Zaid Elian, the visionary CEO behind Elian Electronics Recycling, thinks that society is too indulged in innovation to be ignoring the big picture.
Of course, the world is moving fast, innovation is reshaping industry and things are going big in the blink of an eye, but amidst these changes, he sees a troubling trend: society’s hastiness to discard the things it no longer wants. In a conversation with Zaid, he addressed this notion in detail!
His journey into the world of e-waste management was sparked by a realization: the rapid turnover of technology was leaving behind a trail of environmental destruction. “Society is too quick to dispose of things it doesn’t want,” Zaid reflects. “But what many fail to see is the impact this has on our planet.”
Zaid’s journey into the realm of e-waste management was sparked by a profound realization during his time wholesaling electronics. Witnessing firsthand the staggering amount of electronic waste ending up in landfills, he knew immediate action was necessary. “What inspired me is that I used to wholesale electronics, and I discovered that there’s a lot of electronics waste that gets put in the trash and goes back to the earth where we live in,” Zaid reflects.
He recognized the urgent need to address this issue, not just for the present but for the sake of future generations. “If we don’t take good quick action, it will affect us 20 or 30 years from now,” Zaid warns. “It’s going to affect the new generations by all the toxic material that they used to manufacture these electronics.” This profound realization served as the driving force behind the inception of Inland Electronics Recycling, propelling Zaid to embark on a mission to mitigate the environmental impact of electronic waste for a sustainable future.
His endeavors are constantly pushing ways to slow down the big threat coming up in the next few years. He emphasizes, “At electronics recycling centers, workers face a complex mix of materials arriving for processing. This includes everything from our everyday gadgets like mobile phones and desktop computers to printers, cell phones, DVD players, video games, and more. Each item, with its circuit board, adds to the diverse stream of waste, highlighting the broad scope of electronics needing recycling.”
His vision extends beyond just recycling e-waste; it’s about changing mindsets and fostering a culture of sustainability. “We want to educate people about the importance of responsible disposal,” Zaid states. “It’s not just about getting rid of old gadgets—it’s about safeguarding our environment for future generations.”
In our quest for sustainable electronic practices, he stresses on the old recycling adage—reduce, reuse, recycle—into a more proactive approach: reduce, repair, recycle.
Reduce. It’s time to rethink our consumption patterns. Instead of succumbing to the allure of every new gadget, let’s extend the lifespan of our electronics. Opt for longevity over constant upgrades, thereby reducing the volume of electronic waste we generate.
Repair. Embrace the power of repair. Many electronic devices can be revitalized with simple fixes, like battery replacements or software updates. By choosing repair over replacement, we not only save money but also minimize our environmental footprint.
Recycle. When it’s finally time to bid farewell to our electronics, let’s ensure they’re recycled responsibly. Seek out certified e-waste recyclers in your area to assure that your devices are disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
While he’s making sure that everyone gets a chance to take a step for the bigger good, currently his company’s nationwide pick-up service ensures that businesses of all sizes can easily and conveniently dispose of their outdated electronics. “We’ve worked with a wide range of clients—from small businesses to enterprise-level corporations,” Zaid notes. “And we’re proud to have earned their trust in our services.”
“Less than a fifth of the world’s electronic waste undergoes formal recycling procedures. Consider this: crafting the smartphone resting in your pocket requires over 200 pounds of raw materials. The aim? To break free from the cycle of constantly extracting precious minerals from the Earth to sustain the supply chain of new products. Instead, we seek to tap into the abundance of these materials unused and tucked away in your drawers.”
Published By: Aize Perez
