Innovative Partnership Approach Supports Circular Economy and
Puts Electronics in the Hands of Businesses and Educators
CAMBRIDGE, ON | July 18, 2024 - Greentec, a Cambridge based IT Asset Disposal Company, has joined forces with Makhos Solutions Inc. to bridge the gap between industry and Indigenous communities by providing refurbished electronics to Indigenous-run businesses and schools across Ontario.
In addition to filling technology gaps by supplying much-needed electronics such as laptops, phones, smart boards and printers to Indigenous organizations that lack the resources to purchase them, the venture will prevent tonnes of e-waste from entering landfills each year.
According to a 2023 study from the University of Waterloo, Canadians produced nearly one million tonnes of e-waste in 2020. This number is expected to reach 1.2 million tonnes per year by 2030. Electronics contain hazardous components that, if mishandled, can release toxic materials into the environment that pose risks to both environmental and human well-being. Statistics also indicate that less than 20 percent of e-waste is recycled or recovered.
A National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health publication noted that Canada’s Indigenous populations are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change because they tend to live in geographic regions experiencing rapid climate change and because of their strong reliance on local ecosystems and natural resources.
"We are excited about the opportunity to give electronics a second life in the hands of businesses, organizations and individuals who are especially affected by the impacts of climate change," said Tony Perrotta, CEO of Greentec. “Refurbished smart boards and laptops are already being utilized in the Curve Lake and Nawash communities, enhancing educational and technological access. Through this partnership, the goal is to extend these benefits to more Indigenous communities, ensuring they have access to high-quality refurbished electronics.”
Makhos Staffing Solutions Inc. is a specialized staffing, training, consulting and construction services company that believes in continuous improvement and learning. The Indigenous-owned company supports Indigenous communities with training, staffing, industry connections and much-needed electronics.
Greentec’s mission to promote a circular economy by providing technology lifecycle solutions is a goal that resonates deeply with Makhos.
“As stewards of the land, we are thrilled to have this partnership with Greentec that will reduce waste, respect the environment and enable us to give Indigenous businesses and schools the equipment they need to succeed,” says Makhos Director Nick Saunders.
Learn more about Greentec by visiting its website. For more information about Makhos Inc., click here.
ABOUT GREENTEC
Greentec is a certified electronics recycling company that securely destroys data, refurbishes, and recycles electronic devices. Beginning operations in 1995, the company employs more than 80 team members and uses proprietary technology to recover e-waste. As proponents of the circular economy, Greentec believes in using resources for as long as possible, extracting their maximum value and then responsibly recycling electronics to help keep our planet secure and free of waste. As IT asset disposition (ITAD) experts, Greentec recovers obsolete or unwanted IT equipment safely and responsibly.
Website: https://www.greentec.com
Facebook: @GreentecCA
LinkedIn: Greentec_2
Twitter: @GreentecCA
Instagram: @GreentecCA
ABOUT MAKHOS
Makhos Staffing Solutions Inc. is an Indigenous-owned staffing, training, consulting and construction services company designed to support all individuals to gain meaningful employment within industries. One of the Certified Aboriginal Business’s key strengths stems from its team of industry and community professionals sharing the same passion, vision and a similar experience learning base. The combination provides a powerful recipe for success. Makhos believes in fostering an environment of continuous improvement and learning.
Website: https://makhosinc.com/about/
LinkedIn: @makhos-inc
Media Contact
Alex Hebert
Durrell Communications
alexh@durrellcomm.com