HomeNewsOld hardware disposal? 6 smart tips for businesses
October 07, 2025
Old hardware disposal? 6 smart tips for businesses
Hardware
blog
Do you have a pile of old computers, servers, or laptops lying around the office gathering dust? Then it’s time to dispose of that old hardware. Not just to free up space, but also to ensure data security and support sustainability through secure hardware disposal.
1. Don’t store old hardware too long (but not too short either)
It’s smart to hold onto old hardware until you’ve gathered a sizable batch. But don’t wait too long. Storing legacy IT for too long takes up unnecessary space, your storage fills up, and the equipment piles up.
On the other hand, don’t dispose of devices too quickly either. The IT company will need to come more frequently, which drives up costs. The best approach? Don’t store it for longer than a year. That way, it remains manageable, efficient, and cost-effective.
Top tip: Real pros keep an Excel record of both new and legacy hardware. When it’s time to request a destruction or buy-back quote from the IT company, you’ll already have a ready-to-share overview. Saving you time and ensuring nothing gets missed.
2. Place computer waste in a convenient location
Ensure your old equipment is stored in an easily accessible location and is as organised as possible. This makes it quicker and more efficient for the IT company to collect the equipment, reducing time spent on-site and avoiding unnecessary costs. Good organisation also supports a smoother IT hardware disposal process, with minimal disruption to your daily operations.
3. Use a (lockable) storage solution for excess hardware
A good system for collecting hardware helps keep everything neat and ready for pickup. Think of:
Wheelie bins
Containers
Pallets
This keeps the workspace tidy and prevents damage to the equipment.
Is there sensitive data on the devices? Then choose lockable containers and store them under lock and key. This ensures all data is protected until it’s professionally destroyed. Safe and efficient for everyone involved.
4. Have your data professionally destroyed
Old hardware often still contains sensitive data. This should never end up in the wrong hands. That’s why it’s essential to have your data professionally destroyed.
This guarantees the data is truly erased. You’ll prevent data breaches and comply with legal requirements. A trusted service provider will destroy the equipment according to strict guidelines.
5. Store old hardware in a secure location
Even if you don’t have immediate plans to dispose of the old hardware, make sure it’s stored in a safe, locked location.
Keep it stored separately from your current IT stock. Don’t leave it in an open or public area. Ensure it’s stored securely behind lock and key. This prevents anyone from accessing it without permission.
Older devices may be vulnerable to malware, viruses, and data breaches once they stop receiving security updates. For example, first-generation Microsoft Surface devices, like the Surface Book, cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 and no longer meet modern security standards.
Storing old hardware in a secure location saves you from security breaches caused by the use of legacy devices and ensures you stay in control of sensitive data until the equipment can be safely destroyed, recycled, or repurposed.
WEEELABEX-certified companies are audited annually by an independent auditor. Only companies with well-organised processes meet these strict requirements.
What devices can be sold?
A wide range of business IT equipment can be sold, provided it is complete and in good working condition. This includes:
Other: Monitors and displays larger than 21 inches
Please note: Private hardware (fewer than 10 personal devices), defective or incomplete equipment, cables, mice, keyboards, printers, toners and cartridges are usually not eligible for buyback.
Responsible old hardware disposal
Properly disposing of old hardware requires a well-thought-out approach:
A structured approach to secure hardware disposal reduces risks, protects sensitive data, and contributes to circular economy.
No, removing the hard drive alone is not enough to secure your data. The data still remains on the drive and can be recovered using the right software.
To wipe your old computer, you can have the data erased by a professional company. They use specialised data wiping software that overwrites the hard drive multiple times. This makes the data nearly impossible to recover. It’s a safe and reliable way to permanently delete your data, without having to do it yourself.
Note: Simply deleting files or emptying the recycle bin is not enough.
You can’t just throw away a computer. First, ensure all sensitive data is completely erased or that the hard drive is securely destroyed. Then, have the remaining hardware recycled by a certified company.
Safe computer hardware disposal requires both secure data wiping and responsible recycling. This approach protects your data and supports environmental responsibility.
More and more organisations are shifting to Device as a Service (DaaS) as a smarter, scalable, and more sustainable way to manage their IT hardware. A clear overview of the key benefits.
Network as a Service (NaaS): Flexible, secure and scalable
Organisations are turning to Network as a Service (NaaS), a scalable, managed alternative to traditional hardware. This blog explains what NaaS is, why it matters, and how it supports modern IT environments.
Storage as a Service (STaaS): Benefits, process and best practices
More organisations are turning to Storage as a Service (STaaS), a flexible, scalable way to manage on‑premise data. This blog explores what STaaS is, why it’s gaining popularity, and how it supports modern data strategies.
