Cleaning Up and Cashing In

27 Mar 2024 5 min read
Hope Hardin-Borbely
Hope Hardin-Borbely
Purchasing Cooperative Manager, Learning Technology Center

It happens in every school district – after a couple of years, old computers, broken tablets, and other decommissioned devices start piling up in a closet. They’re no use to teachers or students anymore, but you can’t just throw them in a dumpster. So, what are you supposed to do with all of that e-waste?

Here in Illinois, e-waste recycling and technology buyback programs offer a secure and eco-friendly solution.

E-waste recycling is a multi-step method for disposing of electronic devices that mitigates environmental hazards and offers opportunities to recover valuable material. To kickstart this process, some electronics manufacturers and resellers offer buyback programs, which offer school districts compensation for their old equipment.

With ILTPP’s support, your district can take advantage of both solutions. Several of our trusted Vendor Partners can clear out your district’s e-waste backlog while recouping costs you can spend on your next big technology purchase.

What is the Difference Between E-Waste Recycling and Buyback Programs?

Though they work hand-in-hand, e-waste recycling and technology buyback programs are separate strategies for reducing your institution’s e-waste backlog.

Here’s how each solution works:

E-Waste Recycling

E-waste recycling describes any program that focuses on responsibly collecting and disposing of broken, outdated, or otherwise unusable electronics.

These programs start at a consumer level, offering participants a streamlined method for packing up and shipping away their unwanted devices. From there, the recycler disassembles the old equipment and safely removes hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Some valuable metals – especially gold, silver, and palladium – are also removed during recycling.

In all, e-waste recycling is an environmentally conscious strategy for ensuring your district’s old electronics don’t take up extra space in your schools or contribute to environmental pollution.

Technology Buyback Programs

Technology buyback programs offer institutions a financial incentive for returning functioning or repairable devices rather than throwing them away. They are typically offered by electronics sellers, who work with an electronics recycling company to responsibly dismantle old equipment and return a portion of their value to the original buyer.

With these programs, schools can eliminate their unused device backlog while budgeting for their replacement. Technology buyback programs also empower districts to efficiently cycle new hardware into their classrooms while remaining budget-conscious.

ILTPP’s Trusted E-Waste Recycling & Technology Buyback Partners

ILTPP is proud to work with five reputable vendors who offer a variety of e-waste recycling and technology buyback options.

Hope Hardin-Borbely
Hope Hardin-Borbely
Purchasing Cooperative Manager, Learning Technology Center

Hope leads ILTPP, a free, member-based program for negotiated educational technology contracts. She also manages vendor relationships, coordinates negotiated contracts, and leads cooperative membership services, including quote requests and group purchases.