E-Recycling Trends in Business in 2025
[Image source: Deposit photos]
Sussex businesses are facing growing pressure to address the compounding problem of electronic waste, colloquially known as e-waste or its acronym WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). There’s proper etiquette on how to recycle and repurpose old computers and hardware, but is this enough?
With the UK generating approximately 6 million tonnes of e-waste every year, and with businesses being a significant contributor to this statistic, there’s no more pivotal time to adopt sustainable e-recycling practices.
The e-waste challenge for Sussex SMEs
The average UK business now utilises numerous electronic devices in the workplace, from laptops, keyboards and screens to audio-visual equipment to Internet of Things (IoT) trackers. Hardware like this is designed to accelerate and augment businesses and unlock new ways to improve productivity and efficiency, but that doesn’t change the fact that technology refresh cycles are accelerating.
As such, Sussex companies are exploring innovative ways to manage obsolete tech responsibly. Recent data shows that only roughly 31% of the UK’s e-waste reaches recycling facilities, which represents a significant opportunity for local SMEs to take ownership of this area.
Emerging e-recycling trends
Several key trends are reshaping how Sussex businesses approach electronic waste in 2025:
- Device-as-a-service models: More businesses are subscribing to services where providers manage the technology lifecycle, including disposal and recycling.
- Repair culture revival: The “right to repair” movement is gaining momentum, and businesses are opting to extend device lifespans through proactive maintenance rather than outright replacements.
- Recovery partnerships: Many local businesses are collaborating with recyclers to extract valuable materials from obsolete or unneeded hardware to reduce waste and create new revenue streams.
- Circular policies: Forward-thinking businesses are implementing procurement strategies that prioritise refurbished technology designed for disassembly, recycling and reuse.
Sussex is already home to pioneers in electronics circularity. MPB, recently featured in the FT1000 fastest-growing companies list, has transformed how cameras and video equipment are recycled and reused. This Brighton-based firm has created a sustainable marketplace for buying, selling, and trading used cameras, addressing the e-waste challenge by extending their shelf life and finding them new homes, without creating additional demand.
Practical steps for Sussex SMEs
For local Sussex businesses looking to improve their e-waste management:
- Partner with certified, reputable e-waste recyclers who can provide documentation of proper processing. Companies like CPR Computer Recycling offer next-day collections of all types of IT equipment and prioritise refurbishing.
- Consider cost-effective leasing options for high-value tech.
- Train staff on proper device maintenance and upkeep.
- Implement an electronics policy that includes end-of-life repurposing.
- Explore trade-in and buy-back programmes when upgrading.
Looking further ahead, at the Recycling Expo 2025 (7-8 October at ExCel, London), there is an incredible opportunity to explore solutions for creating sustainable electronics supply chains. Also, consider the Sussex Green Hub’s monthly events offering environmental services, including recycling education and repair centre; they collaborate with local businesses to promote sustainability and community engagement in tandem.
As regulations around e-waste continue to tighten and as more consumers favour environmentally responsible brands, Sussex companies that embrace circular electronics use will be in a prime position for the future.