So it’s time to upgrade your old computers and other IT equipment – you want the latest in all-singing, all-dancing technology – well who doesn’t However, next arrives the problem of deciding what to do with your old IT equipment. There are a number of Computer Recycling Companies that provide a service to recycle your unwanted electronic hardware, however how do you decide which the right company to choose is? Have a look at our list below to give you some points to bear in mind when choosing a computer recycling company.
Is the company WEEE compliant?
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) was introduced into UK law in January 2007. It aims to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it. The WEEE Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment. So what does this mean for your business? Basically, all unwanted electrical equipment is now classed as hazardous waste and so has to be disposed of in a WEEE compliant manner, not doing so can result in hefty penalties being awarded to non-compliant companies. Therefore it is important to check that your computer recycling company is fully WEEE compliant.
Does the Computer Recycling Company strive to ensure that as little equipment is finally disposed of?
To ensure that your unwanted electrical equipment does more than just end up on a landfill site, check that your computer recycling company is committed to either refurbishing and then re-selling old IT hardware, or stripping down the equipment and recycling its individual parts. Companies such as Buy IT Back are committed to attaining these standards for a number of reasons. Firstly they have an intrinsic ecological outlook and are committed to that upkeep. For example old electrical equipment when dumped in landfill often poses a risk of leaking hazardous chemicals into the groundwater and these becoming a possible harmful pollutant. Also by recycling electrical components, this can mean that less of these raw materials have to be freshly mined, thus often protecting ecologically sensitive areas. And finally, by refurbishing and re-selling unwanted computers it can reduce the numbers of new electrical items that have to be manufactured thus reducing energy consumption and helping to drive the prices of new items down.
Secure Data Destruction
Can the computer recycling company that you are entrusting your business’ old IT equipment (including printers, servers, laptops, PC’s, desktops and networking/telecoms equipment) guarantee that your company data will be securely and completely destroyed? With the increasing concern over data security, identify theft and other fraud, is this an area that you can afford to ignore? However, companies such as Buy IT Back, can guarantee that all your remaining data (including all company references and security markings) will be completely destroyed by using the government certified Blannco software.
Does the Computer Recycling Company offer a Buy Back service?
Many computer recycling companies will charge you for removing your unwanted electrical equipment, however some companies such as Buy IT Back can offer a complete Buy Back service for your old IT equipment. As they can make a small profit from re-selling refurbished items, some of this can be passed directly onto your business. In general, Buy IT Back will come to your business, remove all of your unwanted IT hardware, then ensure that it is either recycled or re-sold, and pay you for doing so!
Established Business
Finally it is often worth considering choosing an established computer recycling company, as these are often more likely to be able to ensure that all of the above points are met. Discovery Computer Services Ltd, the owners of Buy IT Back, have now been in business for 20 years and as such can offer a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to ensure that you unwanted IT equipment has all data securely destroyed, is then either recycled or refurbished, and can offer you the most generous price as part of its Buy Back Service.
