No WEEE in the bins please! Five tips for recycling electronics at work

How much electronic waste do you think you generated at work over the last year? The answer may surprise you! In fact, in 2018/19 there was just as much electronic waste collected from the University as there was food waste (who says you can’t compare Apples to oranges!).

Around 4% of our waste is WEEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment, or just anything with a plug or battery to you and me). That’s not just a big part of our waste, but an important one too, particularly when you consider that e-waste not only contains many hazardous components, it also contains many valuable elements too – in fact a tonne of e-waste contains more gold than a tonne of gold ore!

Fortunately, the University has just appointed a new specialist e-waste contractor to help us manage this important waste stream. Computer Disposals Ltd have been the University’s approved e-waste contractor for several years, and have just been re-appointed to collect from across the University for a further two years. If last year is anything to go by, they’ll be collecting as much as 10 tonnes a week from across the estate.

Only 20% of the estimated 50 million tonnes of WEEE items discarded globally are formally recycled, so it’s important we do our bit to make sure our electronics are responsibly managed. A key part of this is for staff to be aware of e-waste disposal procedures. In our ‘bin busting’ waste audit last year we found evidence of electronic items being discarded in the general waste bins, something which not only could have big impacts to waste treatment, but means it can’t be recycled. We also need to make sure sensitive data stored on University electronics is responsibly managed. So here’s our…

Five top tips for helping boost our e-waste recycling

1. Make sure you use the CDL contract for collections of e-waste. We have heard of other e-waste contractors touting for University business with all sorts of promises, but we’ve taken steps to make sure that CDL are dealing with our waste safely and responsibly so don’t risk using a supplier who might not meet the same standards. Our e-waste collection form is easy to fill out and your collection will usually happen in less than a week!
2. Make sure that you have a dedicated e-waste collection point in your department, and that your colleagues are aware of it. The collection point should be easily accessible to staff who may need to dispose of waste, but should be stored somewhere to prevent the risk of opportunistic ‘skip diving’ or scavenging by passers-by or members of the public. Equipment should never be stored outside, this is illegal in most cases as some e-waste may be classified as hazardous.
3. Store your e-waste carefully as well as safely. Storing e-waste with care increases the likelihood it will be recycled, as damaged or scratched screens, dented cases and other damage can turn a prime candidate for re-use into a scrap-heap reject! CDL can help you by providing storage options free of charge in order to preserve the condition of your used equipment. This includes wheeled cages, collapsible pallet boxes, laptop crates and battery tubs, as well as screen covers to protect monitors. Simply email us to enquire about storage options.
4. Ideally, keep ‘data bearing’ items (like computers, hard drives, and phones) separate from non data-bearing items (like fridges, microwaves). This will help CDL manage the equipment appropriately. It’s also important to remove passwords from computer BIOS screens and hard drives, while Apple Mac equipment should be removed from DEP registers, iCloud lock disabled and PRAM passwords removed. This will ensure CDL can securely wipe any data on the devices before they’re recycled. While CDL’s data deletion processes are robust and secure, if you have any particularly sensitive data they can also arrange for on-site destruction.
5. Don’t cut plugs or leads off any equipment before collection. However, do ensure that it has been decommissioned (for instance any equipment which is hard-wired in to the mains should be disconnected). Refrain from stripping or cannibalising equipment for components.

If an item of electronic equipment is still usable and in good condition, try posting it on WarpIt first, before arranging an e-waste collection. With a growing number of WarpIt users, the majority of items posted on the WarpIt platform are claimed by others internally who have a use for it. (Note that before any data-bearing items are passed to another department or college, you must show that you have erased/sanitised the data so that there cannot be a breach of personal data).

Bookmark the e-waste collection form on our site so that you know where to find it when you need it!