6 Signs Your Organization Is Overlooking a Major ESG Opportunity (And How to Respond)

As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, many overlook a crucial opportunity: sustainable technology disposal. Properly managing electronic waste (e-waste) is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s a chance to create positive social impact and strengthen governance practices. If your organization is missing these signs, it may be time to rethink your ESG strategy. Here’s how to identify gaps and take action.

1. Your E-Waste Policy Is Nonexistent or Outdated

Many organizations have no clear policy for handling old/unused or unclaimed (lost-and-found) electronic devices. Without guidelines, devices may end up in landfills, contributing to environmental harm and data security risks. Did you know that humans generate about 50 million tons of e-waste every year? This is equivalent to throwing out 1,000 laptops every single second!

How to respond: Establish a sustainable e-waste policy that prioritizes secure data erasure with responsible recycling and donation, such as through 911 Cell Phone Bank (501c3), which ensures devices are repurposed to aid those in need.

2. Unclaimed Tech Is Accumulating in Storage

Lost and found rooms, IT departments, storage closets, and property-and-evidence rooms often become graveyards for forgotten electronic devices. These items not only take up space but also pose a compliance risk if they contain sensitive data.

Did you know?

• 38% of users don’t password-protect their devices.
• 54% of users send or receive intimate content on their devices.
• 45% of users have stored intimate content they have received.
• 20% of teenagers have sent or posted intimate content using their devices.
  
  

How to respond: Regularly audit stored electronics and implement a structured disposal plan. Partnering with organizations that guarantee secure data erasure and repurpose the devices can turn your forgotten tech into a valuable resource. 911 Cell Phone Bank utilizes third-party verification software to guarantee complete data erasure of all electronic devices according to the DOD NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 guidelines. Erasure is compliant with all data privacy regulations and guidelines including ISO 27001 and ISO 27040.

3. You Haven’t Considered the Social Impact of Your Old Devices

Discarded smartphones and tablets can be life-saving tools for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other vulnerable populations. If your organization simply recycles devices without exploring donation opportunities, you’re missing a major social impact initiative.

How to respond: Consider donating old or unclaimed devices to organizations like 911 Cell Phone Bank, which provides secure phones to people in crisis. This aligns with your social responsibility goals while ensuring electronics serve a second life.

4. Your ESG Reports Lack a Clear Tech Sustainability Plan

Stakeholders and investors are increasingly scrutinizing ESG reports for tangible actions. If your organization’s sustainability efforts don’t include an e-waste management component, you may be falling behind industry expectations.

How to respond: Track and document your e-waste disposal efforts. Include metrics on device donations, secure data erasure, and environmental impact in ESG reports to showcase a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

5. You’re Missing Tax Deduction Benefits for Sustainable Practices

Many companies don’t realize that donating electronics to certified nonprofits can provide tax benefits. If your organization is simply discarding or storing devices, you’re potentially leaving money on the table.

How to respond: Work with donation partners that provide tax-deductible documentation. Programs like 911 Cell Phone Bank ensure compliance with tax laws while maximizing the financial benefits of responsible e-waste management.

6. Your Employees Want More Sustainability Initiatives

Today’s workforce values sustainability, and employees expect their companies to take ESG commitments seriously. If your organization lacks initiatives that actively engage employees in environmental and social causes, you risk lower engagement and retention.

How to respond: Involve employees in sustainability efforts by organizing e-waste drives, setting up donation programs, and educating teams on responsible disposal. Making sustainability a company-wide priority strengthens workplace culture and ESG credibility.

Conclusion

Ignoring these six signs could mean your organization is missing out on a vital ESG opportunity. By implementing a structured e-waste policy, donating unclaimed tech, and integrating sustainable practices into your ESG strategy, you can reduce environmental harm, create social impact, and even gain financial benefits.

Take action today: Evaluate your organization’s tech disposal strategy and consider how repurposing devices can contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

Would you like to learn more about secure device donation? Visit 911cellphonebank.org to get started.

More like this:
The Hidden Dangers of Selling Unclaimed Lost and Found Items
The 5 Most Common Lost & Found Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Property & Evidence: Why Your Disposal Method of Electronic Devices Matters