A world without waste is possible. It only requires deliberate action, commitment, and critical mass to make it a reality. As a manufacturer of intelligent power management technology, Eaton has launched its UPS Trade-In 2024 campaign offering a 15% rebate on trade-ins of older UPS systems and a 20% rebate when purchasing warranty extensions, to commercial uninterrupted power supply (UPS) users that purchase newer, superior models. The campaign is aimed at reducing chemical waste in the environment.
Customers using older technology can hand in their old UPS devices through their IT distributors and receive a 15% discount when upgrading their current UPS.
Jessica Masina, DPQ Field Product Marketing Manager at Eaton says, “Communities and municipalities are grappling with growing pressure to provide adequate waste management services due to increasing waste generation. As South Africans use more batteries for various applications, particularly in the context of the country’s energy shortage, Eaton realised the need to improve recycling rates in the UPS systems that it develops and sells.
“As we support users in renewing their power storage and backup systems to be more sustainable in their operations, we also want to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible IT upgrade, with the aim of significantly alleviating the impact of waste on the environment,” she says.
South Africa is experiencing a worsening waste challenge, producing almost 13 million tonnes of waste per year. Around 90% of this waste ends up in landfills, with only 7.5% being recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), an Australian public research body, identifies batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, as a “serious waste problem”.
With the increased use of renewable energy and energy storage systems around the world for homes, businesses, and vehicles, CSIRO estimates the global market for lithium-ion batteries will increase tenfold between 2020 to 2030. In 2020, the market reached 250 Gigawatt hours (GWh), or 250 million kWh. The average South African household uses around 4 500 kWh.
The recycling of UPS batteries is important for several reasons. First, batteries contain toxic chemicals that can harm human life and the environment if not disposed of correctly. When batteries are disposed of in landfills, these chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate the water supply. By recycling UPS batteries, we can ensure that the toxic chemicals are disposed of properly and prevent them causing harm. Lead acid batteries (like those found in motor vehicles) are recycled at around 99%, but lithium-ion batteries (used in toys, rechargeable home electronics, watches, electric vehicles, home, and business power storage systems) are only recycled at around 5% due to the difficult and costly recycling process.
The recycling process for lead acid batteries involves crushing the batteries, submerging them in liquid, and then separating the lead and plastic components. Lithium-ion batteries, however, are recycled in large plants using a more complex process that involves dismantling and shredding the battery, melting it down or dissolving it in acid.
As the demand for UPS systems increase, so does the need to address the environmental impact of UPS battery disposal. Eaton’s Trade-In campaign is designed to make the lives of IT managers easier by allowing them to buy a new best-in-class UPS while disposing of the old one in an environmentally responsible way.
By participating in this campaign, customers gain the benefits of a well-performing UPS, plus:
- Continuity of operations – the latest UPS systems provide reliable power backup, ensuring business operations continue seamlessly, even during power outages
- Data protection – safeguarding against data loss or corruption through safe system shutdown or switch to backup power during power disruptions
- Device protection – mitigating the risk of damage to sensitive IT equipment by regulating power supply during voltage spikes or fluctuations
- Efficiency and compatibility – newer UPS systems are more energy-efficient, reducing the energy costs. They also offer better compatibility with the existing IT infrastructure and improved features, such as better management software or improved power factor
- Expert support –throughout the process, customers receive support from experts who ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns
- Eco-friendly disposal – customers opting for UPS replacement contribute to environmental sustainability by disposing of old equipment responsibly through Eaton’s our eco-friendly practices.
“As the use of backup power systems ramps up globally and in South Africa, the public and private sectors will need to continue developing innovative recycling systems and incentives to help support the sustainability of natural resources, including mineral, water and soil quality and availability,” Masina says.
For more information visit: www.eaton.com/za/en-gb.html
