AS PART of this year’s Recycle Week, I would like to encourage readers to think about not just this year’s theme of recycling around the home, but for businesses to think about who they use for their recycling.

Exporting millions of computers to e-graveyards overseas is not a viable solution and I would urge anyone considering a "free or credited" IT disposal or recycling service to satisfy themselves as to the accreditations and licences of the company.

At S2S, we deal with the safe removal, destruction and disposal of IT assets and data so there is no excuse for taking the illegal route. Aside from potential environmental damage, data is not destroyed until the hard drive containing it is physically destroyed or erased by an accredited company using approved software and providing the relevant certification.

Thanks to new UK sentencing guidelines, any company using a man in a van with no questions asked can expect the full force of the law. Illegal recycling is not a victimless crime and profit from e-graveyards supports organised crime in the UK. The fines and legal implications make e-graveyards simply not worth the risk. Business can’t afford it, the children in these countries can’t afford it and the environment can’t afford it. We all need to think again and dispose of our e-waste legally and responsibly.

To make a positive change, we all have to take recycling seriously and the home is a great place to start. The only legitimate export in this field is our attitude to the responsible disposal of unwanted goods.

For further information about data destruction and waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling see our website www.s2s.uk.com or contact info@weee-recycler.co.uk. Alternatively, give us a call on 01709 878878.

ALAN DUKINFIELD Managing director S2S Group