At WEEE Technology we offer a variety of services when it comes to your IT assets. One of these is IT asset disposal (often shortened to ITAD); here we explain how this differs from IT asset remarketing or resale.

IT Asset Disposal and Disposition

This is what happens when you want to get rid of an IT asset – whether it’s a PC, laptop, tablet or mobile – because it has reached the end of its useful life. This doesn’t just mean the physical components of any electronic device, but the data which is stored on it.

IT asset disposal isn’t quite the same thing as IT asset disposition; the dictionary definition of the latter means ‘to give up ownership’ or ‘to change ownership’. So, IT asset disposition means the device be reused, reconfigured, sold on to someone else (either the whole device or some of its constituent parts).

Disposal Doesn’t Always Mean Landfill

At WEEEE Technology, even ‘disposal’ doesn’t necessarily mean that an electronic device won’t be reused in some form. We are a licensed computer disposal company based in London and work with an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) where the e-waste can be processed and broken down. More than 90% of the electronic equipment which is sent to the AATF can be processed.

After the processing has taken place, the individual materials can be crushed and sold by the tonne to manufacturing industries and the energy sector, who can separate out the raw materials so new goods can be produced. Items which come to us are only sent to landfill sites as a last resort.

IT Asset Resale

If your IT equipment is still usable and not obsolete, it may be viable to resell them. At WEEE Technology have a number of contacts within the IT industry who specialise in buying specific and well-known brands such as Cisco, Dell, HP and IBM. This means we can secure surprisingly high prices for the client whenever the equipment is resold – we offer a financial rebate for clients, which can sometimes exceed the cost of the decommissioning process.

And Disposal Means the Data as Well

While the physical elements of any device don’t always need to be destroyed, the data and information which is stored on it can be. The General Data Protection Regulations mean that customers now have rights over the way their personal information is handled or disposed of – and there can be severe penalties for businesses and organisations who don’t comply with the law and let any data fall into the wrong hands.

At WEEE Technology, we offer data erasure and destruction services from our base in central London. We securely wipe data by overwriting the hard drives. We then produce a full asset report, which includes erasure certificates for every drive.

All drives that fail to data wipe will be securely destroyed and recycled with disposal reports issued accordingly. Again, we provide clients a Certificate of Destruction, detailing the serial number of every hard disk we destroy.

WEEE Technology – a Computer Disposal Company Based in London

If you would like to know more about our IT asset disposal or resale, then you can call us on 020 7859 4669. If you would like a quick quote, follow this link and fill in the online form (including one of the two boxes relating to either disposal or resale).

One of the biggest expenses for businesses are their IT assets; and, like many other elements on a company’s balance sheet, they need replacing on a regular basis. Here WEEE Technology, who provide corporate computer recycling services in London, highlight some of the key ways to make sure you and your company gets the most out of your laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, and how we can help if you need to ‘retire’ any of your equipment.

Clean it Regularly

Everyday debris like dust and grime will accumulate over time, particularly in the cracks of a keyboard. For that reason, try to discourage staff from eating and drinking at their desks. Drink spillages can cause more serious damage, particularly to internal components.

Make sure you use cleaners (particularly screen cleaners) recommended by the equipment manufacturer rather than a ‘make-do’ solution. Some devices have removable panels, which make it easier to get at internal grime, although of you do take it off make sure you don’t damage any internal components.

Cleaning is not something to do ‘once in a while’; make staff set aside a regular time each day or week as ‘cleaning time’.

Keep it Cool

As soon you turn a device on, it starts to heat up. When you start using it, its internal temperature rises. And if you put a lot of demands on it such as using lots of complicated apps or software programs, it has to work even harder.

So don’t add to the device’s problems by leaving it, or working with it, in direct sunlight. Adding a desktop fan or laptop cooling pad will help your device to stay cooler and run faster.

Handle it With Care

With the drive towards smaller and more mobile devices (laptops and tablets rather than PCs) the increased portability brings greater risks. Put simply, the more you move it, the more chance there is of the device being accidentally damaged. Make sure it is carried in a protective case wherever possible, particularly if it’s being moved some distance (for instance from one office to another).

Also, don’t grasp any electronic device by the screen, because this is usually one of its most vulnerable parts; buy a protective cover to be on the safe side.

Be Wary of Standby and Surges

It’s tempting to leave devices on standby at the end of the working day. However, this won’t cool it down much and it will continue to use electricity, which, given the current rising prices, is something all businesses should be avoiding. All devices should be properly switched off. This will also protect them from power outages which can damage any unit, although surge protectors are also available.

Download Upgrades

Most devices come with software updates which are downloaded automatically, but it never hurts to check that the update has been completed successfully. Also, make sure you have an antivirus program installed on all your company devices. Many of these are automatic, but make sure staff keep an eye on it and check it’s been running properly. You can also run software that ‘cleans up’ existing files and removes unnecessary ones. All of these should ensure you get more working life out of your devices.

Talk to WEEE Technology – Corporate Computer Recycling Specialists in London

Even if you and your staff look after your IT equipment, there will inevitably come a time when it needs to be replaced, either because it has reached the end of its useful life or there is a newer model on the market that suits your requirements better.

If you need to ‘retire’ any IT assets that are not yet at the end of their useful life, we can help. At WEEE Technology we always look to refurbish or recycle electrical items rather than send them to landfill.

And, as part of our data erasure and destruction services in and around London, we’ll make sure there’s no unwanted information left on them either. You may also be entitled to a rebate when the value of the IT equipment exceeds the cost of our services.

We also offer competitive prices for laptops, desktops, servers and screens from many of the major brands including Dell, HP and Cisco.

For more details, follow this link or call us on 020 7859 4669.

The recent news that more than five billion mobile phones across the world will simply be thrown away this year has brought the issue of electronic waste back into sharper focus. Here WEEE Technology, a leading computer recycling business based in central London, look at the latest figures, and how we are doing something about it.

The Facts and Figures

The 5.3 billion figure that has been hitting the headlines is the result of research done by the International Waste Electrical and Electronic Forum. In total, there are thought to be around 16 billion mobile phones in the world, with around a third of these no longer in use.

It’s not just mobiles that are the problem. There’s a ‘mountain’ of washing machines, toasters, computers, tablets and GPS-capable devices that all have a fairly limited shelf life and could all end up in landfill.

Last year the Forum estimated that the amount of e-waste discarded globally was more than 57 million tonnes. This is heavier than the entire length of the Great Wall of China. E-waste is expected to become an even bigger problem in the future with the Forum estimating that the figure could rise to 74 million tonnes by 2030.

Why It’s a Problem

The problem is that electronic devices all contain precious metals which have to be mined. Examples of these include copper for wires and cobalt for rechargeable batteries.

Every time these are not recycled, more of the mineral has to be mined from the Earth’s scarce resources - some of which are fast running out, according to scientists.

There’s also the issue of the global supply chains, which have been disrupted by the conflict in Ukraine. This has particularly affected the price of lithium, another key ingredient in modern batteries.

A Nationwide Campaign

The Royal Society of Chemistry, which previously highlighted how many old devices were simply languishing in drawers, has launched a new campaign. They are saying that rather than mining this waste, we should be looking to reuse this vast untapped resource of existing electronic devices and look to recycle and reuse these instead.

"Our tech consumption habits remain highly unsustainable and have left us at risk of exhausting the raw elements we need," said Professor Tom Welton, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry, adding that those habits were "continuing to exacerbate environmental damage".

