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Do You Really Know Where Your Unwanted Electronics End Up?

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It is a sad fact that many people in developing countries such as Ghana, China, India and Nigeria are forced to scratch a living from picking through the discarded remains of illegally dumped electronic waste items to extract the remaining precious metals which can then be sold on for a small fee.

Not only is this practice environmentally dangerous, with large areas being consigned to open dumps of unwanted electronics where toxins such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and flame retardants are able to leach directly into the ground and the water supply, but it is has significant adverse effects on the health of the people who take part in this dangerous profession. The mainly young men and boys who spend their days rifling through these vast e-dumps are exposed to many harmful chemicals which often result in them contracting cancer whilst still in their early 20’s. In countries whose health service is still developing, this is usually fatal.

But where does all of this e-waste come from?

Unfortunately the answer is often the developed countries of the West, whose stringent electronic waste recycling laws can be easily and cheaply circumvented by simply shipping any old or unwanted electronic items to countries whose electronics recycling policies are much more lenient.

It is estimated that 50 million tonnes of electronic waste has ended up in these so-called e-dumps, with 17,765 tonnes of e-waste from the UK being sent to Ghana in 2011 alone (over half of all of the electronic refuse that Ghana took in that year).

So what’s the alternative?

If you want to ensure that your old or unwanted computers, telecoms systems and other electronics are treated both ethically and environmentally soundly then it is important to choose a specialist IT recycling company, such as Buy IT Back.

Firstly Buy IT Back will ensure that as much of your old IT equipment is refurbished and reused as possible. This means that most of it will never even be considered for landfill or incineration. And even if there are components that cannot be reused, we are specialists in safely breaking down items into their component elements and either reusing or recycling these. And what’s more we are usually able to pay you for the privilege!

So rather than simply chucking your unwanted electronics away, or trusting them to a dubious ‘recycling’ company, contact Buy IT Back today and we will ensure that your equipment is treated safely, securely and ethically – and will even pay you for doing so!

Why Secure Data Destruction Is Important For Your Business

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For many people as soon as you mention data protection and GDPR a large groan is emitted accompanied by much rolling of the eyes. However as a business or other organisation this should be a vitally important aspect of your day to day operations.

Whether your organisation involves storing client details, payment information, test results or anything else about your clients and the operation of your company, these must be kept completely securely and good data protection practices are not just a moral, but also a legal, requirement.

However this legal requirement does not just apply to data whilst you are using it, but also to the treatment of any IT and other computer hardware or electronic equipment that has been used to store data, when it comes to the end of its life.

If you have decided to move away from storing data on a solid state hard drive to the cloud or are simply upgrading to a new model, it is imperative that you ensure that all data is completely, securely and irretrievably erased. This is not only to protect you and your client’s online safety, but a data leak could cause irrevocable damage to your brand and reputation.

While it may be tempting to think that you can delete any data yourself, in many cases even taking a sledge hammer to a piece of equipment can still leave some data accessible (not to mention being incredibly dangerous!) and is also likely to leave you in breach of WEEE regulations.

So what are your options?

  1. You can pay a specialist data destruction company to come and professionally wipe all of your data before you then send it off for recycling.

OR

  1. You can contact Buy IT Back who are fully Blancco certified data destruction specialists and can also offer a Buy Back service for you unwanted IT and electronic equipment.

This means that not only will you have peace of mind that all of your data will be professionally deleted, but you can also rest assured that that your unwanted equipment will be recycled or disposed of to the highest environmental and ethical standards – and Buy IT Back are often able to pay you for doing this!

To find out more contact Buy IT back today.

Five Reasons Businesses Are Migrating To The Cloud

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What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing involves the use of a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. Many people don’t even realise they’re using the cloud. Did you know that when you update your Facebook page via your phone, you’re accessing the data via a cloud service?

During recent years cloud computing has become more popular as more and more businesses realise the wide variety of advantages on offer. Here are five reasons on why you should migrate to the cloud and how Buy IT Back can help you.

1. Cost

Cloud computing may reduce the ongoing cost of managing and maintaining your IT systems. For example, reductions in the cost of buying specialised hardware and software, physical building space for on-site data servers and equipment.

