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data and ID security

Waste Carrier Requirements

The disposal of IT equipment must be carried out responsibly, do not even consider handing it over to a “white van man”.  There are hundreds of IT disposal companies in the UK, however how many are actually bona fide?

So many popped out of the woodwork following the introduction of the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) Directive in 2007 that it has to be asked what sort of track record do they have in this environmentally sensitive area?

This does not mean that all IT disposal companies are tarred with the same brush; there are a number with many years’ experience in this service area.  However, rather than fall in to the trap of the cheapest disposal company (if it is cheap there is usually a good reason which may prove a painful experience for you especially if they are fly tipping or illegally exporting the equipment) just ask a few basic questions first (and, of course, obtain proof):

This is a mandatory legal requirement. If you do not check this in advance and your chosen carrier turns out not to have a license then you might be prosecuted.

While it is not currently a legal requirement to hold this license it is strongly recommended you only consider companies who hold such documentation.

If a company is unable to provide you with samples of a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note and a Duty of Care Transfer Note then it is best to look for a service supplier elsewhere.  These forms have to be signed on the day of collection by the client and the disposal company. 

This may not be a legal requirement but a reputable disposal company would most certainly provide this document.  The information which will be included is:

Ask your prospective service supplier for a sample of their certificate, if they are unable to produce such documentation then this is another good reason not to appoint them.

It is important to have evidence of data erasure in order to comply with the Data Protection Act.  Ideally erasure software used should be CESG (Communications-Electronics Security Group) approved as this means the product has been thoroughly tested to ensure it meets all your likely requirements.

It is all very well entrusting a company with your redundant electronic equipment and for them to have secure facilities in which to store it, but there is a small matter of transporting it.  It is, therefore, important to know that your equipment can be tracked at all times throughout the transfer period.

By recycling your equipment in this manner you are acting responsibly with regard to the environment, however to go that further mile you should check that your prospective service provider runs a carbon neutral fleet of vehicles.

Again it comes down to security and peace of mind.  All members of the logistics team should be CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.

They must be able to provide proof of this for your peace of mind.

A lot of redundant IT equipment can still hold value in the second user market.  However, a service supplier who offers you remarketing rather than guaranteed residual value may not be doing you any favours. Remarketing does not allow for budgeting and revenue returns often fall significantly short of expectations.  However a guarantee of residual value upfront avoids this pitfall and allows you to budget for revenue.

Such an obvious question but so often overlooked.  Ensure that you obtain a quote in writing for all charges involved in the disposal of your equipment.