Why You Should be Using WEEE Technology

One way of minimising the amount of e-waste is by using WEEE Technology, whenever you or your business has some high-tech items such as PCs or tablets which you no longer need. We operate under the hierarchical model of disposing of e-waste, which has five main principles, in line with the UK’s WEEE Directive - Prevention, Re-use, Recycle, Recovery and Disposal.

This means we try to reduce the amount of e-waste in the first place (prevention), which can be challenging and difficult to achieve. We always try to reuse items, or recycle or recover individual elements.

We also work with an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF), where the e-waste is processed and broken down. Over 90% of the equipment sent to the treatment facility can be processed.

After the AATF processes, the individual materials can then be crushed together and sold by the tonne to energy and manufacturing industries, who separate and recover the raw materials to reproduce new goods. Sending items to the landfill (disposal) is always a last resort.

For more details on how we apply the hierarchical model, follow this link.  

WEEE Technology – a Leading Computer Recycling Business in Central London

At WEEE Technology, as well as our computer recycling business, we also offer a number of other services. These include data erasure and destruction services, plus IT recycling and audits, all from our London base.

If you would like to know more, call us on 020 7859 4669. You can also email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Demand for solar panels has been soaring over the past few years and months, as many householders are faced with the prospect of spiralling energy bills. Around a million homes in the UK have had panels installed, and the Government’s official website says that inquiries about these ‘green’ systems has increased by 45% over the last three years.

Here WEEE Technology, who provide IT disposal services in central London, look at how the panels work, their pros and cons – and how, ultimately, they can help you reduce your bills and carbon footprint, just as we do for many businesses that generate electronic waste.

How They Work

Solar panels, which are normally placed on a south-facing roof in the UK, absorb sunlight through photovoltaic cells. These panels generate direct current (DC) energy, which is converted into usable alternating current (AC) with the help of inverter technology. AC is what most household appliances run on.

The electricity from solar panels can be used to power your appliances, and any excess electricity can be sold back to the national grid.  

The Advantages

They Cut Your Bills - Sunlight is free, so you aren’t paying anyone else to generate it. With today’s spiralling energy prices, any investment in solar should have more than paid for itself in just a few years.

Selling the Excess  - According to the Energy Saving Trust, householders with solar panels typically use between 15-25% of the electricity they generate, although this will vary according to whether you work from home, how many people are in the house, what the heating system is, etc. You can also get paid extra for the excess electricity you generate – originally this was a Feed-In Tariff, which has now been replaced by something known as the Smart Export Guarantee.

Low Maintenance Costs – There are no moving parts so they only need to be cleaned a couple of times a year, and most manufacturers offer a 20-25 year warranty.

Home Resale Value – Your home could be much more attractive to any would-be buyers if they see panels on the roof – adding around 4% to the asking price, according to some estimates.

Good for Business – Companies with strong green credentials not only benefit from lower energy bills, they can also attract customers and staff (and customers) who share the same values.

The Disadvantages

The Initial Cost – Although the UK government has announced that VAT won’t be charged on panels until 2027 at the earliest, you will still have to find a lot of money to have a set installed in the first place. The Energy Saving Trust reckons the average three-bedroomed house will need a system that costs around £5,000.

Lack of Light – The systems are not as efficient on cloudy or rainy days, and they won’t work at all at night, which will affect how much electricity you can generate.

Lack of Feasibility – Some systems, in order to work effectively, need to have a lot of panels, and some roofs won’t be big enough. You may also need planning permission, which, even if it is granted, will still mean paying an application fee. This particularly applies to Listed Buildings, homes in Conservation Areas or flat-roofed properties.

What Investing in Solar Means for You and the Environment

Provided you have enough cash in reserve, solar panels should save you money, as well as cut your carbon footprint. You could reduce your carbon emissions by more than a tonne a year, depending on where you live in the UK.

This is because it’s an entirely natural resource that doesn’t involve any fossil fuels, and there’s no combustion (and very few emissions) involved in the electricity generation. This means you are doing your bit to help the UK work towards its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

IT Disposal Services in Central London from WEEE Technology

WEEE Technology helps businesses and households cut their carbon emissions in a similar way. This is because we follow the e-waste hierarchical model of reusing and recycling electronic products wherever possible. (for more details, follow this link).

Sending items to landfill is always a last resort. In thesesites, toxic chemicals (not necessarily just carbon) can be released from high-tech equipment which are harmful to human health and the environment.

And remember, every time we recycle or reuse something, we effectively ensure that new items don’t need to be manufactured as much or as often, which also cuts down carbon emissions.

If you would like to know more about any of our services, which also include corporate IT data erasure in London, as well as hard drive destruction and school data erasure in and around the capital, then call us today on 020 7859 4669.

One of the key drivers in the Government’s bid to reach net zero carbon emissions is to encourage the use of more sustainable energy sources, such as heat pumps. This will wean us off our reliance on oil, gas and other fossil fuels, which account for a large percentage of the whole country’s carbon footprint.

WEEE Technology specialise in laptop recycling and other related services in the London area, and we take a keen interest in all green issues and initiatives. Here are the principal pros and cons of purchasing a heat pump.

The Pros

Financial Incentives – The Government is encouraging householders to have these installed, as home heating is responsible for around 15% of the UK’s carbon emissions. Grants of up to £5,000 per household are available to anyone who wants to replace their fossil fuel boiler with either a ground or air source heat pump. Ground source pumps transfer heat from the ground outside into a home or business, while their air source counterparts, an example of which is pictured above, do the same from the air; in both cases they provide enough energy to operate a heating and hot water system.

Lower Maintenance Costs – Compared to systems which operate on oil and gas, heat pumps – and particularly air source ones – require comparatively little maintenance. An annual service shouldn’t cost more than £150, according to industry experts. This is because they have fewer mechanical parts, reducing the need for repairs and replacement.

The Overall Efficiency – A modern gas boiler is around 90% efficient, which means that around a tenth of the energy it uses is not converted into heat (it’s usually lost through the flue pipe). Heat pumps, in contrast, have efficiency ratings of between 300-400%. This means that for every 1kWh of electricity used, it will generate three to four times as much more heat.

The Running Costs – Due to their overall efficiency, you shouldn’t need to use as much electricity to keep your home or business heated to the same level. Even before the recent rises in the price of energy, analysis from the Regulatory Assistance Project suggested that the annual heating bill for a household with a typical gas boiler would be just short of £1,000, while an efficient heat pump should cost just under £750 a year to run. That also assumes that the property is well insulated.

Better Safety – As there is no combustion involved in the process of transferring heat from either the air or the ground into your home’s hot water system, there is a much lower risk of fire or explosions.

The Cons

The Installation Costs – New gas boilers typically cost around £1,500 to £3,000 to install. Air source heat pumps, in contrast, cost around £8,000-£15,000, while their ground source equivalents are even more expensive – between £18,000-£25,000. This is because of the additional pipework involved, which also means the installation time is a lot longer (potentially between four to six weeks). So you will need to budget for this – the current Government grant won’t usually cover the installation cost.

Problems with the Location – Ideally, air source heat pumps should be located at ground level at the back of a property to ensure easy access for servicing. This may not be easy, particularly in multi-storey inner-city areas. Ground source pumps need around 700 square metres of space for all the piping, so you will need a garden (and one of a reasonable size).

They Aren’t Entirely Carbon-Neutral – Both air and ground source pumps still need electricity to operate, which may also have financial implications in these days of fluctuating prices.

Laptop Recycling in London from WEEE Technology

Whatever the pros and cons, you can be sure that by opting for this power source you will be reducing your carbon footprint – just as WEEE Technology is helping the electronics industry to do.

