In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the curve often means continually upgrading the technology used in the office.
Whether it’s adopting the latest software or ensuring that hardware keeps up with modern demands, the benefits of switching to new devices are manifold. Ultimately, as a solo entrepreneur working from home, you want a fast laptop. There’s only so much you can do with defrag apps, sometimes to speed up your business, you need a new device.
But while the advantages of upgrading are clear, one important question remains: what happens to the old tech you had? Whether it’s outdated tablets, older laptops, or other devices, deciding what to do with these items can be a challenge.
This article explores several options that can help you make the most of your old tech, whether through giving, selling, donating, repurposing, or responsibly disposing of it.
Give Them To Your Employees
One of the simplest and most beneficial options for handling old tablets and other tech devices is to let your employees keep them for personal use. If the devices are still functional, they can offer significant value to your team members in their personal lives, whether for use at home, as educational tools for their children, or for staying connected with family and friends.
The benefits of this approach are numerous. Firstly, it’s a great way to boost employee morale. Offering old tech to your employees as a perk shows appreciation and can foster goodwill within the company. It can also serve as a cost-saving measure for your employees, who may not have to purchase a similar device for personal use.
However, before handing out old devices, it’s crucial to ensure that they are stripped of any confidential business data. This involves reformatting the devices and ensuring all business-related information is securely wiped. Once this is done, your employees can enjoy their “new” tech without any concerns about data security.
Organize Donations In Your Community
If your old devices are still in good working condition, another great option is to donate them to your community. Many schools, non-profits, and community organizations are often in need of technology, especially as more activities and educational opportunities shift online. By donating your used tablets, you can provide essential tools that can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
The benefits of donating your old tech extend beyond just helping those in need. It’s a way for your business to give back to the community, reinforcing your corporate social responsibility efforts. Additionally, donations of this nature can also be tax-deductible, providing your business with financial benefits while doing good. When organizing donations, it’s essential to work with reputable organizations that can ensure the devices are used effectively and go to those who need them most. Similar to giving tech to employees, it’s important to ensure that all data is securely wiped before donation.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Sell Them To Other Businesses
For businesses looking to recoup some of their investment in old technology, selling these devices to other companies can be an excellent option. Startups, solo entrepreneurs, and even smaller businesses often look for cost-effective ways to equip their teams with technology, and buying used devices at a reduced price can be an attractive solution for them.
Selling old tablets and other tech can provide several benefits to your business. First, it’s a way to generate additional revenue, which can be reinvested into your operations. Second, it promotes sustainability by extending the life of the devices rather than contributing to electronic waste.
When selling used tech, it’s critical to reformat the devices and ensure all data is erased to protect your company’s confidential information. There are many platforms and services available that specialize in buying and reselling used business technology, making it easy to find a buyer and complete the transaction efficiently.
Keep Them For Other Projects
Not all old technology needs to leave your office. In some cases, it might be beneficial to keep certain devices for use in other projects or for emergencies. For example, if your company often hosts visitors or clients, having extra tablets on hand can be convenient for lending out during meetings or presentations. Additionally, older tablets can be used as backups in case newer devices are being repaired or are otherwise unavailable.
Retaining a few old devices can also be helpful in situations where additional tech is required temporarily, such as during training sessions or when setting up remote workstations. This approach ensures that your team is always equipped, even in unforeseen circumstances, without the need to invest in brand-new equipment for every situation.
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
Get Rid Of Them Responsibly
Finally, if your old tech is no longer functional or has reached the end of its useful life, it’s important to arrange for responsible disposal. Electronic waste is a growing environmental concern, and businesses have a responsibility to minimize their impact. Simply throwing away old devices can contribute to harmful environmental effects due to the toxic materials found in electronics.
To mitigate this, businesses should work with specialists who can assist with tech collection and waste management. Places like CurbWaste offer services specifically designed to help businesses organize waste management, ensuring they can find the right specialists for their needs. These specialists can help you recycle or safely dispose of old devices, often extracting valuable materials for reuse and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
By arranging for proper disposal, your business not only complies with environmental regulations but also contributes to the broader effort of reducing electronic waste. This not only reflects well on your company’s environmental commitment but also helps protect the planet for future generations.
Upgrading your office’s technology, such as switching to modern tablets, comes with numerous benefits, from boosting productivity to enhancing creativity. However, deciding what to do with the old tech is just as important. Whether you choose to give these devices to your employees, donate them to the community, sell them to other businesses, keep them for future projects, or dispose of them responsibly, each option has its own set of benefits.
By carefully considering these options, your business can maximize the value of its old technology, benefit your employees and the community, and contribute to environmental sustainability. So the next time your company decides to upgrade its tech, remember that what you do with the old devices can be just as impactful as the new ones you bring in.
