From installation to disposal: our commitment to managing the device lifecycle
The circular economy is now a strategic priority for European governments, aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability alongside economic development. Among the most urgent challenges is the treatment of electronic waste, which is steadily increasing due to digitalization—making effective management a central topic of discussion.
More than twenty years after the WEEE Directive came into force, the European Commission published a new assessment of the policies implemented to date. The results are clear: only 40% of electronic waste is actually recycled. And in Italy, according to the 2024 Report by the Centro di Coordinamento RAEE, the collection rate stands at 29%, well below the European target of 65%.
Where do routers, modems, and PBX systems end up when they are replaced?
In Italy in particular, there has been a drop in the collection of Category 6—dedicated to IT and telecommunications equipment—with a decrease of 21.1%.
Often, replaced obsolete devices are left stored in basements and warehouses, or they end up in unofficial channels, resulting in the loss of valuable materials they contain and preventing proper recovery—also slowing progress toward the environmental targets that have been set.
For businesses, this step can become an operational obstacle:
For us, this is a concrete contribution to a “virtuous” product lifecycle—an ongoing commitment that, even in a complex scenario, shows how small actions can lead to real change and be as environmentally responsible as possible.
Where do routers, modems, and PBX systems end up when they are replaced?
In Italy in particular, there has been a drop in the collection of Category 6—dedicated to IT and telecommunications equipment—with a decrease of 21.1%.
Often, replaced obsolete devices are left stored in basements and warehouses, or they end up in unofficial channels, resulting in the loss of valuable materials they contain and preventing proper recovery—also slowing progress toward the environmental targets that have been set.
For businesses, this step can become an operational obstacle:
- You need to find a certified company to collect the equipment
- Organize the logistics
- Handle the paperwork
We at TECNEL have chosen to simplify all of this.
When we install a new system, facilities often entrust us with the management of decommissioned devices. In these cases, we take care directly of their proper disposal through certified companies. At the same time, we transparently declare every new piece of equipment we place on the market, making a tangible contribution to European directives and the principles of the circular economy.For us, this is a concrete contribution to a “virtuous” product lifecycle—an ongoing commitment that, even in a complex scenario, shows how small actions can lead to real change and be as environmentally responsible as possible.