Leeds City Council has announced that it now recycles 100% of its redundant electronic equipment. The council struck a deal with IT equipment disposal firm RDC in 2007 to cover items like old computers, keyboards, mice, monitors, printers and servers.
All equipment is wiped clean to military standards so no sensitive information should find its way into the wrong hands. The equipment is then dismantled so components can be reused.
RDC has to meet a number of tough criteria to guarantee the security of the equipment and any data contained on it. It has to make sure information is wiped from hard drives and the Council is protected against any software licence infringements.
It also has to make sure that waste electrical and electronic equipment laws (WEEE) are complied with and that all UK and EU legislation is adhered to.
Any financial gain made from the equipment is shared between Leeds City Council and RDC, so the Council benefits financially as well as helping the environment, as nothing is taken to landfill.
“Technology develops so quickly these days and regrettably, that means some equipment becomes obsolete or surplus to requirements,” said Cllr Richard Brett, joint leader and executive board member with responsibility for information technology services.
“However, none of it is now just being thrown away. Instead, any hardware with a bit of potential still in it will be given a new lease of life and items which are really at the end of the road will be entirely recycled. This project is a fantastic way of the council minimising the impact it has on the environment and proves once again we’re trying to be as green as possible,” Cllr Brett said.
