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IT disposal companies - What you need to know
There are now over 400 registered IT disposal companies, the majority of which have been established within the last 12 months to coincide with the introduction of the WEEE Directive. What is of most concern is that an alarming number of these companies are not providing a bonafide service, which could leave you liable.
Legislation regarding IT disposal (WEEE Directive) is somewhat of a minefield, so to assist you we have put together a number of basic questions to ask and information you should request before deciding to use any IT disposal company.
1) Do they have a Waste Carrier license?
Mandatory legal requirement.
2) Do they have a Waste Management license?
Mandatory legal requirement. If a disposal company tells you they have an exemption this is no longer valid. Any company dealing with the processing of redundant IT equipment has to have a Waste Management license, simple as that.
3) Can they provide a sample Hazardous Waste Consignment Note?
Historically referred to as a Duty of Care Transfer Note, this is a legal document which needs to be completed and signed by both parties on the day your equipment is collected. This form should detail as a minimum
Address for both companies
Consignment note code
Customer premises code
SIC code
EWC codes and quantities collected for each code
Vehicle registration
Date and time of collection
Signatories from both companies
Disposal company licence
Recovery process code
4) Can they provide a sample asset report?
Although not a legal requirement a reputable disposal company should provide you with an asset report providing you with a detailed breakdown of equipment collected. A useful report will include:
Equipment make & model
Equipment specification
Serial number
Customer asset number
Grade or condition
Percentage of raw materials harvested through recycling
5) Can they provide a sample data erase certificate?
There have been a number of high profile cases over the years where leading companies have fallen foul of the data protection act by allowing sensitive and/or privileged information to reach the public domain. In most cases this can be traced back to the IT disposal company who simply did not take appropriate measures to erase or safeguard their client’s information. Digital-Recyclers crush hard drives to destroy any data left on them and shred magnetic tapes.
6 ) Do they use their own vehicles and drivers?
In terms of sensitive data your equipment is at its most vulnerable between the point of collection and return to the disposal company, yet many IT disposal companies (including some well known ones) continue to use 3rd party carriers to collect customer’s equipment, although they won’t always tell you this at the time. Ask your prospective disposal company to confirm their transport arrangements.
