What happens to dead IT?

by FESPA | 30/05/2017
What happens to dead IT?

We all know what happens to printed paper when it’s sent off for recycling. It either gets burnt or sent for processing into new materials.

But when old computers reach end of life, matters are less simple. Reducing the amount of electronic and electrical material that ends up in landfill is complicated; there are no easy answers. Setting up a recycling or reprocessing infrastructure is a start, but this too is complicated and takes funding.

Taxes and fines from people who dump electrical and electronics requires legislation and policing, and is mostly done as part of a wider set of national goals that support international commitments.

This is what the Europe Union (EU) has tried to do with its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE). WEEE has been around since 2002 and works by setting targets for electrical goods recycling. EU member country governments can provide instructions and guidance to local communities and municipalities for implementing WEEE.

The approach has changed over the years. When WEEE was first introduced it set a target for 2009. By 2009 at least four kilograms of electrical waste per year for each member of the population had to be recovered for subsequent recycling.

The rate changed to be for 45% of all electrical goods coming onto the market, with the EU aiming to recycle at least 2% of all WEEE by 2016. No data is available yet to confirm if this target has been reached or not but it is likely that it has, given Europeans’ environmental zeal.

WEEE has definitely helped encourage environmental awareness amongst consumers and developers. It has encouraged entrepreneurs who see opportunities to sell on redundant electrical goods. When it comes to IT, the foundation of today’s graphics industry, plenty of companies offer to buy old computers and networking equipment.

When selling on old servers and related kit, make sure all data is wiped. Be sure the buyer is recognised by local authorities and ideally is formally accredited. Find out what happens to waste once it is collected. Shipping old electronics for dumping in developing countries doesn’t count!

“Any equipment that is suitable for refurbishment is tested, repaired and sold on to individuals, schools and businesses on low budgets,” says Joe Adamou, business development manager for Innovent.tech, a UK IT recycler.

“Any equipment that is antiquated is base recycled. We break this equipment down to raw component form. This is then sold on to metal and material refiners who will prepare the materials for re-introduction into the manufacturing industry."

"An example of components recycled in this manner would be CPU heatsinks, motherboards, chassis casings etc. We operate a 0% to landfill policy on all equipment. All equipment collected is brought back to our facility for processing.“ The model is helping industry, the environment and the planet. It turns a profit too.

by FESPA Back to News

Topics

Interested in joining our community?

Enquire today about joining your local FESPA Association or FESPA Direct

Enquire Today

Recent news

Driving on-demand printed textile production with Prinfab
Textile Printing

Driving on-demand printed textile production with Prinfab

Debbie McKeegan speaks to Prinfab's co-founders, Oliver and Harry Mustoe-Playfair during a site visit about their on-demand digital textile printing. Oliver and Harry share that sustainability is an important factor of the business as well as technical innovation, automation and the need for customer centric service.

31-10-2024
Girls Who Print 2024 Conference to celebrate Girl Power
Digital Printing

Girls Who Print 2024 Conference to celebrate Girl Power

Girls Who Print invites women in the printing industry, students, and allies to join the 12th annual Girls Who Print Day 2024, a FREE virtual conference celebrating resilience, innovation, and empowerment under the theme #GirlPower.

30-10-2024
FESPA Awards - excellence in garment and textiles
Textile Printing

FESPA Awards - excellence in garment and textiles

FESPA Awards 2023 celebrated excellence in both print and signage and exceptional pieces garment and textile sectors. The awards recognised innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

28-10-2024
WrapFest 2024 revs-up the vehicle customisation industry
Vehicle wrapping

WrapFest 2024 revs-up the vehicle customisation industry

Earlier this month, WrapFest 2024 concluded another successful event, energising the vehicle customisation and surface decoration industry once again. As the only event bringing together over 700 professionals in the vehicle wrapping and surface detailing sectors across 25 countries, WrapFest 2024 offered something for everyone with an eye on the industry.

28-10-2024