We always try to reuse or recycle any item of electronic waste and sending unwanted items to landfill is very much a last resort. Our services also include secure data destruction to businesses in and around London, so we can also help if you want to comply with your GDPR responsibilities but don’t necessarily need to get rid of the electronic item in question.

If you would like to know any more about WEEE Technology and our services, you can call us on 020 7859 4669.

The Government has announced several key policies aimed at ensuring the country reaches its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – and slowing down climate change as a result. Here WEEE Technology, who offer IT asset disposition in London and further afield, look at some of the major recent policy announcements which will affect our everyday lives – if they haven’t done so already.

Smart Meters

Although these don’t directly lead to a reduction in the UK’s carbon emissions, they do make consumers (in both commercial and domestic premises) more aware of the cost of their gas and electricity use. The meters, which do away with the need for manual readings, automatically record all consumption and give consumers a good idea of what devices are the biggest users of fuel and power. They can also serve to highlight homes (or parts of homes) that aren’t energy efficient and to encourage people to use energy at off-peak times. Put simply, the less energy we use, the more we reduce our carbon emissions.

At the end of June 2021, there were more than 25 million smart meters in homes, small business and parts of the public sector, and both the Government and the energy supply companies have ongoing installation targets which vary from year to year.

Heat Pumps

Gas boilers account for around of fifth of all the UK’s carbon emissions, so the Government has decided that no new gas boilers will be sold after 2035. Instead, the Government is encouraging more people to use renewable energy sources, like heat pumps. The pumps are low-carbon systems which rely on the transfer of thermal energy from the ground or the air into people’s homes.

In a recent Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced that homeowners would be able to apply for a £5,000 grant to replace their boiler with a heat pump. This should cover between half and three-quarters of the installation cost. 

Other Sources of Heat and Power

Solar panels – although there aren’t as many incentives for householders to have these installed, it is still an eco-friendly way of generating electricity. There is no internal combustion involved and the panels use the power of the sun, a natural resource.   

The Green Deal (where people who had the panels installed on their roofs could apply for grants and loans) came to an end in 2015 and the Feed In Tariff (where households were paid for generating any electricity which they didn’t use themselves) was terminated in 2019. These have both been discontinued as installation costs have come down considerably.  However, there is now a Smart Export Guarantee in operation, where energy suppliers pay homeowners for any unused solar-generated electricity.

Wood burning stoves – these have not been banned, but the Government has acted to discourage their use. By next year, the sale of coal and wet wood as fuel will be banned and ‘cleaner’ alternatives such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels will be promoted instead. 

Car Sales

No new petrol and diesel cars can be sold in the UK after 2030, and no new hybrids (which combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor) after 2035. You will still be allowed to own and drive these types of vehicles after the cut-off dates.

It’s been estimated that if all cars in the UK were electric the country’s carbon emissions would fall by around 12%. This is not just because of the exhaust emissions, but because of other factors too – with petrol and diesel vehicles, oil has to be drilled for, refined and then  shipped here, all of which adds to the our nation’s carbon footprint.

Electronic Waste

Failure to recycle electronic waste (e-waste) means that the precious raw materials in tech products can’t be reused – which means more primary raw materials need to be extracted and refined, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

The UK is one of Europe’s biggest offenders when it comes to e-waste, so last year the Government introduced the ‘right to repair’, which means that manufacturers of ‘white goods’ such as fridges and washing machines must make spare parts available for repairs for between seven and 10 years after an appliance is no longer manufactured.

In addition, the WEEE Directive (the Waste and Electronic Equipment Directive) places the onus on firms which manufacture, sell or regularly dispose of high-tech electrical equipment to do so responsibly – and, although this was originally EU legislation, it still applies in the UK following our exit from the European Union.

IT Asset Disposition in London from WEEE Technology

At WEEE Technology, we can help firms which handle e-waste to comply with all the requirements of the Directive. We use a Hierarchy model, with five stages - Prevention, Re-use, Recycle, Recovery and Disposal. Every attempt is made to prolong the lives of electronic devices, whether by reusing or recycling them (or at least some of their constituent parts). Disposal, where the items are sent to landfill, is a last resort.

If you would like to know any more about WEEE Technology and our commitment to the WEEE Directive, follow this link. You can also call us on 020 7859 4669 if you’d like to know more about our services.

The Government has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, with hybrids – part-electric and part petrol or diesel vehicles – following suit five years later. So, is now the right time to consider going all-electric?

WEEE Technology are a leading computer disposal company based in central London. Here we look at some of the key factors to consider if you are thinking of making the switch.

The Mileage

If you have a short commute then an electric vehicle (EV) may be ideal; but if it’s longer, or you need to make business trips to another part of the UK, then it’s less clear-cut. The average range of all electric cars is around 190 miles; more expensive models such as Teslas, Porsches, Audis, Mercedes and Jaguars will do more miles on the road than the average electric hatchback.

And would-be purchasers should bear in mind – because EVs are around 20% less efficient in colder conditions – that their range decreases in winter or when the temperature is below 4°C. All of this means plenty of trips to the nearest charging point.

The Availability of Charging Points

While increasing numbers of charging points are being made available, it’s still not straightforward. At home, ideally you need to have your own driveway or garage to charge your car.

For maximum flexibility, you may also need access to a charging point at work – so ask what your employer intends to do if there isn’t one. Ideally you also need to live in an area with as many public access points as possible.

And the charging infrastructure in the UK is all privately run and owned, and overall provision can be very hit and miss. So do plenty of research into local charging points before you make the commitment to buy an EV.

The Financial Implications

Car insurance groups are based partly on the cost of the vehicle, so the high purchase price of EVs (compared to some petrol-engined models), and the potentially higher cost of replacement parts, mean premiums are likely to be higher.

However, EV services should be cheaper than a petrol-engined vehicle because it has fewer mechanical parts to replace.

And, of course, there’s the cost of ‘fuel’. At the moment a typical electric car, with a 60kWh battery and a 200 mile-range, costs around £15 to fully charge at home (public points are generally more expensive). Given the price at the pumps at the moment, this represents a big saving.

The Government Incentives

The Government is currently offering EV chargepoint grants; these cover three-quarters of the installation cost at domestic properties in the UK, although this does not include bungalows, detached, semi-detached and terraced housing.

And businesses can claim 100% of the cost of an electric vehicle against the profits of the year of purchase and there are no restrictions on the value of the vehicle. This initiative has been running for just over two years.

In London there is another financial incentive – electric vehicles are exemption from ULEZ and congestion charges. However, it’s difficult to predict whether these incentives will become more or less generous the closer we get to 2030.

Ultimately, They Are Better for the Planet

EVs emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. They don’t have a tailpipe, and so don’t produce any carbon dioxide emissions when being driven. EVs are much quieter, too – in fact, for road safety reasons, they are now required by law to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System to emit a sound when reversing or travelling below 12mph to warn other road users of their presence.

WEEE Technology – A Computer Disposal Company in Central London

As things stand you will have to buy an EV at some point over the next few years, and they are an essential tool in driving down the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. At WEEE Technology we are also doing our bit to help the Government achieve its net zero target with our ethical and responsible recycling of electronic waste.

We always try to repair and refurbish old products and, if this is not possible, we aim to harvest the raw materials for reuse rather then send them to a landfill site. If you would like to know more about any of our services, then call us on 020 7859 4669, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Role We Play  

Whenever an enterprise-scale business retires its network infrastructure, or a managed service business retires its Client Network infrastructure, a number of decisions have to be made and priorities decided on.