Increasingly businesses are favouring a ‘pay as you go’ approach, whereby you simply pay for services depending upon your business requirements. Essentially cloud computing offers great value and can release much-needed cash which could be invested in other areas of your business.

2. Speed

Due to the advancements in cloud computing technology huge amounts of data can be accessed via a few clicks. This provides easy access to key data, increases productivity and allows clients to focus on key business decisions rather than IT management issues.

3. Reliability

Cloud computing makes data backup, disaster recovery and business continuity easier and less expensive, because data can be mirrored at a number of sites on the cloud provider’s network.

4. Scale

Business requirements can change rapidly in the marketplace and cloud computing allows you to increase or decrease your computing needs quickly and simply. This means that your computing environment rapidly matches the requirements of your business.

5. Collaboration

Enables your business and employees to communicate and share information more easily. Documents can be kept in a central, cloud-accessible location, so employees can simply access relevant documents from a variety of geographical locations.

How we can help

Buy IT Back provide key services in data centre recycling and can maximise the residual value held in redundant server, HDD storage and network switching hardware. Using our expertise we can guide you through the necessary steps to successfully dispose and recycle your old hardware whilst also maximising its financial value.

Don’t delay, contact us today to find out more about Data Centre Recycling and receive a free quote and realise the potential savings for your business.

Five Advantages of Recycling your Old Computer Hardware

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When scaling up your business or simply moving to a new hardware system, dealing with your redundant equipment can be a problem. You are required by law to ensure it is disposed of appropriately and one of the ways you can do this is through recycling. Recycling old computer hardware comes with many benefits and below are just five to consider:

Protect the Environment

Working with a recycling specialist means you can be sure your old computer hardware is being responsibly dealt with. Computing equipment has dangerous and hazardous materials such as carcinogens, lead and mercury. Knowing you’re working with a reliable recycling partner means they work to ensure these materials do not have a chance to enter the environment.

Sustain Limited Resources

The recycling process sees your old hardware disassembled in many cases. This means many of the partners of the equipment can be broken down to its raw state and used again to make new electronics. This minimises the need to mine for said resources and minimises the waste that comes from discarding perfectly usable metals and other materials.

Reutilising Old Resources

Just as mentioned above natural materials are not unlimited in supply. As old computer hardware is recycled, either in part or in full, it allows these resources to remain in use and not end up redundant and wasted. When resources are recycled there is less need for energy and money to be wasted and therefore an improvement in the benefit to the environment once more.

Delivers a Short-Term Capital Boost

Choosing a recycling partner like Buy IT Back means your old computer hardware is recycled for you but it also earns you a cash return. Your recycled goods won’t earn their initial cost but we fully assess your equipment and give you a fair price for its removal and recycling. You can use the capital to reinvest in your business or put it toward your new equipment or software choices.

Enjoy Long-Term Financial Benefit

If you are making the move onto online services such as server and storage space provided by a cloud technology provider then you will reap long term benefits of recycling your old hardware. You can opt for a flexible and scalable online service provider which allows you to enjoy a more cost-effective way of working. You also have the benefit of the additional space on your premises to use in new ways and more effectively for your business.

As a business you have a legal responsibility to ensure your old computer hardware and electronic equipment is disposed of responsibly. Choosing to recycle your old equipment is one of the best ways to do this.

Why you should move to the Cloud

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The whole infrastructure of the modern business has shifted since ‘Cloud’ became the norm but if you’re business has yet to move to Cloud technology for storage, server or other purposes what makes it such a good move? With new technologies, there is always the worry that it is just hype or the latest trend but cloud technology appears to be much more than this and is truly changing the way the world works. Cloud technology and storage options can replace the need for on-site servers and other equipment. Below are four reasons you should consider moving to the Cloud.

Increased User Control and Flexibility

Cloud technologies make it much easier for you to control how the infrastructure of your business works. IT departments no longer need to struggle with server downtime and failures which effect the whole scope of your business if the bulk of it is run off-site on a cloud server or servers.

Scale with Ease

If you need more storage space or a more expansive server with bigger capacity, it can involve significant investment if you’re still running from your own hardware on-site. With the Cloud everything is scalable and with the simple click of a button or calling your provider you can have your storage capacity or server expanded to meet the needs of your business as it grows. This also works the other way should you need to scale back.

