The digital revolution of the 21st century has led to the emergence of a new kind of waste: digital waste. This encompasses the enormous amount of data stored on computer hardware or in virtual clouds.
Although digital waste may not be as conspicuous as conventional waste, it presents its own distinct challenges. There are several reasons for businesses to address digital waste. In fact, effectively managing waste streams is an essential aspect of running a business.
The risks associated with digital technology present managers with an additional consideration. Waste management firms can offer guidance on strategies for handling digital waste, as it shares similarities with more traditional waste types.
What is Digital Waste?
Digital waste encompasses two closely related ideas. Firstly, it pertains to the information stored on electronic devices and in virtual storage systems. While digitising documents may decrease paper usage, it doesn’t imply that the volume of information is diminished.
However, digital waste extends beyond this aspect. A comprehensive view of digital waste involves considering the waste generated by our reliance on cloud and virtual storage, such as outdated hard drives and old laptops.
E-waste management forms part of digital waste in part because e-waste recycling often requires more than just recycling infrastructure. It can also involve removing the digital carbon footprint of a person through environmentally sound management.
Digital Waste and E-waste
It can be argued that digital waste and electronic waste (e-waste) are related concepts. E-waste encompasses all discarded electronic devices, whereas digital waste pertains to the storage capacities of these devices.
Although digital waste and e-waste have similarities, they are distinct terms. For instance, digital waste comprises elements such as contemporary cloud storage, but it does not encompass outdated electronic devices like landline telephones and fax machines. In contrast, e-waste does include these items.
Additionally, e-waste often contains toxic materials and toxic chemicals that can be harmful to human health. This is a factor of recycling electronic waste that needs to be considered alongside working with digital waste products.
Examples of Digital Waste
Some common digital waste items include.
- Mobile phones
- Laptop computers
- External hard drives
- Cloud Storage Servers
- Email chains
- Video Stream history
- Virtual information
It should be noted that some of these examples of digital waste are not tangible, physical objects. This begs the question as to whether or not digital waste is real and whether it really needs to be disposed of.
Is Digital Waste Real?
Digital waste is as tangible as other types of waste, even if it remains unseen or exists solely in a virtual context. There are two key reasons for this:
- Digital environments still rely on physical spaces for data storage.
- Inefficient cloud storage consumes mental resources.
- The expenses involved in managing and maintaining servers do result in waste.
These aspects deserve exploration since they relate not only to digital waste but also to how waste operates within broader systems.
Storing Digital Waste
Storing digital waste necessitates physical items such as computer hardware and substantial cloud storage.
Even if a business does not directly engage with these items in their everyday functions, they still exist and generate waste.
Old electronic storage devices are disposed of in landfills at a significant rate. While many waste management companies work to reduce this, the fast-paced innovation in the electronics sector leads to a comparatively short lifespan for products.
Organising Data
The non-physical characteristic of cloud storage makes this type of digital waste seem nonexistent, giving a false impression that outdated information can be preserved forever because it doesn’t take up physical space.
Neglecting to organise storage is always an unwise logistical choice, and digital waste is not an exception to this. Improperly managed files may be lost or inadvertently deleted. Utilising traditional waste management strategies can help alleviate this risk.
Digital Waste and the Larger Waste Cycle
Digital waste should be considered within the context of the overall waste management cycle. The absence of visible waste does not necessarily imply that a process is completely waste-free.
Transitioning to a paperless approach reduces paper waste for businesses, but these organizations need to reflect on how their waste management strategies might lead to the generation of different types of waste.
For example, the upkeep of storage facilities creates waste as well. Although it’s not classified as digital waste, it stems from adopting digital waste management practices.
7 Ways to Minimise Digital Waste
Like with most waste management strategies, reduction is one of the best methods to being with. It pays to look at how to lessen the amount at the source instead of attending to it when it needs disposal.
Effectively managing digital waste by reducing its overall creation is just as valid. So, how can a company achieve this?
- Disconnect devices to lower energy usage
- Limit Emails
- Cut down on virtual call durations and data consumption
- Avoid recording everything
- Encourage digital waste reduction initiatives
- Keep work and personal activities separate
- Collaborate with waste management firms
Disconnect devices to lower energy usage
Excessive electronic devices contribute significantly to waste. While we’re all aware of the necessity to switch off lights when we leave a room, the increase in digital waste has necessitated the adoption of a new practice.
Computers and laptops should be powered down when not in use. Shutting them off can lower the electricity bill. Additionally, it stops any active applications and provides the hardware with essential downtime.
Limit Emails
Excessive emails significantly contribute to digital waste. These messages often consist of brief, sometimes one-word replies and can stem from inadequate communication within an office. Occasionally, employees may send an email instead of simply walking a short distance to communicate in person.
While keeping a record of some communications is essential, it isn’t always necessary. A business leader who advocates for minimizing unnecessary email trails can help decrease their company’s digital footprint.
Cut down on virtual call durations and data consumption
Minimising the duration of virtual calls has more benefits than keeping meetings short. It also helps to reduce the amount of digital data kept for these projects. This helps with the reduction of digital waste.
This small step is also an example of how waste management practices help with logistical practices across many fields. It is the type of practice that shows why electronic waste management is important to do.
Avoid recording everything
The convenience of digital records has led to a rise in the amount of information being captured. Since meetings can be recorded effortlessly, managers often choose to do so. However, it’s worth asking when these recordings are genuinely necessary and whether they are ever revisited.
While there are advantages to capturing everything, the associated waste cannot be overlooked. Overlooking the digital storage required for these recordings can cause inefficiencies throughout the organisation. Being selective about what to record can significantly help minimize overall digital clutter.
Encourage digital waste reduction initiatives
Reducing digital waste is most effective when both employees and employers collaborate to identify solutions. One effective approach to engage employees is to offer incentives for their participation.
Moreover, since employees typically generate a significant portion of digital waste, involving them in the process will help ensure that the solutions proposed are applicable to their everyday experiences.
Keep work and personal activities separate
A major source of digital waste can be created without people really knowing about it. This is because we are so used to our phones that we do not realise the mass volume of data that it creates.
To tackle this issue, companies should establish a clear distinction in the way they store and manage these two aspects. Preferably, they should have separate accounts and distinct waste management strategies to reduce the overall digital footprint attributed to the organization.
Collaborate with waste management firms
Waste management companies have years of industry relevant experience when it comes to waste solutions. This expertise should not be ignored when it comes to digital waste. Just because it is new does not mean it does not follow many common waste management features.
Data Storage and Waste
Data storage, as has been said, is a form of waste. While it is not a waste type that many waste management companies deal with, it carries many of the features that most waste products have. This is why it is so important to consider.
Recycling Electronic Products
Old electrical and electronic equipment offers a variety of recycling opportunities due to the many valuable materials that are used to create them.
Final Thoughts
Digital waste may be less visible than traditional waste, but its impact is no less significant. Businesses that adopt proactive strategies to manage digital waste can enjoy improved efficiency, lower costs, and a positive environmental impact. Companies like Evoro specialise in waste management solutions, offering the expertise needed to tackle the challenges of digital waste effectively.
By prioritising digital waste management, businesses can stay ahead in the digital age while contributing to a more sustainable future.