Typically, anyone involved in the process – whether it’s network infrastructure or data centre managers, managed services companies, system integrators, IT managers or directors, chief technology or information officers – is looking for three things:

• An ITAD (IT Asset Disposal firm) to decommission and remove the kit from the data centre
• All the data to be securely wiped and a full asset report to be produced, including erasure certificates for every drive. All drives that fail to data wipe will be securely destroyed and recycled with disposal reports issued accordingly
• A financial rebate for the resale of the equipment.

WEEE Technology’s Excellent Track Record

WEEE Technology have successfully carried out data centre decommissioning projects for a number of corporate clients in London and further afield, with extremely high levels of success. We often secure excellent returns which enable their clients to complete their projects smoothly and efficiently – and with money in their pocket as well.

We will appoint a dedicated account team and project to manage everything from start to finish. Clients will work with a single point of contact throughout the whole project who coordinate, manage and deliver all aspects of the process.

Our expert knowledge of IT infrastructure means we work closely with buyers who specialise in specific and well-known brands such as Dell, Cisco, Nettap, HP and IBM. This means we can secure surprisingly high prices for the client whenever the equipment is resold.

What Are the Benefits of Using WEEE Technology?

Typically, clients who use us will benefit from:

• Saving time which would otherwise be spent in dealing with multiple companies and contractors
• All the work being carried out by qualified and certified ITADs to the highest of standards
• A chain of custody maintained from start to finish
• Qualified infrastructure experts using the latest industry leading hardware and software to carry out data erasure and data sanitisation, delivered through comprehensive reports
• Expert hardware brokers working smartly with hand-picked buyers to deliver the best financial return for redundant equipment. Clients often see five- and even six-figure returns over and above all costs.

Data Centre Decommissioning in London from WEEE Technology

Make sure you unlock the full value of your infrastructure. Call us on 020 7859 4669 or email John Michael at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your requirements.

Increasing numbers of employees are now working from home, thanks to the hi-tech advances which make this more feasible, the restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic and workers’ preferences for a better work/life balance.

However, this presents a number of challenges for data erasure specialists such as London-based WEEE Technology, as most of the computers and devices are no longer in one central office location. Here we outline the advantages of remote data erasure and its on-site counterpart – and how we can help, whichever method you prefer.

Why Remote?

Data still needs to be erased or destroyed – either to create space on a server, or to get rid of out-of-date information, or to repurpose equipment. For example, when an employee leaves a company, their device needs to be made ready for their replacement.

Upgrades of equipment still need to take place, and older devices will still need replacing as they become out-of-date and less efficient. However, companies’ IT departments, and data destruction specialists, no longer have as much direct access to all the laptops, PCs, tablets and other devices which previously were all in one central location – the office.

Having data destruction specialists like ourselves travel to lots of different locations - employees’ homes - to sanitise, destroy or erase data is an inefficient and time-consuming way of operating. It’s much more convenient to do it remotely.

Also, there may be security issues if employees bring their devices in to the office for the data to be destroyed or erased – and the penalties for non-compliance with data destruction regulations can be severe.

Why On-Site?

On-site date destruction is a much less complicated process than doing it remotely – the assets never leave the business’s possession, and again it’s much less time-consuming than travelling to employees’ homes. There is also no risk of accidents en route.

Security can be much tighter was well; the entire process can be witnessed by the data erasure specialists as well as the company who own the technology – who have the added peace of mind in seeing the whole process unfold before their eyes. You are putting everything in the hands of the professionals like ourselves who know all about the latest regulations

There may also be technical limits as to what information can be sanitised, erased or destroyed remotely as well.  

Secure Data Erasure in London from WEEE Technology

So there are advantages to both – and WEEE Technology can offer secure data erasure in remote and on-site locations in London and further afield. We can collect all your business’s IT equipment, securely wiping data and providing certificates to show this has been done.

We are partners with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive. We use their software for our secure data erasure for our clients in London and elsewhere, and we also sell this software on to prospective customers who want to erase their own data.

Our team of experienced technicians are equally adept in using Microsoft, Xisco and Dell hardware and software so we can create a secure erasure environment and wipe any data remotely and securely wherever the devices are kept

We can also offer a range of other services, including data and hard drive destruction, and business computer recycling, all centred in and around our London headquarters. If you would like to know more about any of our services, follow this link and fill in the online form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

The world has become increasingly dependent on technology, a situation which has led to the creation of a lot of digital data. Ensuring that data destruction is carried out to the highest standards is essential for anyone who is responsible for its retention and use. Here WEEE Technology, who provide secure data destruction services for organisations in London and further afield, identify three specific areas where the protection and destruction of personal details is particularly important.

In Offices and Businesses

Many businesses are downsizing their offices and disposing of a lot of IT equipment which may store the company’s private data. Unfortunately, the past few months have seen a lot of companies go out of business altogether. In cases such as these, liquidators, administrators or management accountants have to ensure that the electronic devices, and the data they contain, are disposed of correctly.

This means recycling the electronic equipment wherever possible and ensuring that the data they contain is completely destroyed. As specialists in corporate computer disposal in London, WEEE Technology can help firms and financial experts based in the capital meet all their legal obligations in this area.

Businesses are particularly vulnerable to data theft, sometimes from unscrupulous rivals and sometimes by opportunistic thieves, who, if a company is relocating, loiter nearby on moving day hoping to steal electronic equipment.  

Some companies also receive requests to destroy data if a former employee wants to be ‘forgotten’, such as in the case of redundancy. If your business hasn’t disposed of its data properly or securely, not only could you be fined under the GDPR regulations, but there is a risk of reputational damage.  Customers are likely to vote with their feet and take their custom elsewhere if they know a business has been fined for data breaches.

In Hospitals and Healthcare

Data breaches where personal health information has been ‘stolen’ can be more difficult to spot than those involving credit card or bank details.  In financial cases, the victim can usually spot rogue transactions on their bank accounts. However, in healthcare-related fraud in ‘victim’ may not even be aware that someone is using their past medical history. The most common use of stolen health records is to create false identities for criminal activities, such as illegally acquiring prescriptions and medicines to sell or send abroad.

The bulk of a person’s health data is extremely sensitive and not something they would want out in the public domain. In the case of private hospitals, where people pay for healthcare, the data may also include credit card details. However, requests to destroy data under the Right to be Forgotten are less frequent within the health sector, as it’s usually in the patient’s interests for all health conditions to be kept and shared by hospitals and GP practices.  

In Schools

Schools and colleges hold a lot of personal information, and not just relating to pupils and staff. They handle what is known as ‘special category data’, which details pupil information such as names, addresses, ethnicity, race, medical issues and pictures. In the case of teachers and support staff, they may hold financial information relating to bank accounts which also need to be protected.

However, schools have a legal obligation to delete any information which is out of date or no longer needed. Failure to do so is a breach of the GDPR regulations. Each school or college should have their own ‘Disposal of Records Schedule’ which stipulates how long information should be kept for. Pupils and parents not only have the right to know what information is being kept on them, but also the right to be forgotten. Therefore, data may have to be destroyed if a formal request is made. For more details check out our blog on data destruction in schools.

Secure Data Destruction in London from WEEE Technology

WEEE Technology can collect all your business’s IT equipment, securely wiping data and providing certificates to show this has been done. Our partners are Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive. We use their software for our secure data destruction for our clients in London and elsewhere, and we also sell this software on to prospective customers who want to erase their own data.

WEEE Tech can also destroy hard drives into smaller pieces, which are ready for recycling. At every stage of the process the equipment is kept secure and there is a verifiable chain of custody. If you would like to know more, follow this link or call us on 020 7859 4669.