Be Ahead of the Curve on New Trends

Trends such as Big Data, Mobile Services and other new technological developments have only been possible because of the Cloud. It is much harder to implement something such as Big Data without the Cloud in place. You can experiment with new technologies easily and cheaply using the cloud whereas it may require a full infrastructure replacement if you use on-site hardware.

Make Money back on your Old Equipment

When you decide it is time to move to the Cloud you can facilitate this move by making sure your old equipment isn’t just thrown away. You have a legal obligation to ensure it is dealt with in a responsible manner but if you choose to recycle it with a reputable company you can also get some cash back. Choosing to partner with a company like us allows us to provide a fair quote for your old hardware and take it away for responsible recycling. You will be paid a quoted amount for your hardware, have the additional space and some extra capital to put towards your new cloud infrastructure.

Contact us today to discuss server recycling, old PC recycling and any other IT equipment no longer in use in your business. We can provide a fair quote, pick up and recycle your equipment ASAP.

What happens to my Old IT Equipment when it’s Recycled?

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As a business owner it is essential that you responsibly recycle your old IT equipment when upgrading or when it no longer works click this over here now. You are bound by both UK and European laws to dispose of your old equipment appropriately but what actually happens when you do this? Working with a reputable IT recycling partner a number means a number of things may happen to your old equipment but in all instances you will receive a fee for your goods, which you can put back into your business.free hosting no ads

When you recycle your old IT equipment you may want to know what happens next and it could be a number of things including:

  • Reselling to new users
  • Breaking it down into parts for full recycling
  • Regenerated to be sold on

In all these instances the equipment is assessed and decisions are made about the best use for it, as some equipment is beyond the point of good use and other types may be too damaged and impossible to be resold or regenerated. IT hardware regeneration is a process where your equipment is brought back up to scratch so it can be sold on to new buyers looking for exactly what you no longer needed.

IT Hardware Regeneration for your Business

IT hardware regeneration is a specialist service offered alongside IT recycling which gives your old equipment a chance to be useful once again for a new company or user. From your perspective you simply hand it over as usual and it is down to your chosen IT recycling partner to decide what to do with the equipment – with your fee remaining the same in every instance.

When hardware can be regenerated then it is fine-tuned and brought back to its best so it can then be resold to companies looking for what you no longer needed. It could be you’ve made the move to the cloud whilst another business is still looking for functional server hardware or it could be you’ve made the switch back from Apple to PC and your old Apple Mac equipment is still in good condition but no use to your business anymore. In all these instances you can pick up some cash back for recycling your equipment, rather than keeping it in storage or doing nothing at all with it. The one thing you can’t do is simply dispose of your old equipment via landfill or regular waste disposal as this is against WEEE regulations.

Buy IT Back specialise in buying old IT equipment and then selling it on, either whole or for parts. We offer IT hardware regeneration services which allow equipment to be reused rather than simply broken up and we can help you handle your old equipment responsibly and in-line with legal guidelines if you simply get in touch today.

Employees the Biggest Threat to Data Security

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The risk of data leaking from the business is one of the biggest fears of many managers and directors buy generic antabuse. Great lengths and protective measures are gone to, to ensure data is protected but a new survey by PHS Data Solutions has shown that the biggest threat to data security, in the case of their study in the public sector, is employees.

The study took on board the opinions of 141 senior public sector managers and related staff and 83% of them stated that employees were the biggest threat to the security of data of all. The study shows how people fear their colleagues more than external hackers and the risks of data security from equipment being incorrectly handled or recycled didn’t seem to factor at all in the results.

A spokesperson for the company who commissioned the survey highlighted the point that ‘internal shredding and storage can increase the risk of records being saved or destroyed incorrectly’ and it is statements like this which add weight to the argument that innovations like cloud computing and off-site data storage solutions are future.

Further than this data security is a key element in the computer recycling business. As the statement above suggests on-site data and hard drive shredding isn’t as safe as using a secure and professional service off-site and therefore opting for a professional is essential. Buy IT Back offers a secure data security and removal service, ensuring all equipment which is given to us for recycling purposes is wiped clean and there is no risk of any data being passed onto future users of the equipment.

