Global Recycling Day 2026

Today is Global Recycling Day, which takes place every year on March 18^th, a day for individuals, organisations, and governments around the world to recognise the critical role recycling plays in protecting our planet’s resources and combating climate change.

It was established by the Global Recycling Foundation in 2018 to highlight recycling as a vital part of sustainable development and encourage people to think of waste not as refuse but as opportunity.

Why Recycling Matters for Business and Climate Action

Recycling has a direct and measurable impact on the environment. According to the Global Recycling Foundation, recycling activities worldwide already save over 700 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year, with the potential to reach 1 billion tonnes annually by 2030 if recycling rates continue to improve.

Manufacturing products from recycled materials typically uses far less energy than producing them from raw resources. For example, recycling aluminium saves up to 95 percent of the energy required to produce it from bauxite, while recycled plastics and steel also significantly reduce emissions and water usage.

Recycling and IT: A Natural Fit

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. The Global E-waste Monitor reports that over 50 million tonnes of e-waste are generated globally each year, with only a small percentage recycled properly.

IT equipment contains valuable materials such as copper, aluminium, steel, and rare earth elements. When devices are reused or recycled correctly, those materials stay in circulation rather than being extracted again, which reduces environmental damage and carbon output.

Reuse also plays a key role. Extending the life of laptops, desktops, and monitors through refurbishment delays disposal entirely and reduces the demand for new manufacturing.

Reuse should always be the first option. Devices that still have working life left in them can be refurbished and redeployed, which significantly extends their useful lifespan and delays them entering the waste stream. If a device does reach end-of-life, responsible IT recycling ensures materials are recovered safely and nothing ends up in landfill unnecessarily.

How You Can Take Action This Global Recycling Day

Global Recycling Day is a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Here are a few ways to take part:

• Review how your organisation handles IT asset disposal and IT recycling

• Prioritise reuse and refurbishment of equipment where possible

• Partner with certified recycling specialists to ensure secure, transparent processing

• Share best practices in recycling with colleagues and peers

Small changes add up. Better recycling decisions reduce emissions, conserve resources, and help organisations meet sustainability goals without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Global Recycling Day is not about perfection. It is about making better choices with the equipment we already have and treating resources with the value they deserve.

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