What to do with used office equipment in your company? 

Facing continuous innovations in the IT industry and the ever-shortening lifespan of electronic devices, the amount of used office equipment is steadily increasing, posing an inevitable question for companies: How to effectively manage our used office equipment?

Managing used office equipment is not only an economic issue but also an ecological one. Effective utilization and reuse of these resources can bring numerous benefits both for firms and for the environment. In this context, the concept of recommerce emerges – a business model that involves the reuse and resale of used equipment.

This article will focus on presenting effective ways to manage used office equipment. We will examine the benefits of implementing this approach and provide practical tips for firms aiming for conscious management of their resources, considering both economic and ecological aspects.

What challenges do companies face regarding used office equipment?

Used office equipment poses several challenges for companies. Among other things, it requires effective management of disposal and recycling to reduce negative environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.

According to UN data from 2023, the average person worldwide generates about 8 kg of e-waste. This amounts to 61 million tons of e-waste globally. Unfortunately, less than 18% of this electronic waste will be properly collected, processed, and recycled. The remaining 50 million tons may end up in landfills, where they will be improperly processed or remain unused in households. This leads to significant losses of valuable resources that could be reused.

The growing demand for new technologies raises the question for companies of how to effectively deal with the generation of electronic waste and avoid its uncontrolled accumulation.

Is recommerce a step in the revolution of managing used office equipment?

Recommerce is a business model based on the reuse and sale of fully functional used office equipment. It is a new trend in managing used office supplies. This approach not only contributes to reducing the amount of electronic waste but also opens up new opportunities for companies in terms of economic and ecological utilization of these resources. Recommerce enables companies to sell used office equipment to employees or other interested customers instead of leaving it in landfills or undergoing disposal. Through this model, firms can generate additional revenue, minimize costs associated with disposal, and contribute to sustainable resource utilization. The increasing popularity of recommerce indicates a change in companies’ thinking about managing used office equipment.

Read more about how recommerce fits into global sustainable development initiatives

The recommerce model is becoming increasingly popular in various industries, not just in the IT sector. Companies are beginning to see the benefits of reusing and selling used equipment, as well as promoting sustainable development. This trend is also driven by growing social and ecological awareness and the need to reduce negative environmental impact.

Example of implementing recommerce in managing used office equipment

One inspiring example of effective management of used office equipment is Lingaro Sp. z o.o., a Polish IT company providing IT services. Employing around 1500 specialists in Poland and abroad, Lingaro specializes in delivering data management and presentation solutions as well as modern technologies such as Data Science, AI, and e-commerce.

In the face of increasing amounts of used office equipment and changing needs, Lingaro decided to take steps towards efficient management of these resources. The recommerce model was adopted, involving the practice of buying and selling used, fully functional goods through SilentClicks. The main goal of implementing this process was to provide an effective auction sales channel for depreciated computer equipment to the company’s employees. Lingaro enabled employees to purchase used but fully operational equipment at attractive prices, while also supporting the idea of sustainable development.

The implementation of the recommerce process brought Lingaro several benefits. Firstly, the company avoided unnecessary costs associated with the disposal of depreciated computer equipment. Secondly, employee sales generated additional revenue from the sale of unnecessary equipment. Thirdly, employee satisfaction increased significantly. This was due to the opportunity to buy valuable equipment at attractive prices. As a result, it led to an enhanced work atmosphere. It also improved relationships within the company. Additionally, furniture sales among employees were effective. They solved the problem of office furniture disposal. Moreover, they brought extra financial benefits to the company.

The example of Lingaro demonstrates how effective management of used office equipment can bring economic, ecological, and social benefits.

Summary

In summary, efficient management of used office equipment brings benefits both for companies and the natural environment. Firms are grappling with challenges due to the increasing volume of used office equipment and evolving market trends.

These trends include the rise in electronic waste and the surge in popularity of the recommerce model. However, amidst these challenges, firms also find a range of opportunities to capitalize on. The recommerce trend emerges as a pivotal element in revolutionizing the management of used office equipment. It brings about economic, ecological, and social benefits for businesses. The implementation of this model at Lingaro exemplifies how proper management of used office equipment can yield additional revenue, cut disposal costs, and enhance internal relationships. Adopting such solutions marks a significant stride towards sustainable development. The increasing ecological awareness in the business sphere is driving companies towards more responsible actions.