Buy IT Back’s data security service involves using the government approved software package Blancco for the removal of all data from hard drives in computers given to us through our recycling service. There is also the further option of hard drive shredding in instances where this is required.

Buy IT Back simply require an asset form for a free evaluation of old equipment and any equipment handed over is done for a fee and then it is recycled or repurposed in a range of different ways. No data will be involved in the recycling or repurposing as it will all be completely cleared to guarantee leaks are removed. The only problem left for businesses then is to decide how their data will be protected in the future and whether a move to the cloud is imminent. Secure information may need to be accessed readily by employees but it should be stored in a way which is unable to be copied, transferred or used in a way which could adversely affect the business.

First Quarter 2014 WEEE Figures looking Promising

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The Environment Agency published new figures on June 5th 2014, highlighting the volume of WEEE collected in the first quarter of 2014. New WEEE regulations were put in place in January and therefore the Environment Agency was keen to see if the changes were effective. Collection levels so far have been described as ‘encouraging’ by those in charge.

The figures published showed the overall WEEE collection from January to April 2014 measured in tonnes moved here. Several industry experts and bodies including the Department for Business Innovation and Skills have made statements claiming the figures are in line with expectations.

Between January and April 2014 112,091 tonnes of all categories of WEEE were collected. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills had a pre-set target of 490,000 tonnes collected in the whole of 2014 which means the first quarter results are slightly below target but spokespeople are upbeat and positive about the results so far.

The 2014 figure is slightly lower than that of the same period in 2013 but this was put down in part to the decline in the amount of equipment being presented for recycling. It’s another case of individuals and companies simply not realising or not following guidelines when it comes to their WEEE disposal. Tonnage decrease has also been put down to the bulkiness of items actually being disposed of with a reduction of desktop PCs and large, heavy display units in use at all and therefore the weight of the items being disposed of naturally falls.

Some critics have stated that the fall can’t be viewed positively but experts are upbeat and the bulkiness of items is being repeatedly stated as key to the change in volume, rather than the fact that less is actually being recycled.

Computer Recycling

Business computer and IT recycling makes up a large proportion of all the WEEE recycling that takes place each year. Businesses who strive to remain within EU WEEE Directive guidelines will ensure their old computers and hardware are disposed of responsibly, so they don’t end up in landfill sites.

Professional WEEE recycling companies play a key role in reaching government targets for recycling levels and as a business, choosing to work with a professional partner with industry knowledge gives you peace of mind and may save money and time in the long run.

As well as PCs and laptops other office hardware can be recycled by professional companies. Many offices may have old printers, scanners, server units and other electrical items which need a new home or can be broken down for parts. Companies like Buy IT Back also ensure businesses are paid for their old equipment so the cost of new equipment isn’t too much of a strain on the company’s bottom line.

Golden Rules of IT Recycling

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There is a huge risk of damaging your company’s reputation if you don’t use the right IT recycling company. The security of your data is integral to the success of your business and the chance of it getting into the wrong hands is one that must be avoided. With the wrong IT recycling company you may find that your data isn’t securely disposed of and who knows where it may lead. Below are three golden rules to keep in mind when choosing your IT recycling company.

1. Get to know them

It is important you get to know your chosen recycling company. The IT recycling London companies and those around the UK have to choose from is extensive so building up a good professional relationship is important. You want to choose a company who have a strong track record and are dedicated to the industry. You also want to be sure they have expertise in data security and use powerful data erasure software. Without these elements you may not be able to trust the company fully and ensure they will be able to handle your old equipment safely and securely.

2. Check out those ‘too good to be trues’

If something sounds too good to be true it nearly always is. Electronic recycling companies are growing in number and many of these companies don’t have the experience necessary to handle business clients. They may also not have the right permits in place to ensure they are going to handle your waste electronics legally within EU WEEE guidelines. Opting for a service because they perhaps were the first who turned up on your doorstep or happen to be closest to your premises is not the wisest decision. Companies like Buy IT Back pay you for the privilege of taking your equipment and do so with a rich history in the sector.