The amount of waste generated by electrical and electronic equipment has been one of the biggest issues facing the world in recent years. WEEE Technology, who specialise in corporate computer recycling in Central London and further afield, look at what the future is likely to hold when it comes to e-waste trends in the UK.

The Latest Facts and Figures

The UK Government has provided annual figures on the amount of electronic waste which has been collected in the UK for every year since 2007. In 2020, just over six million tonnes (6,286,016 tonnes, to be exact) of electrical waste was collected. This represented a drop of almost three million tonnes on the 2019 figure.

However, it is unclear whether this decrease is a reflection of the amount of waste which is being generated or the figure has been distorted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has made the physical collection and recording processes much more difficult. The fourth-quarter waste figures for 2020, for instance, were only added in March this year.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is predicting a 1% increase in the amount of WEEE collected over the course of 2021 – but this is based on figures over a five-year period, rather than just based on the 2020 total.

The Changing Working Patterns

However, it is possible to be confident that the months ahead will see an upsurge in the amount of electronic waste which is being collected and recycled. One of the principal reasons for this is the huge increase in the number of people working from home.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020 more than one in three people (35.9%) worked at home for at least part of their working week. This represented a rise of almost 10% on 2019. Other surveys suggest this trend is likely to continue; Daisy Corporate Services polled 350 businesses in November and December last year, and 85% of those taking part thought at least half their employees would continue working from home over the next 12 months.

Employees also appear to be happy to continue this trend. In a survey of 5,000 UK working adults in January and February 2021, almost four out of every five (78%) indicated they would like to continue working from home for at least part of the week. (This poll was carried out on behalf of the University of Nottingham and Stanford University by Prolific).

The Ongoing Demand to Dispose of Electronic Waste

There may well be a backlog of electronic waste because it hasn’t been convenient or feasible to collect it with all the latest restrictions. Also, a lot of businesses are considering moving their offices and downsizing, because they don’t want to spend money on space which they won’t need. With many employees working from home more regularly, the demand for large office space has fallen considerably.

A survey by Accumulate Capital of more than 500 UK business leaders in 2020 showed that almost three out of every four (73%) believe increasing numbers of UK companies will downsize over the next 12 months – and more than one in three of those surveyed (37%) will be doing so themselves.

There is also an ongoing demand for new equipment, which may be required to ensure that employees can work remotely. Many existing home computers may need to be upgraded to ensure that they are equipped and capable of running relevant business software.

How WEEE Technology Can Help

With large quantities of electronic equipment likely to end up as waste over the coming months, WEEE Technology is well placed to play its part in ensuring everything is disposed of legally and ethically.

We can collect all your business’s IT equipment, securely wiping data and providing certificates to show this has been done. We are partnered with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive. We use their software for our secure data erasure for our clients in London and elsewhere, and we also sell this software on to prospective customers who want to erase their own data.

Sending items to landfill is always a last resort, so we often sell computers on, sharing the profits with the original customers. Anything that is not resold is either dismantled and sold to precious metal refiners, scrap plastic or metal merchants, or other companies who specialise in dealing with e-waste.

Corporate Computer Disposal from WEEE Technology

If you would like to know more about any of our corporate computer disposal services in and around central London, you can complete our online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

Lockdown has had a major effect on our demand for electronic devices, and not in a good way. More than 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is generated across the world every year, and the United Nations predicts this figure will more than double over the next 30 years.

Here WEEE Technology, specialists in corporate computer disposal in London, look at why this figure is increasing so much – and what businesses and individuals should be doing about it.

The Drive Away from Offices and Into Homeworking

Even after lockdown is over, more than half of all companies who do survive the Covid-19 pandemic plan to cut their working space, according to a survey by networking equipment specialists Cisco. And nine out of every ten employees surveyed said they didn’t plan to return to their office full time, and they would instead be working from home or remotely for at least part of the week.

A recent further study, by business-to-business specialists Coleman Parkes, showed that, out of 600 companies approached, the vast majority had to buy new electronic equipment to accommodate these new working patterns. In terms of quantity, these same businesses purchased almost 100 items each for their staff, in the form or laptops, mobile phones and tablets.

Downsizing and Hot-Desking

A lot of businesses are reducing the size of their offices, and the amount of high-tech equipment they need, because they don’t need so much room. Only this week, banking giant HSBC announced that a lot of its senior staff in London’s Canary Wharf would be losing their personal offices and would have to ‘hot-desk’ on an open-plan main floor. This forms part of a drive to reduce their overall office-space by around 40%.

Some companies won’t be needing their electronic equipment any longer because they haven’t downsized but gone out of business altogether. This isn’t just the major High Street retail names like Debenhams and the Arcadia group, but smaller firms too. The Federation of Small Businesses is warning that around a quarter of a million companies could fail during 2021 without the promise of further financial help from the Government, on top of those which have already failed to survive.

All of this means that a lot of electronic devices – which appear on balance sheets as a company asset – need to be disposed of in a manner that satisfies the e-waste regulators and the company administrators.

What Should We Do About It?

WEEE Technology is well placed to ensure that all this e-waste is disposed of in a legal, ethical and sustainable fashion. We can collect your business’s IT equipment, securely wiping data and providing certificates to show this has been done.

We are partnered with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive. We use their software for our secure data erasure, and we also sell this software on to prospective customers who want to erase their own data.

Whenever we sell computers on, we share the profits with the customers. Anything that is not resold is either dismantled and sold to precious metal refiners, scrap plastic or metal merchants, or taken to companies who specialise in dealing with e-waste. Sending items to landfill is always considered a last resort.

Corporate Computer Disposal from WEEE Technology

If you would like to know more about any of our corporate computer disposal for companies in and around London, you can complete our online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

The UK is one of the biggest offenders in the world when it comes to electronic waste. As recently as two years ago, it was producing an average of 24kg of e-waste per person, behind only Norway.

However, the Global E-waste Monitor report also notes that Europe has one of the highest rates of e-waste recycling in the world - thanks to the efforts of companies like WEEE Technology. 

We specialise in corporate computer disposal in Central London. Here are the key reasons to use us if you have any unwanted laptops, desktop PCs or any other high-tech electronic items your business needs to get rid of.

Our Convenience

We make it easy for you to dispose of your unwanted e-waste responsibly and legally. Simply fill in our ‘Get a Quote’ form, entering the items you would like to recycle and your contact details to get an idea of the cost. If you are happy with the quote, we have a separate page here, where you can arrange the collection of your old tech.

We also offer the WEEElie Tech Bin, which allows you to dispose of your unwanted computers and tech in your own time. Just give us a call when you’re done, and we will come and pick it up.

As well as laptops and PCs, we can also responsibly dispose of a wide variety of other tech, including servers, monitors, tablets, smartphones and smartboards, printers, copiers, scanners and batteries.  We will help take care of all the paperwork for you too.

Our Associated Services

We don’t just take your unwanted e-waste away, we make sure that it’s properly dealt with. As part of this, we offer highly reputable data destruction and erasure services, completed using high-grade software that ensures that any data is safely destroyed or wiped  - we will give you a certificate to prove it. If you would like to destroy your data yourself, we are partners of Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, so we can sell you the software that will enable you to do this.

We also offer a rebate service where, if we can sell any of your computers or laptops on, we will split any profits with you, which could be financially advantageous for you as well.

Our Regulatory Compliance

When it comes to safe and secure corporate computer disposal, it isn’t just about taking the equipment away, it is also about making sure that all the legal requirements are met. We hold all the relevant accreditations, including a Waste Carriers’ Licence and a T11 Waste Exemption Licence from the Environment Agency.

