5 Ways IT Refurbishing Contributes to a Circular Economy

As businesses and institutions look for smarter, more sustainable ways to manage their technology, IT refurbishing is becoming a powerful force in building a circular economy — one where resources are used more efficiently, waste is minimized, and products are kept in use longer.

At VIG Computers, we believe that refurbished technology isn’t just good for your bottom line — it’s essential for the planet. Here are five key ways IT refurbishing contributes to a circular economy:

1. Extends the Lifespan of Electronics

Most IT equipment still has years of functional use left when it’s retired. Through professional refurbishing, these devices are cleaned, repaired, upgraded, and restored to like-new condition, extending their life by an average of 3 to 5 years.

Instead of being discarded prematurely, these devices can continue serving schools, businesses, and nonprofits, reducing the demand for new resources.

2. Reducing E-Waste

The world generated over 57 million tonnes of e-waste in 2021 — and less than 20% was formally recycled. IT refurbishing directly tackles this issue by diverting functional electronics from landfills.

Every refurbished device is one less in the waste stream, keeping toxic components out of the environment and easing the strain on recycling systems.

3. Conserves Natural Resources

Manufacturing a single new laptop requires 1,500 liters of water, 240 kg of fossil fuels, and 22 kg of chemicals. Refurbishing avoids most of this resource consumption by reusing existing components.

By keeping devices in circulation longer, refurbishing helps preserve finite resources like rare earth metals and reduces the environmental footprint of tech consumption.

4. Reduces Carbon Emissions

Creating new electronic devices is energy-intensive. A new laptop can generate up to 300 kg of CO₂ before it even reaches a user.

Refurbishing significantly lowers this impact by up to 80% per device. This means that organizations choosing refurbished tech are not only saving money but also actively lowering their carbon footprint.

5. Supports Responsible Consumption and Production

Refurbishing is a cornerstone of Goal 12 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Responsible Consumption and Production. It enables companies, schools, and governments to procure IT equipment in a way that’s both cost-effective and environmentally sound.

By partnering with certified refurbishers like VIG Computers, you ensure that devices are handled securely, responsibly, and in accordance with global standards like R2v3 and ISO 14001.

Refurbishing Is More Than Recycling

Refurbishing is a forward-thinking, economically smart, and environmentally responsible step in building a circular economy. It transforms the way we think about ownership, use, and disposal, turning waste into value and helping organizations meet their ESG goals.

At VIG, we’re proud to be part of this movement — working with businesses, schools, and partners to give technology a second life.

💡 Looking to make your tech more sustainable?

Connect with us today to learn how refurbished IT can support your goals — and the planet.