At Out of Use, we transform obsolete IT equipment into an opportunity for sustainability and positive impact. Through our project “From Out of Use to Back in Use,” we help businesses give a second life to their decommissioned devices, supporting their ESG objectives and aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Our approach is built around circularity, accessibility, and simplicity. Obsolete IT devices are securely collected, data wiped, refurbished, and reintroduced into the market via our sustainable webshop, Back in Use. This platform allows anyone—employees of participating companies and the wider public alike—to purchase high-quality refurbished devices for private use. A laptop that once gathered dust in an office now supports a student’s education, upskills a professional, or keeps a family connected, bridging the digital divide and making sustainability an accessible choice.
What sets us apart is our fully unburdening service, making it easy for businesses to participate. From collection to reporting, Out of Use takes care of every step of the process, ensuring compliance, security, and impact without adding workload for our clients. This low-threshold approach allows companies to embrace sustainability effortlessly.
For devices that can no longer be reused, we implement a comprehensive approach to recover as much value as possible. Whenever feasible, functional components are carefully extracted and repurposed. For devices or components that cannot be salvaged, we rely on responsible recycling processes. While recycling is our final step, it remains a valuable part of our circular approach, ensuring that materials such as copper, aluminum, and rare metals are recovered and reintroduced into production cycles. This strategy not only minimizes waste but also maximizes the economic and environmental benefits.
Our Impact
- Environmental Sustainability
Through our efforts, we have avoided 95,956 tons of CO₂ emissions—the cumulative result of refurbishing thousands of devices over the years. Refurbishment reduces the need for new production, which is resource-intensive and carbon-heavy. For non-reusable devices, we focus on certified recycling. - Accessibility and Empowerment
With Back in Use, any consumer can access affordable, high-quality refurbished devices, making sustainable consumption a practical and inclusive option. This platform encourages individuals to choose refurbished over new, helping normalize sustainable purchasing habits. - Social and Biodiversity Contributions
Through partnerships with Natuurpunt and Natagora, our clients have the option to donate the compensation they receive from both reuse and recycling of their IT equipment to support the creation of new Belgian forests or nature reserves. To date, this has resulted in over 182,900 m² of forest, directly contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
Conclusion:
At Out of Use, we redefine the lifecycle of IT equipment, proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. By offering businesses a seamless and impactful way to manage their obsolete devices, we turn environmental challenges into opportunities for positive change. Whether it’s reducing CO₂ emissions, fostering digital inclusion, or restoring biodiversity, our work creates measurable benefits for the planet, society, and the economy. Together with our clients, we’re building a future where circularity is the norm.