We also have an ICO Data Protection registration which means we are legally obliged to protect any information that we hold or process, which is even more important since the introduction of the GDPR regulations

If you would like to know more about our accreditations and what they mean, click here.

Our Commitment to Avoid Landfill

We always do our utmost to avoid sending anything to a landfill site. That is why we follow the Government-approved WEEE Hierarchy – Prevention, Re-Use, Recycling, Recovery, and, if all else fails, disposal, which you can read more about here.

If there is anything that can’t be resold or recycled, it is dismantled and sold to specialist companies such as precious metal refiners, plastics and metal merchants, or other specific e-waste companies.

Corporate Computer Disposal in Central London from WEEE Technology

If you would like to know more about any of our corporate computer disposal services for companies in central London, including data erasure and destruction. You can complete our online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

One of the fastest-growing areas of waste is electronic waste, which hit a record high in 2019 of 53.6 million tonnes. In addition, not all of this waste was recycled correctly or in an environmentally-friendly way, according to the UN’s Global E-Waste Monitors and there are signs that the coronavirus pandemic is going to increase the amount of laptops, computers and other electrical devices bound for the scrapheap.

In our latest blog, the team at WEEE Technology, specialists in data erasure and destruction in London, look at the reasons behind this, and how by using us, companies can dispose of their electronic waste safely, securely and in line with all the latest legislation.

The Closure of Parts of the Economy

Many firms are being forced to close down or downsize because of the financial pressures brought about by the pandemic. The Financial Times estimated that 21,000 more businesses collapsed in March 2020 in comparison to the year before, with coronavirus being cited as the main reason, followed by general economic uncertainty caused by the UK’s exit from the European Union.

When a company ceases trading, or reduces in size one of the assets they have to dispose of are all of the electronic devices, such as PCs, laptops, and mobile phones. It is the responsibility of liquidators, administrators or management accountants to ensure that these are disposed of correctly.

Studies also suggest that a lot of firms are downsizing their office space as a result of the surge and success of working from home during the pandemic. This move away from the traditional office set up is leading to changes in IT equipment requirements – and subsequently lots of old redundant equipment.

Our Growing Reliance on Technology

As more people are working from home they are relying on mobiles and laptops with applications such as Zoom, to keep in touch with other colleagues and get work done. One survey showed that 97% of firms have bought buy new laptops to accommodate for the switch to working from home.

With schools also increasingly having to rely on digital learning rather than face-to-face teaching, this has led to a big increase in the numbers of devices being bought. It is therefore not a surprise that experts are predicting a big increase in the amount of waste which will be generated a few years down the line, as these products reach the end of their natural lives and will need to be replaced.

How WEEE Tech Can Help

We are well placed to help reduce this projected increase in the amount of e-waste. Our corporate services include collection and transporting of IT equipment, securely wiping data, issuing asset and audit reports, and providing certificates of data erasure or disposal, taking a lot of the burden away from you.

We work with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive and their dedicated support team, using their software for our secure data erasure. We also sell the software and provide support to prospective customers who wish to erase the data themselves.

We also offer a rebate service whenever we sell computers on, sharing the profits with the customers. Anything that is not resold is either dismantled and sold to precious metal refiners, to scrap plastic or metal merchants, or taken to specific e-waste companies.

Data Erasure and Destruction from WEEE Technology

If you would like to know more about any of our data erasure and destruction services for companies in and around London, you can complete our online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

Schools hold an enormous amount of personal information – including such sensitive data as names, addresses, dates of birth, exam grades, and medical details of all staff and pupils. There could be serious consequences if it ever got into the wrong hands.

Data erasure specialists WEEE Technology are now able to help schools in London and further afield to meet their legal obligations when it comes to protecting the information they hold about any of their staff and pupils.

Since the first coronavirus lockdown there has been an increased demand to work remotely, so there is more data being stored electronically. This compound the requirement to make sure that when any asset such as a laptop is retired, any data on its hard drive is properly and permanently destroyed.

The Legal Position

Schools and colleges were better off than many other organisations when the new EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) were introduced in 2018. Thanks to the UK’s existing Data Protection Act, there were robust protection protocols already in place – pupils and parents had a right to know, and access, what information their school held about them.

GDPR did result in schools having to meet some additional requirements. They must now appoint their own data protection officers, and parents or pupils (depending on their age) must consent for any of their data to be passed on if it’s not going to be used strictly for school purposes.

One of the most important elements of GDPR is the right to be forgotten, so the data may need to be destroyed if the pupils or parents request it. Schools must also ensure that whenever they upgrade or change their computers, PCs, laptops and get rid of the old ones that they do not leave any information on them.

Secure Data Erasure for Schools from WEEE Technology

This is where data erasure experts WEEE Technology come in. We can securely erase your data, either at school or off-site. Our erasure process produces a certificate for every hard drive that is erased, providing proof that all the data has been permanently deleted. The schools will also receive a document that explains what equipment has been collected and services that have been carried out.

We use nationally and internationally recognised software to do this. In the UK we erase all data using WipeDrive software and the wipe pattern is HMG Infosec 5 enhanced – the recognised government standard for data erasure. If any of the hard drives fail to wipe, they may need to be degaussed. And if any of the equipment contains material which is classified as hazardous, then we will issue a Hazardous Waste Consignment note which will be sent along with the report.

We can erase data to any wipe pattern requested, although schools, like many businesses, opt for the UK government standard. And our services in the public sector are generally free of charge.

Getting in Touch with WEEE Technology

WEEE Technology aim to help all our clients with their computer disposal requirements whilst maintaining a responsibility to the environment. We are regulated by the Environment Agency as an upper Tier waste carrier, broker and dealer. We also have a T11 Waste Exemption Licence, which allows us to repair, refurbish and dispose of electronic equipment.

As well as data erasure for schools, we also provide corporate date destruction and IT equipment recycling in the London area. If you would like to know more about the services we offer you can contact us by following this link and filling in the online form or by calling us on 020 7859 4669. 

At WEEE Technology we don’t just help companies who want to upgrade their computers and laptops and need to dispose of all their old IT equipment. As specialists in corporate IT data erasure in the London area, we can also help our customers to securely erase their own data – and help the financial specialists who take over other businesses.

A Helping Hand

If you are an administrator or management accountant who is involved in winding up businesses in financial difficulty, then you have a legal obligation to decommission and securely destroy any data on IT equipment owned by that company.

At WEEE Technology we can decommission, collect, transport the IT equipment, securely wipe data, issue asset and audit reports, and provide certificates of data erasure or disposal, taking a lot of the burden away from you. We also offer a rebate service, whenever we sell the computers on, and share the profits with the customers.

Anything that is not resold is either dismantled and sold to precious metal refiners, or scrap or plastic metal merchants, or taken to specific e-waste companies.

Best Software White Canyon WipeDrive

We are working closely with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA, the UK distributor of WhiteCanyon WipeDrive and their dedicated support team, using their software for our secure data erasure. This association is aimed at us providing a high-quality service to our customers. We also partner with Global Lifecycle Solutions EMEA to sell the software and provide support to prospective customers who wish to erase the data themselves.

WipeDrive’s software can be used with workstations, servers, iOS and Android devices that can create vulnerabilities in employers’ security systems. Companies can securely erase the data held on these devices, enabling them to be reused or permanently disposed of.

The software, which is widely used by international large-scale corporations and US government departments who handle a lot of sensitive information, also generates certified audit reports to prove that the data has been wiped. Any type of forensic data recovery is post wipe impossible.

