End of Use (EOU)

Everyone alive today depends on electronic devices in some ways. Even those who don’t personally use computers or mobile phones benefit from modern technology, from the infrared sensors that tell a traffic light when to turn red or green to the hard drives used by banks to store and update their customers’ financial data.

There comes a time, though, when even the most advanced devices become obsolete. What does it mean when a device reaches its EOU, or “End of Use”?

Here’s what you should know…

“End of Use” and “End of Life” are two phrases that pop up a lot when talking about electronic devices. While they do sound very similar and there is sometimes overlap, there is ultimately a very important distinction between them.

EOU refers to when a device no longer satisfies the needs or expectations of its user or can no longer be used for its original intended purpose. A device that has reached its EOU often still has significant functional and material value, however, which can be utilized through reselling, refurbishing, remanufacturing, or recycling.

EOL, meanwhile, refers to when a device can no longer be used at all, regardless of the user or the purpose. At the point of EOL, a device is so old or damaged that its functional value has been completely exhausted. The only value an EOL electronic device has is as a source of raw materials, with some components being recoverable through recycling while the rest is disposed of.

Manufacturing new electronic devices from fresh components is an expensive and environmentally destructive process. It takes a lot of time, expense, and energy to mine and process new materials.

When people improperly discard their electronics in landfills or through burning, not only is there the danger of hazardous substances entering the soil, air, and water, but it also creates unnecessary resource scarcity.

Instead of contributing to the problem, why not be part of the solution? Contact Newtech Recycling to learn about a better way of disposing of your EOU and EOL devices.

Related Terms: End of Life, Electronic Recycling, Certificate of Destruction