Recycling Computers

A dramatic improvement in productivity from newly developed software requires ever faster computers to run the latest office applications. This leads to the replacement of IT equipment, which may still have a useful life in lower spec environments.

Disposing of obsolete electronic equipment can be a problem as it is regarded as one of the more hazardous types of waste we generate. However, it is possible to have IT equipment recycled properly and even channelled through reuse programs for local schools or charities.

There are three main streams for disposing of obsolete IT equipment
1. Generate revenue for your company
2. Donation to reuse programs for schools or other charities
3. Recycling by properly registered recyclers, to recover materials for reuse

Generate Revenue for your company
There may be many reasons for companies to dispose of almost new IT equipment, especially in the current climate. Reputable companies specialising in IT recycling generally offer an asset management service and return value for high spec working equipment.


Donation to reuse programs.
Donating obsolete IT equipment, especially computers, is fraught with danger - for the donor because of data security and licensing issues and for the recipient because of the suitability of the equipment for their applications (if it works in the first place). Using a custom designed reuse program overcomes these problems as data security and licence issues are managed correctly and the recipient receives equipment which is suitable for their needs and guaranteed to be working correctly.


Recycling by properly registered recyclers
Electronic waste is regarded as one of the more hazardous wastes we generate and must be handled correctly to minimise the impact on our environment. The EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, sets out the criteria for the correct disposal of electronic waste and while householders can avail of compliance schemes to dispose of WEEE, companies in a B2B environment have a legal responsibility to dispose of obsolete electronic equipment according to the directive. In Ireland this is covered by the Irish WEEE Regulations of 2005.

IT equipment, when handled properly, is almost 100% recyclable and service providers should be able to provide a full downstream report of the final destination of all of the different materials contained in the recycled equipment. Under the Irish Waste Management Act of 1996, amended in 2001, companies are responsible for the proper disposal of their waste. This responsibility does not end when the material is collected, it carries on until the waste has been either processed or disposed of in the correct manner. A certificate of Recycling or Destruction from a licensed recycler fulfils this responsibility. There are more than enough reports of IT equipment turning up in third world countries, creating major environmental and health problems, to demonstrate what can happen when unscrupulous “waste brokers” are used to manage electronic waste. See the latest Greenpeace/SKY TV report here

Things to look for when recycling IT equipment
1. Make certain that the company you use is properly licensed
2. Request a certificate of Recycling/Destruction
3. Use a company with a defined system of data destruction
4. If your equipment is to be donated to a third party, make certain that your licensing responsibilities are managed correctly
5. If you are recovering value from your equipment or donating for reuse, make sure your recycler offers safe collection for your system to ensure that it arrives at the recycler in the same working condition in which it left your office.
6. Creating and managing your own computer disposal program can be a costly exercise for a small business, better to use a licensed recycler who can do it for you at a reasonable cost, and manage your environmental responsibilities at the same time.
7. Newer high spec IT equipment does have a value and your service provider should be able to realise this value on your behalf