7 hours ago

307: The Future of IT Recycling, Refurbished Technology & Sustainability | CompuCycle & Lenovo

What does the future of IT recycling, refurbished technology, and corporate sustainability look like?

Recorded live at E-Scrap 2026, Sean Barnes, CEO of Wolf Executives, sits down with Kelly Adels Hess, CEO of CompuCycle, and Stefan Larsen, Strategy and Sustainability Leader at Lenovo, to explore how technology companies are advancing the circular economy through responsible electronics recycling, IT asset disposition (ITAD), and sustainable innovation.

The conversation explores the growing demand for certified refurbished technology, the challenges of measuring carbon emissions, and why businesses should rethink how they manage technology throughout its lifecycle. Kelly also shares how CompuCycle is creating meaningful community impact through workforce development programs that provide job skills and employment opportunities for young adults with barriers to employment.

From extending the life of IT equipment to reducing electronic waste and improving corporate sustainability strategies, this discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and continuous improvement.

Discover how organizations can make smarter IT purchasing decisions, reduce environmental impact, and create lasting value through responsible technology management.

Key Moments

00:00 - Live from E-Scrap 2026: Meet Kelly Adels Hess and Stefan Larsen

01:14 - How CompuCycle Is Creating Community Impact Through Workforce Development

02:25 - Why Industry Collaboration Matters for Corporate Sustainability

03:41 - Lenovo's Sustainability Journey and Carbon Offset Solutions

04:38 - The Challenges of Measuring Scope 3 Carbon Emissions

05:49 - Extending the Lifecycle of IT Equipment Through Refurbishment

06:23 - CompuCycle's Electronics Recycling Process and Environmental Reporting

07:48 - Why Demand for Certified Refurbished Technology Is Growing

09:36 - How Refurbished Computers Support Schools and Education

09:56 - The Future of Sustainable Technology and IT in 2027

11:10 - Why Businesses Should Plan for IT Asset Disposition Earlier

13:11 - Incorporating Refurbished Technology Into IT Procurement Strategies

13:50 - Continuous Improvement, Automation, and AI in Electronics Recycling

Key Takeaways

Sustainability Requires Collaboration: Manufacturers, IT asset disposition providers, and businesses must work together to reduce electronic waste and advance circular economy solutions.
Refurbished Technology Creates Long-Term Value: Extending the lifecycle of IT equipment can reduce environmental impact, lower technology costs, and support more sustainable purchasing decisions.
Community Impact Strengthens Sustainability: Workforce development, education, and continuous improvement create opportunities for businesses to deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits.

Guest: Kelly Adels Hess, CEO, CompuCycle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-adels-hess-568a0056/

Website: https://compucycle.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@compucycle4834

Guest: Stefan Larsen, Global Head of Environmental Services, Lenovo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-brechling-larsen-b16b625b/

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 307 | 11.10.2026

Episode Title: The Future of IT Recycling, Refurbished Technology & Sustainability | CompuCycle & Lenovo

Host: Sean Barnes

Wolf Executives, Houston, TX

Website:
https://www.wolfexecutives.com

https://www.seanbarnes.com