On Wednesday 3 June, several colleagues from ICT visited Out of Use, a partner RVA has been working with for four years to process our retired IT equipment. A report by Tamara Debbaut, asset manager in ICT.
It was a particularly interesting and informative morning. Although we were already familiar with their services, it was fascinating to see first-hand what happens to our devices once they leave our organisation. The visit not only gave us a better understanding of how the company operates, but also confirmed how closely our organisations’ values align.
More than just recycling
Out of Use does more than collect and process old laptops, monitors and other IT equipment. Its approach is based on the principle that devices should remain useful for as long as possible. Equipment that is still usable is refurbished and reused. Anything that can no longer be reused is recycled responsibly, preserving as many valuable raw materials as possible.
During the visit, we also discovered that the work of the Out of Use team extends beyond IT equipment. They also process other electronic equipment, such as fluorescent tubes, medical equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and even airbags and electric vehicle batteries. We were surprised by the breadth of expertise the company has developed and the wide range of material streams it manages sustainably.
Out of Use is also strongly committed to sustainability beyond its core activities. On site, the team maintains its own “Bee to Bee” beehives, which are now home to more than 25,000 bees. A fine example of the importance the company places on biodiversity and its wider commitment to the environment.
We were equally impressed by the growth Out of Use has achieved in recent years. With a clear mission and a strong focus on quality and sustainability, the company has become an important partner for organisations across Europe in a relatively short time.
During the visit, we went behind the scenes to see the team’s day-to-day work. We saw how devices are checked, how data is securely destroyed and how materials are carefully sorted for reuse or recycling.
Shared values
This visit showed us how closely Out of Use’s vision aligns with our organisation’s values.
Trust
A partnership that has lasted four years is built on trust. During the visit, we gained insight into the company’s operations and processes. This transparency strengthens the trust we place in them as an organisation and confirms that our equipment is in good hands.
Respect
For us, respect means, among other things, treating people, resources and information with care. The particular attention Out of Use pays to secure data processing and privacy protection is therefore essential. The company also makes a deliberate choice to support inclusive employment and work with social enterprises offering adapted employment, making a positive contribution on a social level as well.
Public interest
As a public institution, we strive to make decisions that serve the public interest. By working with a partner committed to reuse, recycling and the circular economy, we contribute together to a more sustainable society and the responsible use of raw materials.
Professionalism
The employees at Out of Use are experts in their field and work according to clearly defined quality and safety standards. This professionalism provides an important foundation for our partnership.
Social responsibility
Now more than ever, sustainability is a shared responsibility. The visit made it clear how Out of Use turns that responsibility into practical action every day. By combining environmental objectives with social impact, the company demonstrates that sustainable choices benefit not only the environment, but also people and society.
A partnership we can be proud of
Our visit to Out of Use confirmed that our partnership goes far beyond processing retired IT equipment. We share the same ambition to act responsibly and sustainably, with respect for people and the environment.
By giving our IT equipment a second life or having it responsibly recycled, we contribute together to a circular economy and a more sustainable future.
We would like to thank the Out of Use team for this visit. It not only gave us a better understanding of their operations, but also strengthened our motivation to continue building a sustainable and socially responsible future together.
Written by Tamara Debbaut (RVA)