As technology continues to rapidly advance, many businesses are regularly purchasing new devices, leaving their older ones to be disposed of. However, these devices still have much life left in them and their disposal is contributing to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) which produces over 50 million tons of waste globally each year. This is where Close the Gap and AST Recycling come in, working together to support a circular economy while bridging the digital divide.
Close the Gap is an international social enterprise that aims to provide pre-owned IT devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and servers to educational, medical, entrepreneurial, and social projects in developing and emerging countries. These devices are donated by large and medium-sized corporations or public organisations, and then are collected by Close the Gap free of charge. Close the Gap has recently opened a social upliftment social enterprise in Cape Town, South Africa, containing a storefront for easy public access.
AST Recycling is an ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, and 4500 certified e-waste recycling company located in South Africa. The company provides a certified data sanitization process and refurbishes IT assets for extended use as pre-owned items. It is also supporting Close the Gap in collecting high-quality used IT equipment from companies and organisations both locally in South Africa and imported from its partner company Circular IT in Europe.
The partnership between Close the Gap and AST Recycling has allowed over 1,000 devices to be collected and refurbished since July 2021. The devices collected are processed through a data sanitization and refurbishing process before being made available to those who would not be able to afford them otherwise.
Close the Gap and AST Recycling are not only helping to bridge the digital divide by making refurbished IT equipment available to those in need, but they are also supporting the circular economy by ensuring that all end-of-life products are sustainably and responsibly disposed of. Both companies share the belief that in closing the digital divide through providing quality IT devices to communities, they are also supporting the circular economy. By reducing waste, reusing and recycling resources and products, they are actively helping to create a zero-waste future that is cleaner, brighter, and more sustainable for all.
The partnership between Close the Gap and AST Recycling serves as a model for other companies and organisations looking to reduce their e-waste and support social upliftment. With the help of initiatives like this, we can work towards a more sustainable future while also providing access to technology for those who need it most.
