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E-waste: disposing of old ICT equipment responsibly
By Kennedy Ougo, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Wipe data, reuse where possible and recycle through licensed handlers — old equipment carries both data and hazardous materials.
Old computers, phones, batteries and network equipment pile up in storerooms. Disposing of them carelessly risks both data leaks and environmental harm.
Remove data first
Storage drives can hold years of emails, documents and passwords. Securely erase drives with appropriate tools or physically destroy them, and keep a record of what was done.
Reset network equipment
Routers, switches and firewalls store configurations and passwords. Reset them to factory defaults before disposal.
Reuse where possible
Working equipment can be donated to schools or community groups, or sold, extending its useful life — after data has been removed.
Recycle responsibly
Electronic equipment contains hazardous materials such as lead and other heavy metals. Use licensed e-waste recyclers and ask for certificates of disposal.
Batteries need special care
UPS and laptop batteries must go to proper recycling, not general waste.
Update records
Mark disposed items in the asset register with the date and method.
See our ICT lifecycle services.
About the author
Kennedy Ougo
Senior ICT Consultant
Kennedy Ougo writes about ICT project delivery, equipment deployment and intelligent transport systems.