To be functional and relevant in their respective markets, the bulk of businesses today rely on electronics. Our electronic needs are growing in tandem with the demands of business. Companies are always on the lookout for the newest, quickest, and smartest technology to help them manage their hectic day-to-day operations.

Given our society’s ever-accelerating rate of technological progress, we must be careful about how we dispose of our gadgets as they reach the end of their useful lives. When you downsize, you get rid of a lot of workplace gadgets, which may be hazardous to the environment if thrown away. The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization based in Canada that provides easy alternatives to corporations wishing to dispose of any working office equipment.

Bojan Paduh founded the ERA because he identified a pressing need for improved handling of electronic trash. The second reason is that he understands firsthand how much a given computer can mean to a family that can not afford to buy one.

According to Bojan, the ERA aims to promote sustainability and minimize e-waste in Canada through reusing and recycling. It’s also working to close the digital gap by donating reconditioned gadgets to NGOs that help underserved populations.

The Inception Story

Bojan got the idea for the Electronic Recycling Association after an incident he had when he first arrived in Canada. In 1996, he and his family emigrated from Croatia, but they couldn’t take much with them. Bojan’s family and he belonged to a church organization, which gave him a computer shortly after they settled. He recalls, “This seemingly small gift had an immeasurable impact on my life.” Armed with this precious piece of technology, Bojan began to learn the art of computer science, giving me access to information at the click of a button and the ability to complete school assignments that really stood out.

Later, during a trip to the landfill, he discovered that there were a lot of computers thrown there. Computers have a substantial remaining usable life, which he would not have known if it hadn’t been for the computer he was given as a young adult. He was astounded that people would throw away functioning technology, so he began collecting and repairing abandoned computers.“It was a hobby for me, but I quickly discovered that people really wanted these computers that I was fixing up, needed them,” says Bojan.

The Electronic Recycling Association

Since 2004, the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) has been dedicated to minimizing avoidable electronic trash. It reduces its negative environmental impact by recycling gadgets, reusing them, and donating electronics and other IT equipment. The ERA provides a meaningful way for organizations and individuals to dispose of their old computer equipment in a safe and secure manner that meets or exceeds government standards, with drop-off locations primarily in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg, as well as an electronic pickup service.

At no cost, the ERA may supply a choice of collecting receptacles for long-term usage. The goal of these collection containers is to provide a convenient way to get rid of old computers and mobile devices. The ERA will transport the electronic recycling bins of your choosing to a location that is most convenient for you. The ERA would then either schedule regular pick-up days (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) or pick up and empty (or replace) these receptacles as needed. On-site recycling bins are not only a convenient way to donate unwanted things, but they also demonstrate your company’s dedication to sustainable business practices and community investment.

How it works

• Request a pick up or drop off unwanted electronics at a depot
  Donating your used electronics is as simple as giving ERA a call or contact it online.
  Schedule a pick up date with the team or visit one of ERA’s donation depots Canada-wide. It accepts used desktops, notebooks, computer peripherals, software, and more.

• ERA offers 100% secure on-site and off-site data destruction
  Rest assured that your data will be safe and secure. ERA completes on-site and off-site data destruction to prevent data being recovered from old equipment. It physically destroys data using its AmeriShred mobile hard drive shredders for thorough destruction of software data.

• ERA’s experts and volunteers repurpose your electronics for future use
  Join its team of volunteers committed to reducing e-waste. It repairs used electronics to proper working condition and ensure they can be used by their next owner. Host an e-waste fundraiser, request a collection bin, or help ERA reach its goals by becoming an electronic recycling ambassador.

• Repurposed electronics are donated to community charities
  ERA works with charities across the country to provide refurbished electronics for their program. Organizations qualified for donations include registered charities, non-profit organizations, care facilities, and educational institutions. Its efforts have helped local charities continue doing what they do best – helping the communities.

Website: www.electronicrecyclingassociation.ca