What Is E Waste?

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, laptops, servers, monitors and mobile devices. Businesses must dispose of e-waste responsibly through approved recycling and disposal processes to protect data, comply with regulations and reduce environmental impact.

As organisations continue to invest in technology, the volume of electronic waste continues to grow. Devices that once supported day-to-day operations eventually reach the end of their useful life, creating challenges around disposal, compliance and data security. Understanding what e waste is and how to manage it correctly helps businesses reduce risk while supporting sustainability objectives.

What Does E Waste Mean?

E-waste is short for electronic waste.

The term describes electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer wanted, no longer works or has been replaced by newer technology. Unlike general waste, e-waste often contains valuable materials, data-bearing components and substances that require specialist handling.

For businesses, e-waste commonly arises following technology refresh projects, office relocations, equipment upgrades or data centre decommissioning programmes.

Many organisations replace equipment long before it stops working. As a result, businesses can often refurbish, reuse or resell equipment rather than sending it directly for recycling.

What Is Considered E Waste?

Many types of business technology become e-waste when they are removed from service.

Examples include:

• Computers
• Laptops
• Servers
• Monitors
• Mobile phones
• Printers
• Networking equipment
• Storage devices
• Docking stations
• Office electronics
• Data centre equipment

Any device that uses electricity and has reached the end of its useful life may be classed as electronic waste.

Why Is E Waste a Growing Problem?

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.

According to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor, the world generated more than 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, with volumes continuing to increase each year.

Several factors contribute to this growth.

Firstly, organisations rely on more technology than ever before. Secondly, equipment lifecycles have become shorter as businesses seek improved performance, security and efficiency. Finally, many organisations continue to replace technology at scale as part of digital transformation programmes.

As a result, businesses now generate larger volumes of electronic waste than in previous decades.

At the same time, many electronic devices contain valuable raw materials that cannot be recovered if equipment enters the wrong disposal stream.

Why E Waste Matters for Businesses

For organisations, e-waste is about far more than environmental responsibility.

Data security

Many devices contain sensitive information long after they have been removed from service.

Without appropriate controls, businesses risk exposing confidential information, customer records or commercially sensitive data.

For this reason, secure data destruction should form part of every e-waste disposal process.

Compliance obligations

Businesses remain responsible for how electronic waste is handled and disposed of.

Consequently, organisations must ensure approved providers process equipment in accordance with relevant regulations and industry standards.

Sustainability goals

Many businesses have established sustainability targets and ESG commitments.

Responsible e-waste recycling supports these objectives by reducing waste and extending the life of technology wherever possible.

Corporate responsibility

Customers, suppliers and stakeholders increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate responsible environmental practices.

Managing e-waste correctly supports those expectations.

Operational efficiency

A structured approach to e-waste disposal helps businesses avoid storage issues, reduce administrative burden and maintain accurate asset records.

“Many businesses focus on purchasing and deploying technology, but fewer have a clear plan for what happens when that equipment reaches the end of its useful life. Managing e-waste responsibly helps organisations protect data, meet compliance requirements and maximise the value of existing assets.”

Steve Turberfield, Head of Corporate Accounts, OCM

Environmental Impact of E Waste

Electronic waste can have a significant environmental impact if it is not managed correctly.

Many devices contain materials that require specialist processing. When organisations dispose of equipment improperly, those materials may enter landfill or contribute to pollution.

In addition, manufacturing new technology requires energy, raw materials and natural resources.

By extending equipment lifecycles through refurbishment and reuse, organisations can reduce demand for new manufacturing while lowering the environmental impact associated with replacement devices.

Consequently, responsible electronic waste recycling plays an important role in reducing waste and supporting sustainability goals.

Valuable Materials Found in E Waste

Many people are surprised by the materials contained within electronic devices.

These can include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Aluminium
• Rare earth elements

While individual devices may contain small quantities, the value becomes significant when processing large volumes of equipment.

