This blog is about getting old computer hardware picked up.
Do you have a good tip of your own or have comments on this blog?
Then please comment below.
Here you have my 10 tips on getting discarded computer hardware cleaned up.
1. Not too long and not too short on savings
Every company creates computer waste.
And sometimes it just needs to be cleaned up.
We at IT Recycling come to customers who have waited 10 years to clean up the mess.
But we also have customers who come 6 times a year and then only a few pieces of hardware are involved at a time.
I would say never less than 1 or 2 cubic meters and don’t hoard for more than a year.
2. Putting your computer waste in a convenient place
In every organization there is a junkyard where all the old hardware is put down and stored until the recycler comes to pick it up.
Often these are very inaccessible places in the building, in attics and basements, under the stairs, etc.
I think it is better for everyone to use a somewhat more easily accessible collection site.
The ICT people then have to go to that hard-to-reach place a hundred times, namely every time something breaks or something is replaced.
That takes time every time, and when the recycler comes to pick it up, it also takes longer.
In my opinion, the best and most convenient way to deal with this is the following tip.
3. Use a collection tool
The better computer recycling companies offer convenient collection devices for neatly storing computer waste.
We at IT-Recycling have, for example: wheelie bins (lockable or not) – containers on wheels – wooden pallet bins – roll cages and sea containers that you can have placed outside.
If you have the right means of collection it is extremely convenient, then you have a fixed place within your company where everything is neatly stored.
4. Include data destruction if you don’t do it yourself
Some of our clients do the data destruction themselves.
But in all other cases, I would definitely have the data on hard drives (and other data carriers) destroyed. Data destruction really only costs a few dollars per computer. If you want to be very sure that the data will be destroyed properly, it is best to hire a company that has access to a mobile shredder in a truck.
When destroying data, it hardly matters what software they use to overwrite the hard disks.
In fact, it can be done quite well with a free program from the Internet.
What really matters is how well organized the company in question is.
I know some companies whose service is really not the best, but they claim to use very good software from “Blancco”.
This says absolutely nothing. Data breaches are caused by human error, not bad software.
By the way, here at IT-Recycling we don’t use software at all, but a special device that overwrites low-level disks. 
5. Dispose of data carriers in a lockable storage container
If you have devices that still have sensitive data on them, or if you have other data carriers that need to be destroyed, store them under lock and key.
For example, we have lockable kilko’s.
After all, you really don’t want to be rummaging among colleagues’ old phones.
Put everything under lock and key, appoint a point of contact to take care of it and make clear arrangements.
6. Shutting down for curious colleagues
Following on from the previous point, I would recommend storing all old computer hardware in a locked place.
No hassle with old printers for the home, just store them neatly somewhere in a good place and have a neat company pick them up.
And again: one point of contact and clear agreements.
7. Selling to colleagues and donating to charities
It is obviously very noble to help your colleagues or a charity.
Still, I would not recommend it.
First of all, most used computer hardware is really obsolete and it is not easy to find enthusiasts for it.
Furthermore, you spend a lot of time doing it and you are also responsible for data leakage.
If the equipment is still young and good and you can easily give it to someone, the collector will give money for it.
It would be better to donate that money to charity, because it could be any charity. 
8. Engage a good company and very definitely not a hardware store
You can just throw your old computers in your company’s dumpster/waste container.
So then it costs money, it’s not allowed, and it’s bad for the environment.
You can give your old computer hardware to the hardware store, but they are not allowed to take it.
That is how it is regulated by law.
And you are not allowed to give it to the ironmonger.
Most ironmongers look more at their wallets than at EU environmental legislation and so that’s how the old computers end up in West Africa. Having computer waste collected usually costs NO MONEY, it is FREE.
And you can have it picked up by fine well organized companies.
So you gain nothing by dealing with tinkers, ironmongers and amateurs.
And so we come to the next point.
9. Weeelabex
You have a load of old hardware and it has to go.
How do you know whether you are dealing with tinkers, criminals and amateurs or a professional and customer-friendly company?
The answer is this question is really simple: Look to see if they have WEEELABEX.
To combat the criminal export of computer waste and to raise the level of data destruction, they have introduced WEEELABEX.
This is a European quality standard that companies dealing with old computers and data destruction must meet.
Only the very best companies that have their affairs in perfect order meet the WEEELABEX standard.
Once a year, each WEEELABEX company is audited by an independent auditor on issues such as: environmental policy, transparency in waste streams, proper and safe data destruction, health and safety, proper insurance, etc.
WEEELABEX is a LEGAL obligation, but most traders do not comply with it and will try to tell you wonderful stories about why they do not need WEEELABEX.
Actually, it is very simple: collecting old computers is actually FREE, because it contains metals.
And you can have it done – also for free – by the very best companies that have WEEELABEX.
The choice seems quickly made to me.
10. Just checking to see if it might still be worth something?
This can sometimes be important, but don’t set your expectations too high.
If hardware is older than 4 years or so it’s not worth anything.
And computer hardware is only worth something if it is a few more pieces, say from 10 pieces or so.
My advice: if you are not sure if your old hardware is still worth something, just call a good collector and ask.
If you get the real professional – buyer on the line then you will have the answer immediately.
When buying up old computer hardware, do not only look for the best price.
Very often the highest price is the worst service and that can be very serious.
If you sell to a tinkerer who doesn’t get the data off properly you may well regret it.
Better have it bought up by a WEEELABEX company, see my point 9.
Do you have your own ideas about disposing of old hardware?
Comment on this BLOG, I’ll reply to each one.