Redundant IT Asset Disposal

The Disposal of redudant IT Assets requires a specialist service that extends beyond that offered by Solid Waste Management systems. Such Management systems, while suited to the disposal of Household and Business wastes, are designed to treat general wastes including foodstuffs, paper, plastic and cardboard bourne materials.

Background:

Recognition of the Waste Electrical/ Electronic waste stream as a source of pollution gave rise to the WEEE directive, a Pan European Document, designed to remove and ultimately drive it's physical recovery as a wholly seperate waste stream. Like other categories of WEEE- of which there are 10 in total- IT equipment (a derivative of the "Small WEEE" Category) comprises materials that encompass both Hazardous and Non hazardous components. Implementation of the WEEE directive- a subset category of Directives known as Producer Directives-, via the introduction of suitable regulation within the UK itself (Environment Agency, England and Wales), gave rise to the development of specific treatment facilities (Authorised treatment Facilities) that could repair and refurbish equipment, segregate the Hazardous and Non Hazardous Materials (Primary Treatment) and Physically shred, shear and Bale the waste (Secondary Treatment).

At the same time, the implementation of the T11 exemption (repair and re-use) gave rise to operators who were permitted to prepare waste electronics for re-use and segregate materials. However, exemptions are limited in what can be treated as well as the processes involved and do not extend to cover the treatment of certain Hazardous electronic Wastes. Certain hazardous wastes similarly remain the preserve of Authorised Treatment Facilities, whose stringent "permit rules" require significant formal training so as to facilitate the management of such wastes. These wastes are defined by the Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005)- more details of this are available here.

The Destruction of Confidential Data:

The application of a data destruction process follows a number of different routes, comprising Binary Wiping (Non Destructive), Shredding and Granulating (Destructive) and thermal (Destructive). Whereas an exempt facility is allowed, like an Authorised (Permitted) facility to carry out Binary Wiping, the destructive process is reserved for Facilities operating under an Authorised Permit. The distinct difference becomes apparent when considering the disposal of Hard Drives of which a number have failed a wiping process but may still contain data.

About Pink-Wales:

Pink-Wales provides a solution that covers the above spects, offering a secure, Authorised Treatment facility for WEEE. It's specialist service is geared toward the treatment and destruction of Data Bearing Media, employing both Binary Wiping solutions and Physical Destruction processes (reference: flow Chart). Our highly qualified staff safely recycle redundant Assets, used ICT equipment and obsolete computer hardware. However, our process offers a solution that addresses other key issues faced by businesses and Schools. Our redundant asset disposal process issues all paperwork covering the transfer of wastes at the point of collecting them. We then transport the wastes in our own vehicles, operating under our own Upper Tier Waste Carrier License. Certificates of Disposal, Part E Consingment notes, Data Destruction Certificates and Advisory letters relating to the Disposal of Hazardous Wastes are all issued upon completion of the Contract.

We're conscious enough to take notice of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act (2013), which at the time of writing this, is yet to come into force (Oct 2013)- six months prior to introduction. As such, we have taken steps to notify our District Council of our Activites, ensuring minimal disruption to our activities and the continuation of a secure, professional service for our clients.

Applying an Ethcial Solution:

The introduction of the WEEE directive cemented a policy of re-use for waste electronics that superceeds it's recovery. This system of recycling, already implemented by most IT recycling facilities a decade earlier, was again re-visited in 2011, this time applied throughout the management of all waste streams. However ethical such legislation aims to be, it failed to address how re-use is implemented.

We've always complied with the requirement to re-use working viable equipment and in some instances are even able to place some of it with needy causes such as Youth Clubs and Schools. However, we don't believe that re-use should extend to exporting equipment en-mass as we believe that theres a lack of recycling infrasturcture (reference) in many countries. Similarly, we won't consider passing older hardware onto charities due to the financial implications associated with its final disposal as well as the lack of a large enough second hand market for such equipment here in the UK. Our policy is that if there isn't a suitable home for the equipment within the UK, we'll destroy it, recovering the materials instead.