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Schools

Becta's Schools website offers advice and guidance to school leadership teams on how technology can be built into teaching, learning and management.

Getting more for your money

How to dispose of redundant equipment


Schools should identify how they intend to dispose of equipment they no longer use or require.

There may be local arrangements - for example through the education authority or a private company or managed service.

A number of recycling firms are likely to dispose of computer equipment that schools no longer require. This may be best achieved through the education authority which may have a contract for such a service on behalf of its schools.

The ICER (Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling) website has a list of member companies across the UK which could satisfy schools' requirements. The site also offers relevant information on the three directives that cover this area:

  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)
  • Framework for Ecodesign of End Use Equipment (EEE)

The Recycool website lists places where schools can recycle unwanted inkjet, laser and fax cartridges and old mobile phones, and then exchange them for credits from a number of educational suppliers. Participation in this scheme is free and includes registration, cartridge-collection kits and courier uplifts. Launched in October 2001 as SPRINTS, it was 'designed particularly to suit school groups and supporters willing to collect items for recycling on behalf of schools'. Schools wanting to participate should sign up on the website.

Some recycling facts:

  • British households and businesses throw away more than 30million used laser and inkjet cartridges every year.
  • These cartridges contribute more than 300,000 tonnes of solid waste in overburdened landfill dumps.
  • It is estimated that there are more than 20 million mobile phones no longer in use in households across the UK. They are languishing at the back of drawers, becoming more obsolete every day.
  • Phone batteries contain cadmium and must be disposed of safely. Throwing them in the bin causes environmental damage.
  • Cartridges and mobile phones have a combined value well in excess of £90million, so remember that throwing away an empty cartridge or used phone is like throwing away money!

Both the ICER and Recycool websites give relevant information for decision makers in schools.

Printer friendly printer friendly version of this page Published: 15 February 2002
Last modified: 15 September 2006