Whether you’re clearing out an office or upgrading IT equipment, knowing how to dispose of old tech safely and responsibly is key. In the UK, there are both legal requirements and moral obligations when it comes to getting rid of electronic waste. From laptops to printers, monitors to batteries, each component has specific requirements to ensure data security, environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Many stores now offer recycle in store services, so you can donate electronics directly at their location and get rewards.
This guide explains how to dispose of old computers and their parts, with a focus on UK law and best practice.
Why Safe Computer Disposal Matters
Disposing of computers incorrectly can have serious consequences:
- Data breaches from discarded hard drives
- Environmental harm from toxic substances like lead, mercury and cadmium
- Legal penalties for breaking the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations
Companies can help remove data and facilitate the resale process.
The UK generates over 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste every year (as reported by ITU). Businesses in particular have a duty of care under UK law to ensure their waste is managed properly.
Finding old computers a new home by selling or donating is also an eco-friendly option to consider.
How to Dispose of Old Computers
Step 1: Backup and Remove Data
Before recycling or disposing of a computer always:
- Back up important files to cloud storage, an external drive or an external hard drive.
- Consider using Google Drive as a cloud storage option for backing up documents, photos and videos.
- Use data-wiping software or physical destruction to erase hard drives.
Step 2: Understand the WEEE Regulations
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 require businesses and individuals to dispose of electronics at authorised treatment facilities. Computers are covered under these regulations.
Individuals should check with their local council for computer recycling schemes.
Step 3: Choose a Licensed Waste Carrier
For businesses using a licensed waste management provider ensures compliance. REMONDIS UK offers certified waste collection and recycling services to help you meet your obligations and protect the environment. Plus it’s important to recycle electrical items responsibly, so they’re separated from general waste and handled correctly. Learn more about our electrical waste service here.
How to Dispose of Specific Computer Components
How to Safely Dispose of a Laptop
Laptops, like desktops, contain hazardous materials and data. Follow these steps:
- Remove the battery and hard drive.
- Wipe or destroy the hard drive.
- Ensure data can’t be accessed by unauthorised individuals by using cloud-based services or external drives to access your data across multiple devices.
- Recycle the device through a WEEE compliant facility or contact a professional waste management service.
How to Dispose of Computer Batteries
Batteries, especially lithium-ion ones found in laptops, can explode or leak toxic chemicals if disposed of incorrectly.
- Never bin them.
- Take them to a battery collection point (commonly found in supermarkets and electronic retailers).
- For businesses, arrange for safe battery disposal via a registered waste handler like REMONDIS.
- It’s also important to handle electrical items responsibly to ensure proper disposal and reuse.
How to Dispose of Hard Drives from Computers
Data security is key:
- Use software like DBAN to wipe drives.
- Ensure all personal data is securely erased to protect privacy and facilitate safe recycling or repurposing of computers.
- For higher security, physically destroy them using a hammer or professional shredding service.
- Recycle the remains through an authorised recycler.
How to Dispose of Computer Monitors
Monitors contain mercury and lead:
- CRT monitors (older models) are hazardous waste.
- Flat screens (LCD, LED) still require specialist disposal.
- Take to a household recycling centre or arrange business collection through a certified provider.
- It’s important to recycle electrical items responsibly to ensure proper disposal and reuse.
How to Dispose of Computer Printers
Printers have electronic and plastic components and ink cartridges:
- Remove ink cartridges (many can be recycled separately).
- Check if the manufacturer offers a take-back scheme.
- Recycle the printer via a WEEE compliant recycling centre or commercial waste service.
- It’s crucial to handle electrical items responsibly to ensure proper disposal and reuse.
How to Dispose of Computer Keyboards and Mice
Less hazardous but still e-waste:
- Donate if functional.
- Otherwise, recycle through an authorised facility.
Also remember to recycle accessories like cables, mice and other components responsibly to ensure they are reused, refurbished or properly disposed of.
How to Dispose of Computer Towers
The tower (or CPU) contains many valuable and hazardous materials:
- Remove hard drives and RAM.
- Wipe data thoroughly.
- Dismantle for parts or recycle whole units through a registered handler.
How to Dispose of Computer Parts (General Advice)
Components like RAM, graphics cards and motherboards need special recycling:
- Many contain rare earth metals.
- Don’t put in general waste.
- Use an e-waste recycling facility or professional waste service.
- Handle electrical items responsibly to ensure proper disposal and reuse.
How to Dispose of Old Computer Disks and Diskettes
These can still hold data:
- Cut or shred disks before disposal.
- Consider magnetising (degaussing) floppy disks.
- Dispose of through a WEEE compliant recycler.
- Ensure all data is securely erased to protect privacy and facilitate safe recycling or repurposing of computers.
Ethical Considerations
Beyond compliance, ethical computer disposal means:
- Data privacy is protected
- Toxic materials don’t end up in landfills
- Resources are reused or recycled, reducing demand for raw materials
Donating old but working equipment to schools or charities is a great way to extend the life of technology and help the community. Also donating to charity is a responsible disposal method that promotes environmental responsibility and social goodwill.
Donations can also be refurbished or sold by charities to raise funds, further supporting their financial needs and extending the positive impact of your donation.
REMONDIS Can Help with Safe and Compliant Disposal
REMONDIS UK offers professional business waste collection and waste management services, including:
- Collection of old computers and IT equipment
- Data destruction services
- Environmentally responsible recycling in line with WEEE regulations. It’s important to recycle electrical items responsibly to ensure proper disposal and reuse.
Whether you’re clearing out one office or multiple sites, our team will ensure your e-waste is handled responsibly, securely and legally.
Contact REMONDIS today to arrange computer disposal services.*
Summary Checklist: How to Dispose of Old Computers
- Back up all data and remove sensitive files
- Wipe or destroy hard drives to ensure data security
- Erase data before reselling or recycling old computers
- Remove batteries and store safely before disposal
- Identify components for separate recycling (monitors, printers, peripherals)
- Don’t put any electronics in general waste bins
- Understand and comply with WEEE regulations
- Use licensed waste carriers or certified recycling facilities
- Consider reuse or donation if still working
- Keep records of disposal for business purposes
- Call REMONDIS for a hassle free disposal
Contact us today for a free quote
Information accurate as of May 2025 (gov.uk)
