How to Recover Value Through Reuse and Recycling of Electronic Components

Introduction to Circular Economy in IT

The circular economy applied to Information Technology (IT) focuses on maximizing the lifecycle of electronic components through reuse, repair, and recycling, minimizing waste and recovering added value. This approach is aligned with the Brazilian regulatory framework, such as the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010), which establishes guidelines for the environmentally appropriate management and disposal of waste from electronic equipment.

Reuse of Electronic Components

Reuse involves extending the use of electronic devices, reducing the need for new materials and waste generation. In the corporate environment, adopting practices such as refurbishment, upgrading, and hardware redistribution helps decrease environmental impacts and operational costs. According to the ABNT NBR 16415 standards, rigorous procedures are recommended for the inspection and certification of reused equipment, ensuring quality and safety for end users.

Recycling and Material Recovery

Electronic recycling enables the recovery of critical raw materials found in printed circuit boards, precious metals, and plastics. The implementation of efficient selective collection and reverse logistics systems is fundamental, as provided by Decree No. 7,404/2010, which regulates the National Solid Waste Policy. For the responsible disposal of components, the use of specialized electronic waste collection services is recommended to ensure environmental compliance and adherence to legislation.

Data Destruction Security in Electronic Media

In IT management, information security is critical, especially in the disposal of storage units. The sanitization of hard drives (HDs) and other media must follow rigorous technical protocols to guarantee the infeasibility of data recovery, according to international standards such as the specialization of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). To comply with these requirements, contracting certified secure electronic media disposal services is essential.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Circular Economy in IT

The adoption of the circular economy in IT promotes the reduction of natural resource extraction, decreased pollution, and energy savings, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and national environmental regulations, as required by CETESB. Economically, the practice lowers acquisition and disposal costs, in addition to strengthening the institutional image with stakeholders concerned about sustainability.

Implementation of Internal Policies for Electronic Waste Management

To effectively implement the circular economy, it is recommended to create internal policies that include constant equipment inventory, team training for proper handling, as well as partnerships with suppliers specialized in reuse and recycling. Compliance with Brazilian legislation is mandatory, aiming at operational efficiency and legal conformity.