Technology

Tips for disposal of electronic equipment

These days, most organizations are actively looking to reduce usage and recycle items like paper, bottles, and cans; however, few organizations consider what happens to their broken or outdated electrical and IT equipment such as computers, laptops, and hard drives. The following are examples of the options available for the responsible disposal or recycling of this equipment.

Computers:

All major components of a PC must be recycled responsibly in accordance with the UK WEEE directive. This means that they will be broken down into their basic materials and individually recycled. However, it often happens that broken PCs are the result of one or two damaged parts, in which case the remaining components can be removed, refurbished, and sold as spare parts or used to build new machines.

Hard drives

When a hard drive crashes or becomes corrupted, people often make the mistake of simply throwing it away; however, this is one of the easiest ways an identity thief can steal sensitive information. Fully licensed hard drive disposal companies will be able to permanently erase the data on the hard drive before it is reused or destroyed.

laptops

This is very similar to computer disposal, laptops are broken down into their constituent parts before being recycled as plastics and metals. Additionally, some may have the potential to be refurbished and reused. Working parts can be used to repair other laptops to avoid sending parts to landfill, which can dramatically reduce a company’s carbon footprint.

batteries

Batteries are among some of the most dangerous items sent to landfills; however, in 2012 less than 10% was recycled in the UK. EU directives state that 45% must be recycled by 2016.

fluorescent lighting tubes

Also known as Gas Discharge Lights (GDLs), they are classified as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly by a professional disposal company. Disposal companies will often offer specially made cases to store used tubes to prevent them from breaking during transport.

All of these items above can be recycled and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, by a specialized disposal company, which can greatly reduce any company’s carbon footprint and increase its green credentials. In fact, many have the potential to be refurbished and reused, thus reducing the levels of waste in your organization according to the Waste Hierarchy; Reduce, reuse and recycle.

When selecting a disposal company, remember to check their policies on environmental responsibility and ethical considerations. This can be done by ensuring that they have the correct recycling and disposal certificates which are issued and enforced by the Environment Agency.

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