cases

  • Re:source leading the way in e-waste management for KPN

    Background:

    KPN, the largest telecom provider in the Netherlands, has been collaborating with our sister company, SourceCom, for nearly 20 years. As KPN upgraded its network infrastructure, it faced a significant challenge: managing the removal and disposal of outdated hardware.

    The Challenge

    When installing new network equipment, KPN often needed to replace old systems that, while redundant, still contained valuable materials ready for reuse or recycling. This presented an opportunity to implement a sustainable solution.

    Our Solution:

    Re:source partnered with Pantar, a social development company based in Amsterdam and Diemen, to tackle this challenge. We developed a streamlined process for efficiently collecting KPN’s e-waste.

    1. Collection:
    We organized the collection of obsolete network hardware from KPN’s various sites, ensuring minimal disruption to their operations.

    2. Sorting and Disassembly:
    Once the e-waste arrived at Pantar, it was meticulously sorted and disassembled. This process allows for the efficient recovery of reusable components and valuable materials.

    3. Reuse and Recycling:
    The extracted materials are either repurposed in new applications or recycled, contributing to a circular economy and significantly reducing environmental impact.

    Impact:

    This collaboration not only enables KPN to manage its e-waste sustainably but also supports social development initiatives through Pantar. By reclaiming valuable resources from old equipment, we are setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the telecom sector, helping to minimize waste and foster a greener future. Together, we are transforming e-waste into a valuable resource, promoting a responsible approach to technology upgrades.

  • Advancing sustainability in water meter management

    Background:

    Inter-On, a leading provider of energy services in the Netherlands, specializes in delivering comprehensive solutions for various sectors, including water management. With a commitment to sustainability, they recognized the need to upgrade traditional water meters to more advanced "smart" models.

    The Challenge:

    As Inter-On began replacing a significant number of outdated water meters, they faced the challenge of responsibly managing the disposal of these units. The traditional meters contained valuable metals and other materials that could be reclaimed and reused, prompting a need for an efficient recycling solution.

    Our Solution:

    Re:source partnered with Inter-On to facilitate the collection, dismantling, and recycling of the old water meters. Our approach included:

    1. Collection:
    We organized the logistics for collecting the obsolete meters from various locations, ensuring minimal disruption to Inter-On's operations.

    2. Dismantling:
    Once collected, the water meters were delivered to our facilities, where they were carefully dismantled. This process allowed us to identify and separate valuable materials, such as metals, for recovery.

    3. Recycling:
    The reclaimed materials were then processed for reuse, contributing to a more sustainable lifecycle for these resources and reducing waste.

    Impact:
    This collaboration not only helped Inter-On manage its e-waste sustainably but also demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. By reclaiming valuable materials from outdated water meters, we are supporting Inter-On’s goal of fostering a circular economy, turning potential waste into valuable resources. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future in water management.