Computer recycling
Computers are one of the most toxic items dumped in landfill sites so recycling is the most responsible way to dispose of your old computer equipment.
If you are buying new equipment
Part of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, (WEEE), which came into force back in January 2007, obliges retailers of electrical equipment to offer a return service for electrical items free of charge, regardless of where your old equipment was purchased. This is on a like for like basis, so if you purchase a new printer they should take your old printer. If you purchase a new computer, they should take your old computer and so on. Please note, electrical retailers are not obliged to take in electrical items which do not have the same function as the one you are purchasing. In other words you can’t ask them to take a fridge if you are buying a toaster.
The aim of The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is to reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover the items. The Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that make, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment.
More information about WEEE can be found at the Environment Agency.
Remember – before disposing of any computer equipment, always ensure that any personal data stored on the machine has been removed effectively. Simply deleting information is not enough as sometimes data can be recovered. The easiest way of ensuring complete deletion is to remove all hard drives and either keep them or destroy them.
Useful Websites
If you are not purchasing new equipment you will not be able to dispose of your electrical equipment via a retailer. The following links should help you find a suitable outlet. Please be aware that some electrical recyclers may charge for their services
The Electronic Waste Company are based at Wilson Way, Redruth.
Recycle Now Gives information on what can be recycled and lets you search by postcode to find the outlet closest to you.
Donate your unwanted items to others for free at Freecycle.
D & L Recycling Ltd are based near Bude.
