Guide to disposing of old computers for small businesses

Discover sustainable and compliant ways for small businesses to dispose of old laptops and desktop computers in the UK.

It can be hard to know what to do with old electronic devices when they reach the end of their useful lives. There are many considerations, including your environmental and data protection responsibilities under applicable regulations, as well as your costs.

• Why is the disposal of laptops and desktop computers an issue?
• The full carbon cycle of a laptop or desktop PC
• What regulations cover the disposal of laptops for businesses in the UK
• Protect the data security of old devices
• Options for the disposal of old business devices

Why is the disposal of laptops and desktop computers an issue?

Simply throwing old devices in the bin is a big no-no for good reason. Electronic waste, or e-waste, contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of correctly.

In addition to the dangerous ones, many electronic devices also contain rare earth metals, which are both expensive and (as the name suggests) in low supply. Because of the scarcity of these metals, it's important that they're extracted and recycled.

For both of these reasons, disposal of e-waste is regulated and carries fines and punishments for businesses that don't comply with their duties. If a failure to dispose of e-waste responsibly becomes publicly known, it can substantially damage a business's reputation with more environmentally aware customers.

By ensuring that old laptops, desktop computers, and other electronic devices are disposed of through proper channels, businesses can avoid these risks and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment. And also benefit by demonstrating corporate responsibility through sustainability initiatives.

The full carbon cycle of a laptop or desktop PC

Although disposal is an important element of the impact that a device has, it is also worth considering the full carbon footprint of a computer. Its footprint starts right at the extraction of raw materials stage, through the manufacturing processes, transportation, usage and eventual disposal. For businesses that are trying to be environmentally friendly, the disposal stage is an important consideration, but not the only one that should be thought about.

What regulations cover the disposal of laptops for businesses in the UK

The UK introduced the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations in 2013, which came into force in 2014. They are periodically updated by fundamentally they mandate that businesses must ensure the proper disposal of electronic waste.

Key requirements for businesses include:

• Segregation: Businesses must segregate WEEE from other types of waste to ensure proper handling and recycling.
• Qualified Waste Management: Businesses are required to use qualified waste management companies for the disposal of WEEE. These companies must be authorised to handle and recycle electronic waste.
• Record Keeping: Businesses must keep detailed records of all WEEE handed over for disposal. This includes documentation of quantities, types of equipment, and the waste management company used.
• Compliance with Producer Obligations: If a business purchases EEE, it must ensure that the producer complies with the WEEE Regulations. This includes verifying that the equipment is marked with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and that the producer is registered.

• Environmental Impact: Businesses should be aware of the environmental impact of their electronic waste and take steps to minimise it. This includes participating in recycling programs and ensuring proper disposal of hazardous substances.
  
  

Protect the data security of old devices

Unless data is either thoroughly scrubbed from the drives and memory of devices or the storage medium is comprehensively destroyed, it can be easily extracted.

This is why considering data security is a critical aspect of disposing of old computers and one that is covered by the WEEE regulations. It is essential to securely delete all sensitive data to comply with GDPR and protect your business from data breaches.

Options for securely deleting data include:

• Formatting the device yourself - using specialised software, you can overwrite data multiple times to ensure it cannot be recovered. Using the standard built-in tools in an operating system like Windows to format a drive will usually leave the original date in place and only remove the OS-level signposting to the data. This is not sufficient to meet your GDPR obligations to protect data, as that data can easily be recovered if it hasn't been overwritten multiple times.
• Engaging a professional service - specialist businesses can clear your data for you and provide certificates of secure data destruction. These certificates serve as proof that the data has been irretrievably destroyed, offering peace of mind and compliance with legal requirements. For most businesses, this is the recommended course of action because of the proof and auditability that it provides.

Whichever method you choose, ensuring data security is non-negotiable. Failing to do so can lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties and damage to your business's reputation.

Options for the disposal of old business devices

1. Pay a reputable disposal firm

There are many firms across the country that can dispose of your old business devices for you. For a fee, they will collect your devices, destroy the data and provide you with a certificate of secure destruction that you can keep for your records. This is often the easiest solution for many businesses. A quick internet search will find both local and national companies that provide such a service.

2. Partner with the local charities like the Turing Trust

Our preferred method for disposing of old devices, and one of the most impactful ways to dispose of them, is by partnering with charities like the Turing Trust in Edinburgh. The Turing Trust refurbishes donated devices and repurposes them to benefit educational establishments around the world. This not only extends the life of your technology but also supports educational initiatives in under-resourced communities.

By donating to such organisations, your business can make a tangible difference in the lives of students and educators while also aligning with your corporate social responsibility goals. It's a win-win situation: you responsibly dispose of your e-waste, and someone else gains a valuable educational resource.

Next steps...?

If you are thinking about replacing your existing technology, then get in touch with us. We will advise you on the most appropriate devices for your needs and provide a competitive quote that includes setup of your device.

If you have technology that is about 10 years old or less and you're in central Scotland, then we'd urge you to speak with the Turing Trust in Edinburgh.