What is Urban Technologies?
Urban Technologies came to life from a strong commitment to innovate an environmentally responsible solution for the growing global issue of hazardous electronic waste. Founded in 2010 by Navy Veteran Juan Carlos Villatoro, this company is shaking up the electronics recycling scene. It’s not just about recycling — it’s about repairing the reputation of the industry with a sharp focus on environmental sustainability, transparent downstream management, and serious attention to data security.
Main Benefits of Urban Technologies
Urban Technologies offers a range of benefits that make it stand out in the e-waste recycling world:
- Proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices, with secure data destruction
- Reasonably-priced refurbished devices available in their store
- Certified as both e-Steward and B-Corp, meeting high social and environmental standards
- Specializes in managing data for sensitive markets, understanding the critical importance of data privacy
- Committed to environmental sustainability and community impact through conscious capitalism
- Operates with a higher standard of accountability in an industry often plagued by distrust
- Uses a proprietary Impact Report to quantify the benefits of customers’ recycling efforts
Data Privacy and Security Focus
One of the standout features of Urban Technologies is its deep understanding of data privacy. In today’s world, data security isn’t just important — it’s critical. Urban Technologies manages data for sensitive markets and stays ahead of the rapidly evolving legal landscape related to privacy regulations. This means customers can trust that their data is handled with the utmost care and compliance, making the recycling process not only green but also secure.
Innovative Recycling Technology
Urban Technologies isn’t just recycling electronics the old-fashioned way. They’re creatively solving problems and driving change in an industry that hasn’t seen much innovation in over 20 years. Their PRIME process is a closed-loop, smelt-free recovery method that produces a net zero impact on landfills. This means they dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of recycling while increasing the recovery of precious metals, general metals, and rare earth elements. Pretty impressive, right?
Community and Environmental Commitment
This company thinks globally but acts locally. Urban Technologies generates STEM jobs, activates local remarketing programs to improve access to technology, and supports Corporate Social Responsibility and IT goals of local businesses. They also stand up sustainability programs for the greater Northeast Florida region, showing a real commitment to the environment and the communities they serve. It’s about smarter value creation through conscious capitalism — solving environmental and social challenges created by mankind’s technical progress.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — by promoting responsible e-waste management and local sustainability programs
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — through innovative recycling and refurbishment processes
- SDG 13: Climate Action — by reducing landfill impact and recovering valuable materials without smelting
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — generating STEM jobs and supporting local economies
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — disrupting a stagnant industry with new technology and processes
Where Urban Technologies Operates
Urban Technologies proudly serves a wide area, primarily based in Jacksonville, Florida, but reaching far beyond. Their footprint includes Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Flagler Beach, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Orange Park, Middleburg, St. Johns, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the entire United States. This broad reach means their impact is felt locally and nationally, helping more communities responsibly manage electronic waste and access refurbished technology.
