Waste Legislation & Reduction Policy 

Our legal position 

In the UK, the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment is governed by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, as amended. Laptops, computers, and similar IT equipment fall within scope and cannot be put in general waste, taken to landfill, or handed to an unlicensed collector. As the business that produces this waste, we have a legal duty of care to dispose of it correctly.
 

We comply with national legislation on waste disposal and make sure any waste we are responsible for is handled in a way that does no harm to the local population or the environment. As a fully remote business, we generate very little physical waste; the most significant item is old IT equipment used by our team. This policy sets out how we deal with that responsibly, keep what waste we have to a minimum, and support the team to do the same. 

Why a remote business still has a responsibility 

The usual model for waste disposal assumes a company with premises, where the local authority provides the infrastructure to collect and process waste. That does not map onto how we work: we have no office, no shared bins, and no single site where waste is generated. 

This does not remove the responsibility. The equipment our team uses still reaches the end of its life, and when it does it must be disposed of properly. The difference is that this sits across individual home locations rather than in one place, so our approach is to make sure no one on the team is left guessing about what to do with an old laptop. 

What we do in practice 

We treat end-of-life IT equipment as something to plan for. Whenever it leaves our possession it goes to a registered waste carrier, authorised take-back scheme, or Approved Authorised Treatment Facility, with a waste transfer note kept as a record.  

Educating the team 

We make sure everyone understands that laptops and computers cannot go in household or general waste, and we share clear guidance on the proper disposal routes: local recycling centres that accept business IT equipment, manufacturer and retailer take-back schemes, and licensed e-waste recyclers. We also assist team members in finding the best disposal method available in their area, so anyone with equipment to dispose of should contact the Sustainability Lead when needed. 

Protecting data first 

Old laptops and computers hold data, so secure data destruction comes before disposal. Devices are properly wiped or handled by a recycler who provides certified data destruction, in line with our obligations under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Reducing and disposing of waste 

Where we can reduce, we do: we work digitally by default, keep physical purchasing to a considered minimum, favour durable or repairable options where a meaningful choice exists, and extend the working life of IT equipment rather than replacing it on a fixed cycle.  

Our measurable goal is that all end-of-life IT equipment is reused or recycled through a proper route, with none going to landfill. 

Where equipment still works, reuse comes before recycling. Once all data has been securely destroyed, we will consider passing serviceable equipment to a reuse or donation scheme. Local NGOs and community organisations such as charities, churches, and schools may be seeking donations of old computers, and this keeps usable equipment out of the waste stream while supporting our wider community. 

When equipment has genuinely reached the end of its life, or when any team member is disposing of e-waste on the company's behalf, the following rules apply: 

• Take old equipment to a licensed waste disposal centre or licensed recycler 
• Only pass equipment to reuse or recycling stores if it still functions; if it does not, it goes to a licensed recycler instead. 
• For any hazardous waste, use a company licensed to collect it. 

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