How best to follow corporate recycling standards
Monday, 21, May 2012 02:59
Following corporate recycling standards may not sound like a very exciting part of running a business, but it is one of the most important. Obligations on the correct disposal and recycling of electronic equipment have been in place for several years and a failure to meet what is required of you may mean you are landed with a substantial fine.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive rules first came into effect five years ago and demand all firms that manufacture, distribute and/or use a range of electrical goods dispose of these in a responsible manner.
Although it is possible to do this entirely by yourself, the demands imposed by both UK and European legislation mean many companies find it easier to call on the services of a dedicated corporate recycling organisation for assistance.
One of the key elements of the WEEE programme is accountability, as firms must be able to prove that any electronic products leaving their premises have been recycled properly. As such, it is a good idea to seek out a registered company that will collect your goods and provide you with a waste transfer note documenting exactly when and where they were taken. You may find that the Environment Agency (EA) or some other government body requests evidence of your recycling efforts, so this document can help show you are adhering to all EA legislation.
Enrolling the services of an accredited company is the best way to guarantee you have met all your corporate recycling obligations, so it is worth looking for companies - such as ShP Limited - that have been approved by the EA.
Checking for ISO accreditations in areas such as environment and quality can ensure you are working with a reputable organisation, while you may also want to find out if they use authorised approved treatment facilities.
Having products recycled responsibly delivers obvious environmental benefits, but this is certainly not the only advantage that can be realised when following corporate standards. Indeed, while the WEEE Directive sets out that businesses have a duty of care to make sure electronic equipment is not simply left in the trash can waiting to be sent to landfill, meeting these obligations also offers the perfect chance for firms to improve their corporate social responsibility efforts.
By hiring a specialist recycling company you are displaying a commitment to getting your products disposed of properly, so you can show customers - existing and prospective ones alike - that you're keen to do your bit to protect the environment, something which is bound to improve the way you are perceived.
Enlisting the services of such an organisation also means you can remove much of the hassle and expense that can be involved in trying to do everything yourself. Some companies offer a free collection service, so they will come to your premises at a time suitable to you to pick up your goods, rather than you having to attempt to transport heavy, large items like computers to a recycling facility.
Following these standards also means you'll be able to ensure sensitive data is not compromised. Equipment such as laptops and mobile phones often contains highly valuable information, like bank account numbers and email addresses, which you will certainly not to want to fall into the wrong hands. However, a corporate recycling company can guarantee that all your products will be wiped clear first, so not only can you meet your environmental commitments, but also your data protection ones.