Camilla Cederquist, project manager sustainability at Atea Sweden, talks about the 100 % club, which challenges and supports companies to reuse and recycle 100 per cent of their used IT equipment.
This case is part of the Circular Electronics Day 2021 best practices series. Multiple organizations stand behind this initiative that takes place on January 24 with the aim to encourage organizations and consumers to take a more responsible approach to electronics.
What is the 100 % club?
The idea is straightforward—the 100 % club challenges organizations to reuse and recycle 100 percent of their used IT. Members get support from Atea and other members to reach the goal. The initiative is run by Atea and open for any organization to join. Membership is free of charge, but you need to work consistently towards the goal.
Why do we need an initiative like this?
E-waste is a growing problem, and far too much used IT ends up in drawers or disappears with an unknown fate. By increasing the reuse and recycling of used IT, both products and materials’ life cycles can be prolonged. It is also a way for organizations to reduce their climate footprint. Not to be forgotten, the value goes to waste when unused products remain in the organization instead of finding new users.
Also, a 100 percent reuse and recycling may sound easy, but we found several organizational challenges that need to be encountered to boost return rates. Unclear responsibilities, lack of awareness, lack of policies, and policy enforcement are just some examples. The 100 % club helps organizations get started and take concrete steps towards the goal.
How does it work?
The first step is to set a date for when it is realistic to have achieved the goal. That requires analyzing the current situation by reviewing policies, procurement practices, and processes and assessing what happens to the used products today. The next step is to set up a structure for sustainable life-cycle management. Through a digital platform, members can follow their journey toward 100 percent.
What’s your advice to organizations that want a more sustainable life-cycle management?
The most important message is: Get started! Increasing your IT products’ return to the loop is a concrete step toward more circular and planet-friendly IT handling that you can start doing today. If you need support and perhaps a torch, join the 100 % club!
About Atea
Atea is the leading Nordic and Baltic supplier of IT infrastructure with approximately 6 800 employees in 89 cities in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. We deliver products and services that simplify the handling, operation and development of our customers’ IT environments. Read more about the 100 % club here (in Swedish).