WEEE Tech’s Regulatory Compliance

Whatever reason you have for needing WEEE Technology’s data erasure and destruction services, you can trust us to meet the highest of standards. All the erasure software we use is accredited under the Commercial Product Assurance scheme administered by the National Cyber Security Centre, which is a part of GCHQ, and complies with international as well as domestic standards.

if you want your data to be destroyed, then we can do it either on-site or off-site. In both cases the IT assets will be kept in a locked container in strictly controlled conditions. Our data destruction methods have been approved by the Government and the Environment Agency.

If you would like to know more about any of our corporate data erasure services in and around London, you can complete online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

As well as offering ethical and safe computer disposal in and around London, WEEE Technology also offer a range of other services – including an audit of all your company’s IT equipment. Here we look at five key reasons why businesses find this service useful.

As Part of Your Company Balance Sheet

Every UK-based company is legally obliged to file accounts with Companies House. An audit will help identify how much all your IT hardware and software is worth, and this figure can then be entered on the balance sheet as a tangible fixed asset.

Some businesses don’t have up-to-date records of what they own, and the last thing you want to do is pay tax on an item which doesn’t exist, or the wrong amount of tax because you have incorrectly assessed the equipment’s true value. 

To Help with Your Overall IT Strategy

An IT audit can help you schedule a planned programme of maintenance. Once you know the make, model and age of every piece of equipment, then you can implement a rolling programme of repairs and, if necessary, replacement.

Audits can also help you implement a disaster recovery plan – if you have a power cut, for instance, have you backed up all your files?

Also, if you are thinking of expanding your business, then an audit will identify which items of equipment are likely to still be fit for purpose or ‘scalable’, and which items you should be looking to replace.  

To Help with Regulatory Compliance

An IT audit may be able to identify weaknesses in your equipment. For instance, older PCs and laptops may no longer be supported by technical updates from the software manufacturer. This could mean they are more vulnerable to a targeted attack by hackers.

A proper ‘stock take’ will allow you to take steps to improve your security, which is more important than ever, as the authorities are now cracking down on companies who do not keep their clients’ personal information safe.

The General Data Protection Regulations, which came into effect in 2018, mean that your business could face a substantial fine if you have suffered an unauthorised data breach. You may need to ensure compliance with other, more industry-specific legal requirements as well.

To Fill in Gaps in Your Knowledge

Companies often ask for our audits because they have incomplete records of what they own. It can sometimes be difficult to keep track of everything, particularly if you have staff who work from home.

An IT audit can also form part of a regular, planned stocktake of everything the company owns, or for a specific event such as a potential sale or takeover, when you need to know the total value of all your assets, including computers, PCs and laptops.

To Help with IT Disposal

IT equipment often needs to be disposed of it is no longer fit for the purpose your company wants it for. At WEEE Technology we offer secure data erasure and destruction, as well as safe computer disposal, primarily for companies in north and central London. We have all the latest certification, including a waste carriers’ licence and a waste exemption licence both issued by the Environment Agency, which ensures our regulatory compliance.

We always aim to recycle or repurpose as many items as possible. Sending items to landfill is always a last resort.

IT Audits from WEEE Technology

At WEEE Technology we offer a full report on all your IT assets, not just the computers. We record all the details, including the make, model, serial number and a full specification. Usually our audits are completed in Excel, but we can format them in other programs – just ask and we should be able to comply with your needs.

If you would like to know more about our IT audit services, follow this link or call us on 020 7859 4669.

Recent changes to data protection laws mean companies need to be a lot more careful with the way they handle data and dispose of electronic equipment storing it. This applies whether it’s personal staff information, client details or material related to the company as a whole. 

WEEE Technology are specialists in secure data erasure – and destruction – for businesses throughout London seeking to dispose of old computers, tablets and laptops. Here are four key reasons why you can rely on us.

Our Minimum Overwriting Standards

With our comprehensive data erasure service, hard drives are overwritten multiple times to recognised UK and global standards to ensure data is securely erased. Under our Standard Plan, media is overwritten at least three times, which fulfils the requirements of most companies. For organisations needing to erase particularly sensitive data, such as. government departments or banks and other financial institutions, we offer a Premium Plan for which hard drives are overwritten seven times.

We scan the entire hard drive to eliminate the risk of data remanence. The certificates issued on completion detail the methods used and provide proof that data erasure has been completed to required standards.

Our High Levels of Security

If you would prefer to use our data destruction services, available to London businesses, your data will be kept in a locked container under strictly controlled conditions. This can be completed on-site or off-site.

We keep a record of the chain of custody at all times. The hard drive is scanned onto a database and a record of the serial number is taken before carefully controlled steps are taken to break it up into small recyclable pieces, from which your data cannot be recovered.

A Certificate of Destruction will then be issued which can be used as proof of compliance with data protection legislation.

The Methods We Use

If you opt for data erasure, we will use a variety of software programs which are recognised at home and abroad. Here in the UK, our software is accredited under the Commercial Product Assurance scheme administered by the National Cyber Security Centre, which is a part of GCHQ.

Data erasure is performed in accordance to Infosec Enhanced Standard 5. US and global clients, meanwhile, can be confident that our software and methods comply with international standards, including the Air Force System Security Instruction 5020 and the U.S. Army AR380-19 data erasure method.

Our data destruction methods are also government-approved and certified by the Environment Agency.

Our Accreditations

WEEE Technology is fully compliant with all aspects of the Data Protection Act, which requires us to keep our various accreditations up to date. These include our Waste Carriers’ Licence and T11 Waste Exemption Licence, both of which are issued by the Environment Agency.

Furthermore, we are an ICO Data Protection Registered business, which requires full compliance with data protection laws.  

The WEEE Directive

By using our services, you can be confident your business is complying with the requirements of the WEEE Directive, which was introduced to reduce the amount of electronic equipment ending up in landfill.

As we move towards a zero-waste economy, landfill should only be a last resort. WEEE Tech is helping to reduce electronic waste at landfill by recycling or making components with irrecoverable data available for reuse whenever possible.

Secure Data Erasure in London from WEEE Technology

WEEE Technology offers secure data erasure and destruction services for businesses in and around London.

If you need to dispose of some high-tech hardware, a quote can be requested online. Complete our online quote form or call us on 020 7859 4669.

The recent publicity devoted to the awareness of carbon footprints, global warming and the amount of plastic being dumped in our oceans means that there is a growing movement towards people recognising they need to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

However, vast amounts of waste electronic and electrical equipment is still being created around the world. The World Economic Forum has estimated that 48.5 million tonnes of WEEE waste was dumped across the globe in 2018, and says it is one of the planet’s fastest growing types of refuse.

Here WEEE Technology, who specialise in the disposal of computer equipment and other electronic devices in London, look at why the disposing of mobiles, laptops and PCs is still a big issue.

There’s a Lot of it About

The world’s population has been estimated at more than 7.5 billion in 2019 – and around two-thirds of the population have access to a mobile device, usually a phone. In the UK, where the population is around 65 million, seven out of every 10 people own a smartphone.

So, bearing in mind that these statistics do not include PCs, laptops and TVs, this means that there is a massive amount of electronic devices out there. All of these will eventually need to be disposed of.

Technological Advances – and Built-in Obsolescence

The average lifespan of a smartphone has been estimated at around 2.5 years, and tablets around 6.5 years. This may be in part down to accidents, with owners damaging their devices so badly they can’t be repaired.

