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With so many businesses reliant on digital technology and extensive IT infrastructure there are more computers in the UK than ever before. That also means there is more waste technology than ever before. At ER Logistics we can take care of all your IT waste. Our team can find new homes for these items or can break them down to their components to remove unsafe materials and identify parts to recycle. We are committed to responsibly disposing of IT waste, protecting the environment, and ensuring the maximum amount of material is recycled or reused. Call 0208 665 0660 to find out how we can dispose of your unneeded IT equipment responsibly.
Arrange your consultation
Make sure your unwanted IT equipment is disposed of responsibly. Contact our team on 0208 665 0660 or info@er-logistics.com to find out how we can recycle and re-use your old electronics.
What IT items can we recycle?
Our team at ER Logistics can take care of all your waste electronics. We offer a comprehensive service that not only ensures your unwanted items are removed quickly, but also that they are disposed of responsibly. You can rest assured that we do everything possible to ensure items are repurposed, valuable and rare elements are recycled, and hazardous materials are removed safely.
Desktop computers
Computer towers contain precious metals like aluminium, gold, and palladium. Many of the components within a PC tower can be broken down and repurposed to ensure these materials are not wasted. Our team has the know-how to safely recycle old desktop parts to capture as much recyclable material as possible. We can also restore desktops to a working state so they can have a second life benefitting someone else.
Laptop computers
The key components that differentiate laptops from desktops are the battery and the screen. The battery will contain harmful elements that should not be allowed to enter the environment, so we reuse these whenever we can. These measures reduce the amount of hazardous material in the ecosystem and ensure that batteries which can be salvaged are not being thrown away, creating unnecessary waste.
Monitors and screens
Old CRT monitors contain phosphorus, which is regarded as a hazardous material. These will need to be carefully disassembled to ensure the dangerous elements are removed and disposed of safely. Laptop TFT LCD screens contain precious metals which can be recycled, and mercury which will need to be disposed of. If they’re not too damaged, laptop screens can even be repurposed into monitors, further reducing waste.
Printers and copiers
Printers, photocopiers, and multi-function devices will all need to be disposed of appropriately. They contain raw materials that can be reused, plastic components that are harmful to the environment, and elements like cadmium and selenium that will need to be disposed of properly. That’s why it is critical that you engage a responsible company who can repurpose and recycle all of these different components responsibly.
Which harmful elements
can be found in IT waste?
IT equipment can contain a number of harmful elements. When the devices are functioning normally, these do not pose a risk. However, when they are improperly disposed of, these harmful elements enter into the environment and can have severe consequences for the local ecosystem.
Lead
The majority of electronic devices contain lead. Cathode ray tubes used in computer monitors contain a particularly high level of lead. This element is not harmful when used properly but, when these waste products are broken down, lead dust can escape into the air and the water supply. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be very severe, affecting the brain and nervous system in particular. When disposed of responsibly, lead can be removed safely and recycled to be used in new products without entering the ecosystem.
Mercury
Mercury is commonly found in older appliances like space heaters, freezers, and washing machines, usually in the switches. It is also found in thermometers and other thermostatic devices. Most commonly in IT waste, mercury is found in LCD monitors. These items must be disposed of responsibly as mercury can have severe health consequences to those exposed. Symptoms include kidney damage, breathing difficulties, and neurological problems. Luckily, modern processes mean that mercury can be extracted safely and reused without harming the environment.
Cadmium
You will find cadmium in many computers, mostly as part of contacts or switches. Cadmium is also found in rechargeable batteries like those found in laptops. If cadmium is improperly disposed of and breaks down in the environment, humans can become exposed. This can lead to flu-like symptoms in the short term, and chronic exposure can lead to kidney, bone, and lung damage. The good news is that cadmium-containing batteries are recyclable, but it is critical that they are disposed of by a responsible team.
Sulphur
Sulphur is found in a lot of wet cell batteries. These are less common in your day-to-day IT electronics but may still be found in your infrastructure – usually as backup power supplies to ensure key pieces of hardware aren’t damaged in the event of a power outage. Exposure to sulphur can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat. Symptoms also include damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Proper electronic recycling centres can remove sulphur and ensure humans are not exposed to it.
Data destruction
Your IT system will likely contain sensitive information about your business. Computer hard drives are of course used to store data, but even photocopiers and some printers will store information. Our team have the skills to carry out a thorough data destruction process on any hardware we receive. You can be certain that no personal data or important information will remain on any of the electrical waste we take from you. This will prepare the items to be reused or recycled and will protect the data from your business.
Arrange your consultation
Discuss your IT recycling needs with a member of our team. Just call 0208 665 0660 or email info@er-logistics.com to find out more from our team of experts and arrange your consultation.