WV Technologies tackles the challenge of unwanted eWaste
Discarded eWaste devices are piling up around the world at a rate of 40 million per year. This is due to rapidly changing technology and the availability of electronic products.
Canberra’s WV Technologies is saving more than 100,000 devices from landfill each year. It’s servicing a national portfolio of businesses and government departments.
As a social enterprise, WV Technologies also provides employment opportunities for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,
- at-risk youth and
- long-term unemployed.
The challenge
Manufacturing IT devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and phones takes a lot of resources and energy. With advancements in technology and easy access to new devices, millions of usable devices are being sent to landfill each year.
The action
“Some IT devices are recycled which helps reduce the impact on the environment. But we can be 40 times more effective if we refurbish and reuse IT assets,” says Kurt Gruber, Managing Director and co-founder of WV Technologies.
“We understand that many businesses and government departments have strong concerns about the security of their data. They are worried about the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. To address this we have a team of specialist staff who determine if devices can be sanitised. This means destroying all data and refurbishing the device to be resold. We work closely with our clients to provide advice and education on overcoming any issues with their data security. Our data destruction services are AAA accredited with the National Association of Information Destruction.”
“Devices that are not suitable for refurbishment are broken down and recycled where possible. We aim to maximise the recovery of resources and minimise the amount of eWaste ending up in landfill."
The benefit
“WV Technologies currently sanitises, refurbishes and resells approximately 100,000 devices per year. Some of these are put back into a community laptop program. The program assists students at the Canberra Institute of Technology who can’t afford their own device. We also help organisations sell sanitised and refurbished devices for profit.”
“Each year, the energy savings and emission reductions we provide is equal to removing around 40,000 households from the grid.
“The social contribution is the most rewarding thing for us. We love creating local jobs and nurturing our Indigenous staff through training and employment.”
Circular economy
WV Technologies is an example of the circular economy in action. A circular economy captures and recirculates materials and resources. This adds value to products that were considered waste. This process generates economic opportunities, creating local jobs while designing out waste. You can learn more by reading the ACT Government’s Circular Economy Strategy.
To learn more about WV Technologies visit the WV Technologies website.
What's next?
You choose.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.