As part of our commitment to being a sustainable and cyber secure organisation, managing our e-waste, especially its disposal, is important to the University of Otago.
What is e-waste?
e-waste is most electrical devices with a circuit board or strong metallic content that are no longer useful. Some common examples are:
- computers, laptops, and associated equipment
- televisions, LCD and CRT monitors
- mobile phones
- camcorders and VHS/DVD players
- mass spectrometers
- scanners and printers/multi-function devices (MFDs), etc.
- scientific and technical equipment
- electronic measuring devices and electric motors
- power cords and data cables
This equipment may contain sensitive data that needs to be deleted, as well as chemicals that are hazardous to the environment if they are not disposed of correctly.
What is e-waste recycling
e-waste recycling is the practice of reusing, or distributing for reuse, electronic equipment and components rather than discarding them at the end of their lifecycle.
e-waste Recycling Centre
The e-waste Recycling Centre operates at no cost to departments and can receive any University-owned e-waste items. It does not accept personally owned e-waste items.
Once in the Centre, items are sorted for reuse, recycling or disposal. If data has not already been erased from items such as disks, hard drives, or digital cameras, the Centre will undertake this task.
Recycled e-waste items are not currently available for personal or non-University use. The purchase of surplus equipment is also on hold.
How do I get my e-waste items removed?
Secure data removal
Sensitive data must be removed from all computing equipment and media before it leaves the University of Otago for reuse, recycling or disposal. The staff at the e-waste Recycling Centre will securely remove data stored on all items on your behalf.