However, technological changes also mean people prefer to replace their electronic equipment with the newer, faster version, even if their existing device is still working adequately. More controversially, some companies have been accused of introducing ‘built-in obsolescence’ into their products, such as no longer providing automatic operating system (OS) updates or ceasing technical support for older models or programs. This obviously has an impact on the number of electronic items which go to waste.

The ‘Throwaway Culture’

The so-called ‘throwaway culture’, which also applies to clothing and other household goods, means that consumers are more likely to buy a new product rather than try to repair an older one. Manufacturers and retail outlets will also encourage customers to ‘upgrade’ to a new device with tempting offers, free electronic equipment or limited-edition models.

With mobile devices rapidly becoming more technologically advanced, many people do not have the technical expertise to repair their device when it goes wrong. Often the cost of repair is so high that it makes more sense to buy a new replacement product instead.  

Greater Awareness of Health Problems

Another reason why WEEE disposal is still a big issue is because there is a much greater awareness of the health risks involved. Many electronic devices release toxic materials even if they end up in landfill – either seeping into groundwater or into the atmosphere.

Changes in the Law

As so much of our lives are now stored electronically on hard drives, so the need for protect that information has increased. The General Data Protection Regulations give consumers rights over the way their personal details are handled and disposed of.

If companies who handle personal data don’t dispose of it correctly then they run the risk of data breaches, consumer scams and identity theft. WEEE Technology specialise in secure data erasure for companies across London, making sure no unauthorised individuals can gain access to the equipment and hard drives are overwritten several times.

How WEEE Technology Can Help You

As well as data erasure, WEEE Technology offer a range of other services when it comes to electronic devices. We always try to repair and refurbish old products, and if this is not possible, we aim to harvest the raw materials for reuse rather then send them to a landfill site.

If you would like to learn more about how we dispose of computer equipment and other electronic devices in London, then follow this link and fill in the online form, or call us on 020 7859 4669.

Greater awareness of the damage that can be done to the environment by not disposing of our waste properly, plus the greater reliance on computers to store our personal information, makes IT equipment recycling one of the world’s fastest-growing areas of legislation.

WEEE Technology specialise in the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment.  Here we look at some of the most important pieces of legislation which we must comply with – and some of our additional accreditations which mean that you can be sure we will deal with any of your waste legally, ethically and responsibly. 

The WEEE Directive

This was introduced by the UK’s Environment Agency in 2002, in a bid to cut back on the amount of electrical goods which were ending up in landfill sites. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive applies to all firms who either make, sell, import or regularly dispose of any of these types of goods. Now, all companies have a responsibility to reuse or recycle any discarded items before they end up as waste.

The WEEE directive has been updated regularly ever since and has also become part of European law. It is applied in partnership with the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, whose principal role is to check on the material content of manufactured electronic goods.

Before this legislation came into effect, a lot of old computers and laptops ended up in landfill sites. This caused health risks to people handling the items or living close to the waste area because most electrical equipment contains chemicals or materials which are potentially harmful.

GDPR and The Data Protection Act

In the UK, The Data Protection Act (DPA) was introduced in 1995 and was aimed at protecting personal data which was stored on paper as well as on computers. It meant individuals had a right to see the details that third parties, such as private businesses, held about them, and to have it corrected if it was inaccurate or destroyed if it was no longer required.

The Data Protection Act was updated in 2018 to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which covers the whole of Europe and it is designed to give people even more safeguards in a world where so much of our personal life and details are stored online.

GDPR also defines personal data as online identification markers and location data, and there are other key differences from the old DPA as well. Companies who handle personal information are now required by law to offer clear privacy notices to customers, and any security breaches must be reported within 72 hours. There are also much stiffer penalties for failing to comply with the law.

How This Affects WEEE Technology

As WEEE Technology are involved in a lot of computer equipment recycling, we are extremely careful to ensure we comply with all the legislation relating to personal data erasure. A large proportion of the items we handle contains sensitive information, such as bank details or corporate data which the companies involved do not want to see made public or passed on to their competitors.

We make sure that there is no unauthorised access to any of the equipment we handle by overwriting any hard drives multiple times. Our software is recognised by both the Commercial Product Scheme and the National Cyber Security Centre. For a full list of all the standards we meet or use in this area, go to our data erasure page.

Our Other Accreditations

WEEE Technology are officially accredited by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for our data protection legislation, which allows us to hold and process personal information. We also hold a Waste Carrier’s Licence, and a T11 Waste Exemption Licence, both of which are issued by the Environment Agency.

WEEE Disposal from WEEE Technology

We ensure that we completely comply with all the WEEE disposal regulations for all companies in London, including the WEEE Directive and all the legislation relating to data erasure. If you would like to learn more about our range of services, or want to dispose of some old computer equipment ethically and responsibly, follow this link and fill in the online form, or call us on 020 7859 4669.

Greater awareness of the damage that can be done to the environment by not disposing of our waste properly, plus the greater reliance on computers to store our personal information, makes IT equipment recycling one of the world’s fastest-growing areas of legislation.

WEEE Technology specialise in the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment.  Here we look at some of the most important pieces of legislation which we must comply with – and some of our additional accreditations which mean that you can be sure we will deal with any of your waste legally, ethically and responsibly. 

The WEEE Directive

This was introduced by the UK’s Environment Agency in 2002, in a bid to cut back on the amount of electrical goods which were ending up in landfill sites. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive applies to all firms who either make, sell, import or regularly dispose of any of these types of goods. Now, all companies have a responsibility to reuse or recycle any discarded items before they end up as waste.

The WEEE directive has been updated regularly ever since and has also become part of European law. It is applied in partnership with the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, whose principal role is to check on the material content of manufactured electronic goods.

Before this legislation came into effect, a lot of old computers and laptops ended up in landfill sites. This caused health risks to people handling the items or living close to the waste area because most electrical equipment contains chemicals or materials which are potentially harmful.

GDPR and The Data Protection Act

In the UK, The Data Protection Act (DPA) was introduced in 1995 and was aimed at protecting personal data which was stored on paper as well as on computers. It meant individuals had a right to see the details that third parties, such as private businesses, held about them, and to have it corrected if it was inaccurate or destroyed if it was no longer required.

The Data Protection Act was updated in 2018 to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which covers the whole of Europe and it is designed to give people even more safeguards in a world where so much of our personal life and details are stored online.

GDPR also defines personal data as online identification markers and location data, and there are other key differences from the old DPA as well. Companies who handle personal information are now required by law to offer clear privacy notices to customers, and any security breaches must be reported within 72 hours. There are also much stiffer penalties for failing to comply with the law.

How This Affects WEEE Technology

As WEEE Technology are involved in a lot of computer equipment recycling, we are extremely careful to ensure we comply with all the legislation relating to personal data erasure. A large proportion of the items we handle contains sensitive information, such as bank details or corporate data which the companies involved do not want to see made public or passed on to their competitors.

We make sure that there is no unauthorised access to any of the equipment we handle by overwriting any hard drives multiple times. Our software is recognised by both the Commercial Product Scheme and the National Cyber Security Centre. For a full list of all the standards we meet or use in this area, go to our data erasure page.

Our Other Accreditations

WEEE Technology are officially accredited by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for our data protection legislation, which allows us to hold and process personal information. We also hold a Waste Carrier’s Licence, and a T11 Waste Exemption Licence, both of which are issued by the Environment Agency.

WEEE Disposal from WEEE Technology

We ensure that we completely comply with all the WEEE disposal regulations for all companies in London, including the WEEE Directive and all the legislation relating to data erasure. If you would like to learn more about our range of services, or want to dispose of some old computer equipment ethically and responsibly, follow this link and fill in the online form, or call us on 020 7859 4669.