Rate My Professor Garreth Taylor

Garreth Taylor is the Manager Sustainable E-waste within the Information Technology Services division at the University of Otago. In this capacity, he oversees the sustainable disposal and repurposing of electronic waste, particularly surplus equipment from the Otago University Digital Workspace project that centralized the university's digital infrastructure. Recognizing that equipment unfit for university standards often retains substantial usability, Taylor spearheaded the development of a sustainability-centered model for e-waste management in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Sustainability teams. This model gave rise to the E-rescue program, which processes items such as monitors, cords, desktops, laptops, network gear, and servers. These are data-wiped, tested, and prepared for resale or donation. Initial testing occurred through the Shop for Good event during Flo Week, organized by Te Oraka, where offerings sold out rapidly. The program expanded to include staff sales, navigating complexities like health and safety, human resources policies, fringe benefit tax, and pricing. Approvals were obtained from the Finance team, the Chief Financial Officer, and the University Council prior to launch. Sales occur at locations like Te Oraka and pop-up shops during transitions such as staff hot-desking at the Plaza building.

In 2024, Taylor's team collected 4,682 items of e-waste, with over 1,000 devices reused instead of recycled. Currently, about 22 percent of inventory undergoes E-rescue processing, while the rest is handled by partner agencies, schools, and charities. Revenue generated is reinvested into Te Oraka to fund student-led initiatives, including hiring Tētēkura Student Leads for roles in gardens coordination and event planning. Looking ahead, the team anticipates higher reuse rates in 2025 by enhancing processes for labor-intensive items like laptops and desktops. Taylor's efforts support the University of Otago's Sustainability Strategic Framework Tī Kōuka by prolonging device lifecycles, mitigating environmental impact, and addressing digital divides in educational and community settings.