The problem of computer disposal is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world. High-tech equipment will break down or be superseded by new, more advanced products, meaning that there is a vast mountain of laptops, computers and phones which need to be disposed of every year.
At WEEE Technology, we are specialists in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD). Here we look at 4 key reasons why it is important to make sure that businesses look for environmentally-friendly solutions to this issue.
You Need to Protect Employees and Customers
Nowadays people have more rights over the security of their personal information, thanks to a tightening-up of the regulations across the world. These rights were first enshrined in the Data Protection Act of 1998, and then updated in the General Data Protection Regulations of 2018.
This means that when businesses are involved in any computer disposal you need to be sure that any data stored on it will be destroyed or erased. Given the growth in the use of PCs and laptops in recent years, the need for responsible computer recycling has increased dramatically.
You Need to Protect Your Business
If you don’t do this, then your company could suffer financially, as the authorities are cracking down on anyone who fails to obey the law. In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office can fine businesses up to 4% of their annual global turnover, if they are found to be in breach of the GDPR legislation, as well as imposing a temporary or permanent ban on any data processing activities your company is involved in.
Businesses also need to comply with the requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, which first became European law in 2003 and was updated in 2006 and 2009. Failure to follow this could result in fines of up to £5,000 at a magistrates’ court, and unlimited financial penalties at crown court, although companies are more likely to receive a warning letter or a reprimand first.
There also the issue of reputational damage. Businesses become less attractive to customers and potential new employees if they have been found to be in breach of the law, and this becomes public knowledge.
It’s Harmful to Human Health
Many modern, high-tech products contain potentially harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury or arsenic.
These toxins can contaminate the soil, the atmosphere and nearby water sources if the products are not disposed of properly.
You Will Be Helping the Planet
There are several long-term benefits for the planet if you use a responsible company like WEEE Technology for your computer disposal. Our work puts an emphasis on a greater reuse of materials, as old equipment is repaired or refurbished, and made available for resale, helping to protect the world’s scarce resources.
If reuse is not possible, then we aim to recycle the equipment, or recover the raw materials such as metals which can be put to an alternative use. Although these approaches may involve some reprocessing, they are still greener alternatives than sending the equipment to a landfill site.
Computer Disposal from WEEE Tech
WEEE Technology will help you with all your IT Asset Disposition requirements. We also make sure you are fully compliant with Data Protection law, as we destroy or erase any data contained on computer hard drives. machines and we issue a Certificate of Destruction using software approved by the UK government in ensuring that all data is securely and safely destroyed
If you would like to learn more about our services, follow this link and fill in the online form or call us 020 7859 4669.
