Our Refurbish, Reuse and Recycle Process
At Refurb IT, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices in our operations, and this includes our reuse, refurbish and recycling process for donated electronic devices. Our goal is to extend the life of these devices by refurbishing them for reuse whenever possible, and when that is not possible, we recycle them in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
This document outlines the procedures for refurbishing and reusing donated devices, including the quality control processes, the use of appropriate software licenses, and the procedures for donating refurbished devices.
When you donate an electronic device to us, we will:
1. Assess its suitability for refurbishment and reuse.
2. If the device is in good condition and can be refurbished, we will wipe any data from it using professional industry standard software.
3. Repair and replace any minor replaceable parts.
4. Install new windows license and necessary software for the new user.
5. Perform a final quality check.
6. Donate the device to individuals or families who are facing digital poverty through our VCSE partners.
However, if the device is beyond repair or cannot be refurbished for reuse, we will recycle it under the WEEE Directive. As a registered Waste Carrier with the Environment Agency (certificate #CBDL473064), we adhere to strict guidelines for the safe and responsible disposal of electronic waste. We work with trusted recycling partners who are licensed to handle electronic waste and ensure that all devices are disposed of in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Refurb IT cannot accept majorly damaged hardware because of the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, which we are not trained to handle. It is advisable to have it disposed of by a trustworthy recycling centre that is capable of securely wiping any data on the device.
Our reuse and recycling process ensures that we are doing our part to reduce electronic waste and promote a circular economy. By extending the life of electronic devices through refurbishment and reuse, and recycling them responsibly, when necessary, we are contributing to a more sustainable future for our communities and the planet. Thank you for joining us in this important mission.
WEEE Directive
The WEEE Directive is a regulation implemented by the European Union (EU) to reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated and promote the sustainable disposal of these devices. If you want to donate a device, such as a computer or a smartphone, it is important to consider the WEEE Directive to ensure that the device is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Under the WEEE Directive, the producer of the electronic device is responsible for the collection, treatment, recovery, and disposal of the device. However, some organisations may have a collection system in place to collect and recycle electronic devices. Refurb IT has a collection system in place and a process on reusing or safely recycle when necessary. By donating your device, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste generated and promoting the sustainable disposal of electronic devices. However, it is important to ensure that the device is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and all personal data has been removed before donation.
When donating a device, it is important to ensure that all personal data has been removed from the device. This includes any files, documents, or personal information that may be stored on the device. If you are unsure how to remove personal data from the device, seek assistance from someone who is knowledgeable about the device or from Refurb IT. For more information on WEEE directive, please visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/waste-electrical.htm
Refurb IT: 07737 213477
or refurbit@reachingpeople.co.uk
