All Things Circular

EP 61: Circular IT, Asset Stewardship, OEM Challenges & Technology Lifecycles with Sean Doyle


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In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Victoria D'Arcy are joined by Sean Doyle of ReCirc IT to explore the growing role of circularity, asset stewardship, and secondary markets in enterprise technology.Sean shares how ReCirc IT helps organizations manage technology assets beyond traditional OEM and reseller channels, providing independent guidance on procurement, lifecycle management, sustainability, and maximizing the value of enterprise infrastructure. The conversation introduces the concept of "asset stewardship" and why organizations should think differently about technology ownership after the initial purchase.The discussion dives into some of the biggest challenges facing the IT industry today, including supply chain volatility, product scarcity, software licensing restrictions, security concerns, and the growing tension between OEM business models and circular economy principles. Sean explains how vendor policies, support programs, and lifecycle management decisions often influence whether products are reused, refurbished, or prematurely retired.Rich and Victoria also explore the economics of secondary markets, the missed opportunities many OEMs have in supporting second-life customers, and how circular business models can create value through reuse, repair, refurbishment, software services, and asset recovery. The conversation highlights why extending product life is often more impactful than recycling and why reuse should remain the priority within circular economy strategies.The episode also examines growing concerns around planned obsolescence, shortening technology lifecycles, security-driven refresh cycles, and rising software and support costs. Sean shares examples from the networking and enterprise technology sectors where organizations are being forced into expensive upgrade decisions despite having equipment that remains fully functional and fit for purpose.To close the conversation, Sean tackles a common industry myth surrounding chain of custody, security, and secondary-market technology procurement. He explains why many misconceptions persist and how mature secondary markets have developed sophisticated sourcing, quality control, and risk management processes that are often overlooked by buyers.Whether you're involved in ITAD, enterprise technology, procurement, reverse logistics, refurbishment, or circular economy strategy, this episode offers valuable insights into how organizations can unlock greater value from technology assets while building more resilient and sustainable operations.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancdoyle/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!

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All Things CircularBy All Things Circular