The Plug Out Waste event in early April aimed to raise awareness about electronic waste and give students and staff a convenient way to recycle old devices. The event was organised in collaboration with Seiffi – an Elker company – which provided secure recycling bins for electronic devices and safe data destruction.
Many participants had unused electronics at home but no idea where to recycle them. They dropped off a wide variety of small devices ranging from phones, chargers, cables, and headphones to laptops, tablets, and storage devices, such as hard drives and memory cards. One participant mentioned that the event helped them realise that e-waste contains valuable materials that can be reused instead of being thrown away.
“According to the feedback, the event provided useful information and increased awareness of the environmental impact and responsible disposal of e-waste. The recycling process at the event was perceived as easy and accessible,” says one of the students, Nasrin Habibian Dehkordi.
Learning about global sustainability challenges
The event was part of the Global Sustainability Challenges course, which explores how international business is connected to global sustainability issues and how students can actively contribute to addressing those challenges. The course is offered within the Bachelor’s Programme in Sustainable International Business.
“About 45 students helped organise the event, supported by four coaches. We let the students make almost all the decisions themselves. Organising a real-life campus event builds their practical skills, agency, and teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities,” says Associate Professor Laura Olkkonen, one of the course teachers alongside Natalia Lyly, Nhi Le, and Maija Lumme.
The students were divided into four teams, each with specific responsibilities. One of the teams planned activities and oversaw execution, while another coordinated partnership collaboration. A marketing team handled communication, campaigns, and audience engagement before, during, and after the event. The event was advertised on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook as well as through on-campus information stands and word of mouth. A fourth team assessed outcomes and impact.
“Organising the event gave us a strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and achievement. Thanks to our multi-channel strategy, we were able to reach over 1,000 people online and directly interact with dozens of participants before and during the event,” Nasrin says.
In addition to the event itself, the course also featured guest speakers from Seiffi/Elker, Eetti, and Elisa as well as lectures on topics such as systemic challenges, sustainability impact, and agency for action. Many students highlighted how practical and engaging the course felt, especially because it let them apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world context.
Safe recycling first, then reuse or recovery
Data security is a top priority in e-waste handling. After collection at the event, all devices containing data were handled securely through Seiffi. The process included secure collection in locked containers, controlled transportation and traceability, and certified data overwriting or mechanical destruction. After that, the devices were processed for material recycling.
“Through our partners, such as Kuusakoski and Inrego, valuable materials like metals and plastics are recovered and returned to industrial use. In some cases, up to 99% of the materials in a laptop can be recycled,” says Tessa Tammilehto from Seiffi.
E-waste can have multiple second-life options. Many devices can be refurbished for resale or reuse in the public sector, such as schools and hospitals. If reuse is not an alternative, materials can be recovered for new products. These efforts protect the environment, create economic value, and support a circular economy by reducing the need for new raw materials.
What companies can do
- Provide accessible collection and recycling services
- Ensure safe and secure data handling
- Promote reuse and refurbishment
- Ensure responsible handling of hazardous components
- Reduce environmental impact and conserve resources
A growing issue must be addressed
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. According to the UN Global E-waste Monitor, the world generated approximately 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, but only about 20–25% was properly recycled. The majority of e-waste ends up in landfills, releasing toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. E-waste has also been illegally traded or shipped to developing countries. In these regions, devices can be burned to extract metals, exposing local communities to toxic fumes and environmental pollution.
“The e-waste problem keeps growing with current and future trends. While electronics are becoming ‘smarter’, most are not designed to be easily repaired. The rise of AI is also leading to the increasing use of electronics. This highlights the importance of initiatives such as our recycling event,” Nasrin points out.
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