End of Life (EOL)
Technology advances so fast these days that many devices seem obsolete almost before they’re out of the box. Some people have to own the newest, best model, but what if you’re one of those people who prefer to get the most use out of everything you own?
Every electronic device, no matter how advanced, has an expiration date. What happens when your device reaches its End of Life, and what should do with it when that happens?
End of Life vs. End of Use
What’s the difference between a device that has reached its “End of Life,” or EOL, versus one that has reached its “End of Use,” or EOU? Though these terms sound similar, the difference between them is very important.
A device that has reached its EOU is one that no longer meets the expectations or purposes of its owner. It may, however, still be fully or partially functional, and can thus still be used by others or repurposed via recycling. A device that has reached its EOL, however, can no longer be used by anyone. It is, for all intents and purposes, dead.
This matters because, while EOU devices tend to retain a significant portion of their functional and material value, the value of EOL devices varies considerably. Factors that affect an EOL device’s value include its condition, components, and the cost of recovering materials from it.
When a device has reached its EOL point, the only way to extract any value from it is to break it down into its component parts, then reintroduce those components back into the manufacturing process to be used as raw materials for new devices.
Proper EOL Device Disposal
What do you do with your electronic devices when they’ve reached their End of Life? If you’re anything like most people, you probably just throw your unwanted mobile phones in the garbage or leave your broken, old computer monitors on the curb for someone to take away.
The problem with that is that phones, computers, and other electronic devices contain components that aren’t just valuable, but also toxic. When abandoned in landfills instead of properly disposed of, harmful materials like lead, arsenic, barium, and more leach into the soil and groundwater, polluting the environment and potentially causing serious health issues.
Fortunately, at Newtech Recycling we have the facilities, equipment, and experience necessary to dispose of e-waste the right way, recovering them so that they can be reused in the manufacture of new devices.
Call Newtech Recycling today to learn more about how we can help you get rid of your old electronics.
Related Terms: End of Use, DEC, ITAD