On top of all the chemicals and biohazards, your computer probably
contains personal information. If this information falls into the wrong
hands, you could be on the receiving end of identity theft and various
forms of fraud.
A computer’s hard drive stores data,
and maintains an index of files. When you save a file, especially a large
one, it is scattered around the hard drive in bits and pieces. Files also
are automatically created by browsers and operating systems. When you open
a file, the hard drive checks the index, then gathers the bits and pieces
and reconstructs them.
When you delete a file, the links between the index and the file
disappear, signalling to your system that the file isn’t needed any longer
and that hard drive space can be overwritten. But the bits and pieces of
the deleted file stay on your computer until they’re overwritten, and they
can be retrieved with a data recovery program. To remove data from your
hard drive permanently, it needs to be destroyed.
Computer Disposal and the EPA
Make sure when you recycle your old system you comply with the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") guidelines. Here are some basic
facts on computer disposal that will help you.
According to the official EPA website epa.gov:
* The Environmental Protection Agency has strict regulations regarding the
disposal of hazardous materials;
* Penalties for violations are distributed in the form of fines as well as
Community Service;
* Nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five
years;
* Many people discard computers every three to five years;
* In 2004, only 9 percent of personal computers retired in the U.K. were
recycled.
Computers often hold personal and financial information, including
passwords, account numbers, license keys or registration numbers for
software programs, addresses and phone numbers, medical and prescription
information, tax returns, and other personal documents. Before getting rid
of your old computer, it’s a good idea to use software to “wipe” the hard
drive clean. If you don’t, consider your old hard drive a 21st century
treasure chest for identity thieves and information pirates.
Conclusion
TVs and computers can contain an average of four pounds of lead (depending
on their size, make and vintage) as well as other substances of potential
concern like chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and
brominated flame retardants. These materials need to be handled carefully
and are potential health hazards.
ABOUT US:
Data Protection is Our #1 Priority
Many companies simply live with the clutter of obsolete electronic waste
because of the fear that sensitive data may be compromised. Able IT
Logistics understands this very real concern and we ensure that all data
is removed entirely from your electronic waste before it is recycled.
Certificate of Destruction
For your peace of mind, we issue a Certificate of Destruction as proof
that any data stored within your electronic waste has been 100% destroyed
before it reaches our e-waste recycling facility.
Able IT Logistics is an established company
that specialises in the safe disposal of all electronics & IT Equipment-
We can remove computers, telecom systems and all associated electronics
equipment, providing Data Destruction Certificates-
This equipment is then recycled rather than used as landfill, thus
ensuring we are conserving the environment in which we live. The
electronic equipment contains various metals, if only in small quantities,
most common being Steel, Copper, Gold & Aluminium.
Our full service provision includes:
Electronics Removal & Disposal
Waste Management
SAFE & SECURE DATA DESTRUCTION
Confidential Removal & Destruction
Rebuild & Resale of IT Related Products.
We are also Out Of Hours Specialists and cover the whole of the UK.
Our Range of Services include...
We are an electronics recycling company that
takes protecting the environment and your company's security seriously.
Our mission is to provide our customers with affordable alternatives to
landfill disposal, worry free data security, and reliable customer
service.
We follow a strict NO LANDFILL policy both internally and externally. We
value each and every customer as if they were our first. We have a formal
environmental management system, ensuring that we meet environmental
quality standards for all portions of our operation.
Able IT Logistics Limited is an insured, privately owned and operated
corporation that provides electronics recycling services to both
residential and commercial customers.
At Able IT Logistics we maintain strict environmental and social
standards.
We recycle
* Computers
* Monitors
* IT Equipment
* and all other electronic devices
We provide a UK coverage - and collect and
dispose of Computer Hardware (or any type of e-waste) to UK Standards,
providing certificates of authenticated disposal and recycling.