The Reuse & Recycle (R&R) Service is a free, environmentally friendly initiative designed to help departments at the University properly dispose of unwanted IT equipment, from working computers to damaged peripherals. Overseen by the Device Lifecycle team, this service ensures that outdated or nonfunctional devices are either reused within the University or responsibly recycled in compliance with environmental legislation. The Sustainability team have been working with the Device Lifecycle team over the last 18 months to develop and launch this service.
What Does the Service Offer?
The R&R Service is open to all University departments and allows them to request a collection of a wide range of IT equipment. This includes desktop computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, docking stations, cables, and other IT peripherals whether the devices are working or non-working. Once collected, the equipment is assessed for reuse, either for internal use within the University or for resale through the University’s recycling partner.
Reuse and Revenue Generation
The best part of the R&R service is that it supports not only sustainability but also the University’s internal initiatives. If equipment is sold through the recycling partner, any surplus value after collection and recycling costs goes back into the Device Lifecycle program. This revenue is used to fund a key benefit for University staff: providing free Microsoft Surface devices to eligible employees.
This aspect of the service promotes a circular economy where devices get a second life, and the University benefits from their sale, creating a more resource-efficient environment.
How Does It Work?
Getting started with the R&R service is super straightforward. Here’s how it works:
- Gather Your Old IT Equipment: Start by collecting any old IT gear you have sitting around whether it’s still working or has given up.
- Fill Out the Form: Head over to the online Reuse & Recycle form. It’s important to list serial numbers for devices holding any data, like computers or laptops.
- Decommissioning: Once we have your form, the decommissioning process begins. This usually takes up to two weeks.
- Collection and Reuse: After the process is complete, your devices will either be wiped clean and reused within the university, or they’ll be responsibly recycled by our partner.
For full details of the service, please visit the new Reuse & Recycle webpage.
Responsible Disposal
For equipment that is not suitable for reuse or resale, it is recycled according to strict environmental standards. Data-bearing devices undergo a secure data erasure process to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with security regulations.
What Can You Recycle?
The R&R service covers a wide range of IT devices. Here’s what we can and can’t accept:
Accepted:
- Desktop computers (Windows or Mac)
- Laptops (Windows or Mac) and their chargers
- Monitors and external hard drives
- Accessories like mice, keyboards, docks, and cables
Not Accepted:
- Mobile phones or landline phones
- Personal devices or non-university IT equipment
- Packaging materials from new equipment
- Non-IT cables (e.g., kettle cables)
Secure Data Disposal
When devices are collected, any data stored on them is securely erased using Blancco Drive Eraser, the industry leader in data destruction software. The software complies with the most stringent security and environmental standards, ensuring that no personal or sensitive data is left behind on recycled devices.
For further information and contact you could use the email below:
Email: device-lifecycle-dts@reading.ac.uk
Sabat Azeez, Sustainability, University of Reading
