At Cologix, one of North America’s leading network-neutral interconnection and data center companies, sustainability and environmental stewardship are values that have been woven into our day-to-day operations. Launched in partnership with Staples in 2022, our e-waste recycling program is a unique and important part of Cologix’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.
Making a Difference Together
Since its inception, the program has recycled an impressive 38,408 pounds of electronics, preventing more than 313,258 pounds of CO2e emissions from being released into the atmosphere. By focusing on recycling e-waste, Cologix also diverts harmful electronic materials away from landfills, thereby minimizing their environmental impact.
We are proud to have Staples on board as a recycling partner for this initiative due to its robust capabilities to service sites across both the United States and Canada. Staples’ ability to provide comprehensive post-recycling information allows Cologix to track the progress and impact of our efforts. A bonus of this partnership is Staples’ transparency in showing how much material is recovered from landfills, providing Cologix with clear data on the program’s success.
Local Leaders Driving Success
The dedication and support of Cologix’s local site leaders powers the success of our e-waste recycling program. In New Jersey, Data Center Operations Director Rick Bearden has been a driving force behind the program, championing the initiative and ensuring its smooth implementation. Similarly, Office Manager Kota Miller has been instrumental in managing the program at our Colorado facility. Their leadership, along with the receptiveness of other site managers, has been crucial, especially since many facilities had been accumulating e-waste without a proper recycling process in place. Now, with this program, these electronic materials can be recycled responsibly and efficiently.
Changes in Process: A Small Shift with a Big Impact
To implement the e-waste program, Cologix introduced a straightforward process that could be easily adopted across all facilities. This involved collecting our e-waste, labeling it appropriately and contacting Staples for pickup. Although it is a simple process, it has had a substantial impact. Today, the e-waste recycling program has been rolled out to all Cologix facilities, marking a milestone in our sustainability journey. Moving forward, Cologix remains committed to tracking waste streams and exploring ways to expand our recycling initiatives further. By integrating these efforts into our broader ESG strategy, Cologix is actively enhancing sustainability across our operations.
This program is a testament to the power of small changes that can collectively have a big impact. And while it might be one of the lesser-known aspects of Cologix’s ESG efforts, e-waste recycling is a story worth sharing, both within the company and with our customers, as a reminder that every step toward sustainability counts.