Remarketing

Last updated: 4 April 2026

Remarketing is reselling refurbished IT equipment on the secondary market, often done by ITAD providers to offset processing costs.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

What's remarketing in the context of electronics recycling?

Remarketing involves reselling refurbished IT equipment on the secondary market, often done by IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) providers to offset processing costs and maximize value recovery. When companies upgrade their technology or replace old systems, they generate a lot of e-waste. Rather than sending this equipment straight to landfills, remarketing allows it to be cleaned up, tested, repaired if needed, and then resold to buyers looking for cost-effective solutions. This process can extend the life cycle of electronics by years, reducing waste and conserving resources.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

For instance, when a large corporation decides to update its fleet of laptops, an ITAD provider might take these devices, wipe all data clean, refurbish them as necessary, and then remarket them online or through specialized dealers. The income from these sales helps cover the costs associated with recycling e-waste responsibly while also providing affordable technology options for schools, small businesses, and individuals who can't afford brand new equipment.

Remarketing is important because it supports sustainable practices by diverting potentially hazardous materials away from landfills. According to a report published in 2021 by the United Nations University (UNU), global e-waste generation reached 53.6 million metric tonnes that year, up 21% from 2014.[i] By remarketing devices instead of discarding them, we can significantly reduce this number and lessen the environmental impact.

In addition to remarketing, other related concepts in e-waste management include recycling, refurbishing, and reusing. Each plays a vital role in creating a more circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

[i] Schuhmann, W., et al. "The Global E-Waste Monitor 2021: Quantities, Flows, and the Circular Economy Potential." United Nations University (UNU), Bonn, Germany, 2021.

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