Businesses upgrade their tech all the time, but what happens to the old kit? All too often, it ends up gathering dust in a cupboard or, worse, chucked in the wrong bin.
Electronics are packed with valuable materials like gold and copper. But they also contain harmful substances that can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. That’s why there are rules in place to make sure e-waste is handled responsibly.
Under the UK WEEE Regulations, your business has a legal duty to recycle electronic waste in a safe and sustainable way. That includes anything from broken laptops to old printers and tangled power cables.
It might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. At First Mile, we make electronics recycling simple, secure and fully compliant — helping you protect data, meet regulations and boost your sustainability credentials.
Here, we’ll explain how to dispose of old tech correctly.
What UK businesses need to know about WEEE Regulations
WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. These UK regulations are designed to reduce the growing mountain of electronic waste by ensuring items are reused, recycled and handled safely.
If your business is throwing away electrical equipment, from old monitors and laptops to fridges or cables, WEEE applies to you. It’s not just manufacturers who have responsibilities. Any business disposing of electronic items must follow the rules.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use a licensed waste carrier to collect and handle your WEEE
- Store WEEE separately and securely — keep it away from general waste
- Keep records of what you’ve disposed of and how
Since March 2025, all workplaces in England are legally required to separate recyclable waste, including electrical items, before disposal. That means tossing tech in the general bin isn’t just bad practice, it’s now against the law.
Don’t worry though: complying with the new regulations is easier than you think with the right help on board. Explore our business recycling solutions or learn more about WEEE recycling with First Mile.
What electronics can be recycled and how to prepare them
Electronic waste comes in all shapes and sizes, and the good news is most of it can be recycled. Whether you’re upgrading your IT equipment or clearing out the staff kitchen, your old tech doesn’t need to go to waste.
Common recyclable electronics include:
- Computers, laptops, phones and tablets
- Monitors, printers, cables, chargers and peripherals
- Lighting, kitchen appliances, power tools and batteries
These items fall under the category of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Smaller items, like phones and keyboards, are classed as small WEEE. Larger items, like server racks or photocopiers, may need special handling but can still be recycled.
Before collection, there are a few simple things you should do:
1. Back up your data and permanently wipe devices
This is crucial for GDPR compliance and data security. If you’re handling sensitive or personal data, make sure everything is erased before disposal.
2. Remove batteries, cables and accessories
These may be recycled separately or require different treatment. First Mile offers dedicated battery recycling to help you stay compliant.
3. Clean and pack items safely
Boxing up your electronics makes transport safer and helps improve electronic and IT equipment recycling efficiency.
Most importantly, never dispose of electronics in general waste. Not only is it illegal, but it also stops valuable materials being recovered and reused. Ready to partner with a secure, compliant recycling provider ready to handle WEEE recycling for businesses? Find out more about our secure e-waste services.
Your options for safe, compliant recycling
When it comes to disposing of old electronics, businesses in the UK have a few different options. But not all offer the same level of security, ease or compliance. Here’s what you need to know.
Certified recycling services
Working with a licensed waste provider is the most straightforward and reliable route for most businesses — especially if you're dealing with mixed equipment, multiple sites or regular tech upgrades.
At First Mile, we provide:
- Flexible collections from your premises, scheduled to suit your operations
- Secure transport and handling, including support with data protection
- Full WEEE compliance, with items sent to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF)
- Clear documentation, so you can prove compliance and support internal audits
Our business recycling solutions are designed to take the stress out of electronic waste disposal, whether you’re recycling a few laptops or an entire office’s worth of kit.
Manufacturer take-back schemes
Some tech brands and retailers offer take-back or trade-in schemes when you buy new products. These are great for individuals or one-off returns, but they’re not scalable for businesses with lots of devices or mixed brands. You’ll also need to check whether data disposal is included (it often isn’t).
Council drop-off points
Local councils usually provide WEEE recycling for households, and some offer limited services for very small businesses. But they don’t collect, and most can’t guarantee secure handling or full compliance. This route may be free, but it comes with risks.
If your business values convenience, data security and staying on the right side of the law, a professional service is the safest choice.
Why electronics recycling is good for business
Beyond staying on the right side of the law, recycling your old electronics is also a smart, strategic move for your business, with benefits that go far beyond compliance.
Here’s how responsible electronic waste disposal can support your organisation:
Stay compliant
UK businesses are legally required to dispose of business e-waste in line with the WEEE Regulations. Partnering with a licensed provider like First Mile helps you avoid the risk of fines, breaches or bad press, and keeps your waste records audit-ready.
Protect sensitive data
Old tech often holds confidential business information. From hard drives to smartphones, secure disposal is essential to avoid data leaks and stay GDPR compliant. First Mile’s services include data-safe handling and can support with evidence of secure disposal where required.
Free up valuable space
Outdated IT equipment and unused gadgets take up room and rarely serve a purpose. Clearing out e-waste helps declutter your workspace, optimise storage and create a more organised, productive environment.
Cut waste costs
Throwing electronics in general waste can be expensive as well as illegal. Avoid landfill fees and non-compliance penalties with a proper recycling process. In some cases, you might even recover residual value from items with reusable components.
Boost your sustainability credentials
Among the many benefits of business recycling, e-waste recycling supports your business’s ESG goals, contributes to a circular economy, and enhances your reputation with staff, customers and stakeholders.
What happens to your electronics after collection?
Once your old electronics leave your premises, what actually happens next? Knowing the process can help you feel confident that your waste is being handled responsibly and that recycling really works.
At First Mile, all collected electronic waste is sent to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF). These specialist facilities are licensed to safely dismantle and recycle electrical items in line with UK regulations.
Here’s what happens at an AATF:
- Devices are manually dismantled to separate components
- Materials are sorted into categories like plastics, metals and circuit boards
- Reusable parts may be recovered and refurbished
- Raw materials like aluminium, copper and even gold are extracted and sent back into manufacturing
It’s all part of the circular economy: reducing waste, saving energy and cutting demand for new resources.
In fact, the value hidden inside e-waste is huge. The Royal Mint has even launched a programme to recover gold from discarded electronics, turning yesterday’s tech into tomorrow’s treasure.
By choosing a certified recycling partner, you’re going far beyond simply disposing of old tech and actually contributing to something much bigger.
How First Mile makes electronics recycling easy
Recycling your business electronics shouldn’t be complicated. And with First Mile, it isn’t. We’re here to take the hassle out of WEEE compliance and make sure your old tech is dealt with safely, sustainably and securely.
Here’s how we help:
- Licensed and compliant: We’re a fully accredited waste carrier, with services that meet all UK WEEE Regulations
- Secure data disposal: We support GDPR compliance with safe, traceable handling of IT equipment
- Flexible collections: Whether you’re clearing out a cupboard or managing regular e-waste, we’ll collect at a time that works for you
- Zero-to-landfill: Everything we collect is reused, repurposed or recycled — never sent to landfill
- Support at every step: We provide recycling bins, signage and staff guidance to make the process easy for your team
We’re already trusted by thousands of UK businesses, from small offices to national retailers. Our team is friendly, responsive and committed to helping you meet your sustainability goals.
Ready to recycle your old electronics?
Old tech doesn’t have to sit gathering dust or risk ending up in the wrong bin. With the right recycling partner, you can clear space, protect your data and meet your legal obligations, all while doing something positive for the planet.
First Mile makes it easy. We handle everything securely and sustainably, so you can focus on running your business with peace of mind.
Get in touch to see how we can help your business recycle electronics the simple, compliant way.
