2022-24 IT Waste Data

Scope

Laptops represented the largest category of IT asset disposals, both in terms of quantity and weight. To highlight the carbon impact associated with laptop production and the environmental benefits of refurbishment, a case study has been developed. This study utilizes 2022-2024 Seddon ITAD data, focusing specifically on laptops and quantifying the carbon savings achieved through refurbishment compared to recycling.

Carbon Footprint of a New Laptop

• The production of a new laptop generates 331 Kg/CO2e, on average.
• The usage of a laptop during its lifespan is 61.5 Kg/CO2e, on average.
• Transport emissions during manufacturing are 30 Kg/CO2e, on average.

“Most report a 1 or <1 kgCO2eq from recycling the laptop and do not include it on their carbon footprint report”

Source: What Is The Carbon Footprint Of A Laptop? - Circular Computing

This data suggests repurposing a laptop can save up to 359.125 Kg/CO2e on average

ITAD Data

2022: Seddon ITAD refurbished/repurposed 126 laptops, equivalent to 45,250 Kg/CO2e.

2023: Seddon ITAD refurbished/repurposed 54 laptops, equivalent to 19,393 Kg/CO2e.

2024: Seddon ITAD refurbished/repurposed 28 laptops, equivalent to 10,056 Kg/CO2e.

Between 2022 and 2024, Seddon's use of environmentally accredited ITAD companies enabled the refurbishment and reintroduction of 208 laptops into the market. This effort resulted in a total carbon saving of 74,698 kg CO2e (74.7 tonnes CO2e).

This results in a carbon saving of 24899 Kg/CO2e per year on average (almost 25T/CO2e)

Conversion Examples

• Equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration of *1866 established oak trees (5-6 years after planting).
  • *Based on current ‘established oak carbon sequestration data’ [40 Kg/CO2e / year].
• Equivalent to using 655,246 plastic bottles.

*Based on current ‘plastic water bottle data’