Public Sector now main target in computer recycling campaign

With up to two million working Pentium PCs dumped in landfill sites in the UK every year this is one of the biggest throwaways in history. Not-for-profit recycling company Maxitech has set out to change this and is targeting the Public sector as one of four key markets which could lead to an improvement in the UKs IT recycling record.

In autumn this year the EU Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is due to come into force. It will require that redundant electrical equipment is re-used or recycled and not dumped. As heavy users of new technology, the Public sector is well placed to lead the way both in socially responsible recycling and compliance with new environmental legislation.

When organisations upgrade technology, redundant equipment will need disposal. In most situations this equipment ends up in landfills. The arrival of the WEEE Directive means businesses now have to consider recycling sooner rather than later, and we are looking to Public sector organisations to take a lead and adopt a socially responsible policy with regards to redundant equipment, commented Peter Paduh, managing director of Maxitech.

One of Maxitechs first public sector clients is the Local Government Association (LGA). LGA is also a member of Maxitechs recycling programme. As a part of this programme Maxitechs clients have a choice of several environmental disposal routes, such as selecting the charity to which they would like some of the refurbished equipment to go.

Maxitech also provides tracking reports to show exactly what happens to the equipment collected. This can be achieved while still meeting the requirements of the WEEE Directive and minimising the financial impact of compliance.

Another of Maxitechs clients is the Office of the Green Party MEPs Jean Lambert and Caroline Lucas.

Microsoft recently accepted Maxitech onto its Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR) programme. This means that Maxitech can now install licenses of Windows for a nominal fee onto PCs destined for Charities and Education.

Jean Philippe Courtois, CEO Microsoft EMEA has recently stated:

"Many communities are prevented from realising their full potential by a lack of access to affordable technology. The EMEA MAR program is a key component of our company's commitment to digital inclusion, education and lifelong learning,"

The most recent example of how redundant business IT equipment can be recycled came with the June launch of the Age Concern Islington and Maxitechs Appeal for Computers for Older People. Recycled computers were given away to older people on low income who are involved with Age Concern Islington's empowering work with local older people programme.

Further information about responsible recycling and the WEEE Directive can be found at www.maxitech.biz