Giving laptops a second life | Embracing the circular economy

We’re minimising our environmental impact and maximising the potential of old technology by extending the lifespan beyond their use at TasPorts.

Posted

08 March 2024

At TasPorts, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact and maximising the potential of the resources that we use.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Moorup to implement a circular economy approach for our used laptops.

Who is Moorup?

Moorup, an Australian technology company dedicated to extending the life of electronic devices and bridging the digital divide.

Moorup, whose name signifies “life” in the Woi Wurrung language of Australia’s First Nations people, embodies their mission: to breathe new life into used technology and connect those who lack access to it.

Moorup Lifecycle Artwork 02 476x459

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and maximising value. In the context of laptops, it means extending their lifespan beyond their initial use at TasPorts.

Once a laptop has reached the end of its designated service life with us, it is securely decommissioned and sent to Moorup, our trusted partner.


What happens to the device?

Moorup then takes these devices through a rigorous process:

  • Secure data wiping: all data is securely wiped from the devices, ensuring complete privacy and security for future users.
  • Preparation and refurbishing: the laptops are thoroughly inspected, cleaned and repaired if necessary, to ensure they function properly.

The initiative of this partnership offers several benefits:

  • Reduced environmental impact: by extending the life of our laptops, we significantly reduce the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) entering landfill. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, and responsible disposal is crucial for environmental protection.
  • Increased accessibility: Refurbished laptops can find a new life in a variety of ways. They can be:
    • Sold to other businesses, offering a cost-effective solution for organisations seeking reliable technology.
    • Donated to communities, bridging the digital divide by providing laptops to individuals, organisations and schools lacking access to technology.
  • Resource conservation: refurbishing existing laptops reduces the need to extract and process materials for new devices, conserving valuable natural resources.

With the support of Moorup, we are demonstrating the practical application of a circular economy for technology. By working together, we are minimising our environmental footprint, maximising resource efficiency and contributing to a more sustainable future.