Therefore, e-waste recycling not only reduces waste but also helps recover valuable materials for future use.

E Waste and WEEE Regulations

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

The WEEE Regulations help ensure organisations manage electronic waste responsibly and prevent electrical equipment from entering landfill unnecessarily.

Businesses have a duty of care regarding how they store, transport and dispose of electronic waste.

For this reason, organisations should work with approved providers that can demonstrate compliance and provide appropriate documentation.

Businesses should also retain records that show how equipment was processed.

You can learn more about OCM’s accreditations and compliance standards here:

How Businesses Should Dispose of E Waste

Identify E Waste Assets

The first step involves identifying equipment that is no longer required.

This may include computers, laptops, servers, storage devices and networking equipment.

Maintaining an accurate asset inventory helps organisations manage the disposal process efficiently.

Securely Remove Data

Before equipment leaves site, organisations should ensure all data is removed securely.

Depending on requirements, this may involve certified data erasure or physical destruction.

OCM provides secure data destruction services to help organisations manage this process:

Arrange Collection

Once assets have been identified, businesses should arrange secure collection.

A professional collection process helps maintain security and traceability throughout the project.

Learn more about OCM’s IT collection services:

Reuse, Resell or Recycle

Where possible, organisations should prioritise reuse and refurbishment.

Equipment that is no longer suitable for reuse can then move into responsible recycling channels.

This approach supports sustainability goals while helping recover value from retired assets.

What Happens to E Waste After Collection?

Many organisations know what happens before collection but have less visibility afterwards.

Following collection, equipment may be assessed for refurbishment and reuse. In some cases, individual components can be harvested and reused in other devices.

Where reuse is not possible, materials are separated and processed through approved recycling streams.

Responsible providers maintain documentation throughout the process, ensuring organisations can demonstrate compliance and traceability.

How E Waste Supports the Circular Economy

The circular economy focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

E-waste management plays an important role in supporting this objective.

Through refurbishment, reuse and responsible recycling, businesses can extend equipment lifecycles and reduce waste.

Rather than treating technology as disposable, organisations can recover value while reducing demand for new raw materials.

This approach supports both sustainability objectives and commercial goals.

Common E Waste Disposal Mistakes

Businesses should avoid several common mistakes when disposing of electronic waste.

These include:

• Placing electronic equipment in general waste
• Failing to remove data before disposal
• Using unlicensed providers
• Not retaining documentation

Each of these mistakes can create compliance, security or environmental risks.

Working with an experienced provider helps organisations avoid these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is e waste?

E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, laptops, servers, monitors and mobile devices.

What items are classed as e-waste?

Computers, laptops, servers, networking equipment, printers, storage devices and mobile phones are all common examples of e-waste.

Is e-waste the same as WEEE?

WEEE refers to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and forms part of the regulatory framework that governs e-waste disposal.

Why is e-waste harmful to the environment?

Improper disposal can contribute to pollution, resource depletion and unnecessary landfill waste.

How should businesses dispose of e-waste?

Businesses should identify assets, remove data securely, arrange collection and ensure equipment is reused, refurbished or recycled through approved channels.

Can e-waste be recycled?

Yes. Many electronic devices contain materials that can be recovered and reused through specialist recycling processes.

What happens to recycled electronic equipment?

Depending on condition, equipment may be refurbished, reused, dismantled for parts or processed to recover valuable materials.

Do businesses need to comply with WEEE regulations?

Yes. Businesses have responsibilities regarding the management and disposal of electronic waste and should work with approved providers.

Managing e-waste responsibly

Understanding what e waste is helps organisations make informed decisions about electronic waste disposal.

By combining secure data destruction, compliant recycling processes and opportunities for reuse, businesses can reduce risk while supporting sustainability goals.

OCM supports organisations with IT collection, data destruction, computer recycling, laptop recycling and server recycling services. Learn more: