With the adoption of the WEEE directives by the EU, the disposal
of redundant IT and computer equipment has become an issue for
all businesses in the UK.
The list of equipment (computer disposal / recycling is only one
area) that must be properly disposed of is quite extensive and
thus, as with many other areas of business, it is best to get an
expert agency to assist and ensure compliance with the WEEE
directive and the Data Protection Act. When disposing of old
computers care has to be taken with consideration to the
destruction of the data drive in the computer, the Data
Protection Act requiring that "Due Care" is taken to ensure that
the process of "computer hard drive destruction" is fully and
correctly carried out. This is to ensure that no personal data
is ever obtainable from old computers.
Studies have shown that at the moment over half of the computers
that are recycled have data on their hard drives, data that
could be extracted, and this is in contravention of the Data
Protection Act and leaves the previous owners of the machine
open to prosecution and fines.
One good effect of this new legislation is that it means that
more attention is now being given to practical uses for old
computers, which in turn means that some third world countries
are now benefiting from the use of these old computers. In these
instances the disposal of old computers has led to benefits to
more than the environment, which was of course the reason for
the WEEE directive. These remanufactured computers offer a way
into relatively new technology for people and organisation's
that would otherwise not be able to afford even this basic entry
level of computing, and thus makes this the best of ways to
dispose of your old computers.
Thus in many cases your old computer can be put to good use,
perhaps being refurbished for use in the UK or in a third world
country. Whatever the fate of your computer you can be sure that
the environment (and your business) will be benefit.
So if you want to do your bit for the environment, contact an
agency like RecycleIT4u. Their computer recycling procedures
will fully protect your business as far as the Data Protection
Act is concerned (they always ensure that all data is removed
from all machines where they are to be recycled) and if your
computer or electronics equipment is not suitable for re-use,
they we will ensure that all the computers components are broken
down and the precious metals reused (or in the case of toxic
waste) disposed of safely and efficiently.
For more info visit
www.recycleit4u.co.uk
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