With the rise of remote work, many new industries have arisen alongside the ‘work from home revolution’, one of the most exciting and influential being the coworking spaces that are appearing in cities, towns and villages across the country.
These shared hubs provide flexibility, community and access to resources that would otherwise be unavailable to those not office-bound, like freelancers and small businesses. But with this growth comes a new responsibility, one that is shared by all workspaces: the handling of electronic waste.
From old laptops and printers to batteries, cables, and wall plugs, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing sources of waste, and as our tech gets cheaper and cheaper, it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
For those operating a coworking space, managing waste responsibly isn’t just good practice; it’s a key part of building sustainable workspaces and attracting new customers.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways coworking spaces can manage e-waste responsibly with the best interests of the planet at heart, and how doing so can boost your bottom line.
Why E-Waste Management Matters in Coworking
E-waste is not like our regular household rubbish.
In fact, it’s quite a lot worse in terms of its impact. It contains lots of materials like copper and rare earth elements, as well as things like lead and mercury. Not only do we go to great lengths to attain or create these materials, but they are also pretty harmful when disposed of without the proper methods.
Without careful disposal, these materials can leech into soils and water, posing pretty major health risks and contributing to existing pollution problems. At this point, of course, we have not even mentioned the plastics used in cable wrapping, housings and pretty much every other part of a wire, plug or accessory.
Ignoring e-waste and disposing of it improperly can not only risk fines, but in this eco-conscious era, there are serious reputational risks if you fail to meet the growing expectations of environmentally conscious members.
On the other hand, operating a green coworking space by finding effective ways to recycle IT equipment can differentiate your brand, attract like-minded workers to your space, and enhance your credibility.
Having visible and easy-to-use recycling points, along with clear signage, is a simple yet extremely powerful way to bolster your eco-credentials and build trust with your customers. The planet will be a bit better off for it, too.
It’s a win for everyone.
Practical Steps Coworking Spaces Can Take
It’s all well and good to think about how to dispose of our e-waste, and how we can create a sustainable workplace, but how do we actually go about taking the necessary steps to reach our goals?
Luckily for you, we’ve got a list of ways you can boost your coworking space’s eco-credentials.
1. Create Clear E-Waste Policies
One thing that is guaranteed with a coworking space is that people will come and go pretty regularly. Without clear and consistent messaging, e-waste can pile up and it can be extremely difficult to reach the people causing the issue.
Written policies, or welcome contracts, shared via onboarding packs, community boards and newsletters can be superb ways to ensure everyone is on the same page; it also means if someone is consistently contravening your rules, they have no way to claim ignorance.
Simply outline what types of e-waste can be disposed of onsite, how and where to do it safely, and where to go for items that require specialist treatment.
2. Partner With Certified Recyclers
You can’t be expected to handle hazardous things like damaged batteries yourself, so partnering with accredited recyclers ensures compliance with regulations and guarantees that materials are recovered, reused, or disposed of safely.
By affiliating with a licensed and professional agency, you’ll also be able to advertise your own credentials; a little showing off can’t hurt.
3. Provide Convenient Collection Points
Accessibility is key to participation. Human nature has us seeking the easiest ways to do things, so don’t make it hard to recycle e-waste.
Encourage people to use bins by placing them in high traffic areas, ensuring they are labelled extremely clearly and be sure you have all the right receptacles for things like batteries, cables and small electronics to minimise contamination.
4. Run Awareness Campaigns
Did you know that the UK generates over 23.9kg of e-waste per person each year?
That puts us in the highest bracket globally. Not great.
People are far more likely to engage with recycling if they understand the reasoning behind it, and why it matters. Sharing stats, hosting talks and getting as much information as you can out there can build a sense of community and reinforce the importance of responsible disposal.
5. Offer Refurbishment & Reuse Options
Plenty of the e-waste we generate actually still has plenty of life left in it.
Coworking spaces can collaborate with local charities or refurbishment companies to ensure items are used to their maximum potential. Old monitors, keyboards, and routers can often find new homes at places like schools, nonprofits, or startups in need of affordable and useful tech.
6. Go Beyond Recycling With Sustainable Procurement
Managing e-waste does not start as you throw your item away, the cycle begins before you’ve even purchased it.
By choosing suppliers who prioritise durability, repairability, quality materials, sustainable practices and eco-friendly design and packaging, you can reduce waste from the very first step.
This extends to leasing equipment instead of buying, using modular devices that can be fixed and upgraded, and prioritising brands with strong repair and recycling schemes that align with your own values.
The Business Case for Responsible E-Waste Management
Sustainability isn’t just about ethics, although that is hopefully an important part of the way most businesses are run.
Sustainability can also make great business sense and actually be a part of your strategy for building towards success.
With the demand for eco-conscious workplaces on the rise, the coworking spaces that have a credible and extensive list of affiliations and strategies revolving around effective recycling schemes will be much better positioned to attract new members.
Many new startups, fresh businesses and exciting projects hold sustainability at their core and will actively be seeking to align themselves with businesses that match their own values. Being part of a community that is environmentally aware can be rewarding in both an ethical and a profitable way.
What’s more, building solid e-waste strategies into your core business model can actually help to save you money in the long run. Extending the life of equipment, reducing waste costs and even recovering value from used items can all contribute to the bottom line.
Final thoughts
So there we have it, the shocking truth behind the impact that our e-waste is having.
Thankfully, there are things we can do to make a major difference, and coworking spaces are uniquely placed to lead by example.
When combining convenience, education, and the right partnerships with trusted providers, operators can transform what could be construed as a logistical nightmare into a profit-building badge of honour.
Dealing with e-waste in a sustainable, respectful way is not just a nice addition in a flexible working space; it’s a practical, marketable step in the direction of building a truly green coworking space.
By dealing with e-waste in the correct way, these work hubs can help the planet, strengthen their appeal to the next generation of workers, and attain a whole new level of like-minded clients.
Photo credits: Coworking London