How to recycle your business IT waste
What to expect when you choose to recycle with us.
How to recycle your business IT waste
- Plan your WEEE Recycling
Think about how many IT assets you need to recycle, the types and size of them. To help keep track whilst you are creating a list use our simple IT asset Recycling checklist which you can print out while collecting information. Check out our guide to assets we can collect. In most instances we offer a free service. However, this is dependent on both the number and type of items to be collected. Some specific pieces of equipment are also considered chargeable items.
- Book a collection
Complete our booking form to let us know what equipment you have and when you would like us to collect it, you can also attach a completed checklist, if you have one. We will contact you to confirm any data destruction needs and confirm the date and time of your IT recycling collection. You can also tell us about access and where to park our vehicles.
- WEEE recycling collection day
Prior to arrival, you’ll gather all of your equipment in one place. Our security-cleared team will do all the heavy lifting and provide you with a Duty of Care Certificate (Waste transfer note) at the point of exchange. If you realise you’ve forgotten to book some equipment in for collection, simply speak to our driver. If there’s space in the van we’ll take it away for you.
- Processing & certification
It is important to properly erase all sensitive data when you dispose of redundant IT assets. Here’s a quick look at three methods we use at Zero Tech Waste: data wiping, degaussing, and shredding. Each method has its own benefits, depending on your priorities for security and sustainability. We’re here to help, and will advise you on the most appropriate method for your needs.
Data Wiping
Data wiping is the preferred, and eco-friendly method for securely erasing sensitive information. Overwriting data on hard drives and other storage devices ensures the information cannot be recovered or accessed by others. This approach also allows equipment to be reused, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Degaussing
Degaussing is a process that destroys data on devices such as hard drives, by eliminating the magnetic field. While highly effective at destroying data, it renders the device unusable and is less environmentally friendly compared to data wiping.
IT Asset shredding
Shredding physically destroys IT assets by breaking electronic devices into fragments no larger than 6 mm. This process completely destroys the hard drive’s platters, mechanisms, and electronic components, ensuring that all data is irretrievable.
When the data has been destroyed, we issue your Certificate of Destruction by email for audit purposes.
We prioritise reuse & recycling over physical destruction of assets after the data is totally and irretrievably destroyed. This allows the equipment to be refurbished and to re-enter the circular economy where it will have a useful second life.
After we have removed and securely data cleansed all storage media, the equipment is repaired if this is required, cleaned, and recycled entirely in-house. When equipment is unsuitable for reuse or is beyond repair, we dismantle it into its component parts for recycling and materials recovery — a process which happens here in the UK.
Here’s why businesses recycle their IT with us
We offer flexible solutions, including secure wheelie bins for on-site collection or convenient bulk pickups from your premises. With our IT equipment collection service, you can recycle your redundant IT assets at no cost — it’s free when you recycle at least 10 laptops, PCs & servers (any combination), and it’s also free to recycle almost all waste IT with us.
Free nationwide collection
Typically, we can retrieve the collection within 24 to 72 hours of the initial enquiry. Our fleet is equipped with full tracking capabilities, ensuring a thorough and audited solution.
Fully insured & compliant
We follow strict GDPR & WEEE regulation practices, and we only employ vetted, security-cleared personnel to manage your IT recycling — including carrying out the secure destruction of any sensitive data. All certificates are provided.
Secure data destruction
Once collected, all items will undergo an inspection, and all necessary measures will be taken to destroy any sensitive or confidential data – with an option of individual asset tracking for those that require it.
Sustainable IT recycling
We aim to recycle 100% of your IT assets. No waste is exported to other countries, we process everything in the UK. Reduce your eco-footprint with our carbon negative promise.