What is the residual value of your old equipment?
Have you ever wondered what that stack of old laptops or those redundant iPads in the cupboard are still worth? We often think of obsolete electronics as waste. But at E-waste Nederland, we see things differently. For us, e-waste is a source of value; financially and circularly.
In this article, we explain what gives residual value meaning, how we calculate the residual value, and why your old equipment almost always still yields something.
What exactly is the residual value?
Residual value is the amount a device is still worth at the end of its useful life within your organization. But how do you calculate the residual value? That is not guesswork. It concerns the market value of the device, based on supply and demand.
E-waste Nederland is fully committed to the reuse of equipment. Devices that are no longer suitable for reuse because they are outdated or defective are processed based on kilograms.
What is the residual value based on?
Not every device yields the same return. The IT residual value is determined by three main pillars:
- Reuse: Can the device last another round after thorough data erasure and refurbishment? The residual value of a three-year-old laptop is high because it can still be used for years to come.
- Raw materials: Is a device truly broken? Then we look at the materials. Old computers contain metals and precious metals. These are processed based on weight.
- Market value: Just like with cars, certain brands (such as Apple) retain their value better. Calculating the residual value of an iPad often works out more favorably than for a no-name tablet, simply because there is more demand for them on the second-hand market.
Do you receive reimbursement for all devices?
Let's be fair: you do not receive a residual value for all devices. A wired mouse or a ten-year-old defective monitor often costs more in logistics and processing than the raw materials yield.
Nevertheless, every device has value. If there is no financial residual value, there is always the environmental value. By IT recycling you save on CO2 emissions and prevent toxic substances from ending up in nature.
The power of IT residual value donation
At E-waste Nederland, we see a growing trend: IT residual value donation. Instead of allowing the residual value to flow back into profit figures, many companies choose to donate the proceeds to a charity.
This brings things full circle: you clean up, contribute to a better environment, and support a social project. We handle the entire process and can picking up ICT equipment from you and ensure that the donation ends up in the right place.
How we determine the residual value of your hardware
Do you want to calculate the residual value of the phone or the value of a whole batch of servers Want to know? We look at the following hard data:
- Specifications: Which processor is inside? How much RAM? An i7 processor is worth more than an i3.
- Optical condition: Are there scratches on the screen or dents in the casing?
- Completeness: Are the power supplies and adapters still included? This significantly increases the chance of reuse.
Device Type | Focus on valuation | Potential for reuse |
Laptops | Processor, RAM, Battery status | High (reuse) |
Smartphones | Screen quality, Model year | High (business market) |
Servers | Generation, Storage capacity | High (parts for the business market) |
PC Cases | Video card, Power supply, Metals | Varying (recycling/reuse) |
Did you know? According to the Global E-waste Monitor Globally, only 17.41 TP3T of e-waste is officially collected and recycled. As a result, billions of dollars worth of precious metals are lost annually. By having your residual value calculated and having the equipment purchased, you ensure that these materials are preserved.
Why E-waste Netherlands?
Our expertise lies in the safe and sustainable disposal of business IT equipment. In doing so, we always strive to pay you the maximum residual value.
What is the residual value of your old IT equipment? Take Contact contact us. We calculate the fair value for you and would be happy to make an appointment to pick up your old laptops, computers, and mobile phones. Or request a directly quotation for the sale of your hardware.