3. Formalise Proceedings

If you want to work with an IT recycling company on a long term basis then make it official. Many companies will be keen to stay as your chosen recycler for the long term and perhaps drawing up a simple contract between your company and the chosen recycler will help the agreement feel more complete. The more formal and professional you keep proceedings the higher the chance that your new business partner will stick to their side of the agreement.

The golden rules of computer recycling should be kept in mind when you’re planning to recycle your old office equipment responsibly. Working with an experienced partner for your IT recycling needs means that you can be safe in the knowledge that it’s being handled properly.

Top Reasons to Recycle your Computer and Hardware Products

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Top Reasons to Recycle your Computer and Hardware ProductsThis article will explore why it is important to recycle your old computers and other associated hardware products found within your business or school instead of just destroying them.  All businesses and educational institutions such as schools and colleges are faced with disposing of redundant hardware as they come to buy newer, modern equipment.  For some businesses this will be the case every few months or every year or two as the technology market constantly changes and they update the systems they have in place.  Considering this, it is important that computer disposal for both businesses and schools is done in an efficient manner so that computers that could be recycled and used by others do not just get sent straight to landfill where the effects on the environment can be tremendous.  At Buy IT Back we are passionate about computer recycling and this article aims to provide you with a good understand of why your business or school should take computer recycling seriously.

1. Millions and millions of computers and related products end up in landfills each year.  Considering the size of computers, printers, scanners and so on this is causing a significant impact on the volume of waste in landfills across the world.  Even more shocking is that 99% of any computer product can be recycled!

2. Personal computers that are no longer in use are classed by the Environmental Protection Agency in the UK as hazardous waste – meaning that computer disposal should be done properly following strict guidelines.  In this case computer recycling can be seen as an easier option for both businesses and schools.

3. As both the internal and external materials used in computers can be reused to build future electronics, recycling can result in lower prices for new computers.  As well as this reusing these materials means we are helping the environment by reducing the need to mine for new materials thus saving out natural resources.

4. Computers contain metal components that are all recyclable, so even if these metals are not used in the manufacturing of new computers they can be put to vital use in the production of many other products.

5. Computers are taken for granted by millions of individuals and businesses particularly in the UK.  However there are many organisations out there that do not have a few hundred pounds to spend on a new computer and would greatly welcome an older model.  Donating an old but working computer and any other associated products to an organisation such as a charity could mean that they can greatly increase the productivity!

6. Glass and plastic that are found in computer monitors are materials that do not biodegrade – therefore if they are sent to landfill they could be lying there for many, many years.  However, these materials are very easy to recycle – thinking about the environment is the key message here!

7. Computers and other hardware products can actually pose a great health hazard when dumped in landfills.  Some of the internal parts within computers use substances such as lead, mercury and lithium that are poisonous to plants, animals and humans.  These substances can easily leak into the soil found in landfills which can lead to groundwater contamination.

8. Burning computers is another dangerous way to destroy computers.  When they are set alight toxins are released in to the air and can be present for a good number of days where in the mean time people breath these poisonous elements in.

9. Computer recycling lessens the pollution effects on the environment and as well as this recycling results in less energy consumption.

10. Correct computer disposal carried out by a professional company such as Buy IT Back ensures that any privacy and security issues are well taken care of.  Clearing hard drives to prevent private information being shared should be a key concern for all businesses and this process should be left to professionals.

11. Companies should think about job creation – computer recycling provides the opportunity to create environmental jobs in the recycling of computer products and the reuse of recycled materials in the production of new products.

12. Obviously there are also now legal requirements in place for businesses to follow and strict guidelines must be adhered to – computer recycling provides a viable option to stay within the regulations put in place by the EU’s Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

13. Responsible computer disposal is also now proving popular with more and more businesses and so including how you will safely dispose of unused hardware should be an essential element of your IT strategy.

14. By actively promoting computer recycling you can enhance your corporate social responsibility profile to both customers and other stakeholders.

15. Everyone needs to do more to help our environment and local communities and computer recycling is just one of many ways that your business or school can be seen to be doing good.

16. As technology enhances daily, E-waste is only going to become more of a problem and so getting on top of the issue now is vital for sustainable business to be achieveable.

If your business needs help and advice with your computer recycling requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01621 786 860.

Providing IT Hardware, Data Security, Recycling & Residual Value Solutions For Over 30 Years Since 1992