"Re-use is little used" Graham Davy, Managing Director of Sims Recycling Solutions, explains the vast untapped potential for re-use of school equipment.

Reduce Unnecessary IT Costs
Each year, educational establishments in the UK spend millions of pounds on their IT in a seemingly endless cycle. As well as substantial costs to the school, this ongoing process is also costing the environment dearly.

According to Graham Davy, educational establishments have often been misinformed - advised to consider equipment redundant well before time.

Here, he explains how the WEEE Directive can help schools expand the lifespan of their IT infrastructure, while reducing waste and ultimately saving on costs.

"Re-use is a process where the lifespan of equipment is extended through refurbishment and updating. With equipment such as computers, schools could extend the life of machines by two-fold, reducing impact on the environment as well as the budget.

So what makes re-use such an attractive option?
"Well, for the majority of organisations, an IT infrastructure is probably one of the biggest operating costs they face. With technology moving at such a pace, many operate an IT update on a regular basis, upgrading to the latest machines while disposing of the old equipment.

"Through re-use, the lifespan of a computer can be increased by up to 200%, meaning that a computer can be redeployed to staff and pupils a number of times. For example, a computer used by a senior lecturer can be removed, data-wiped, cleaned, and redeployed back into the school to another member of staff who might not need the latest machine.

What if the equipment cannot be re-sold?
"It can be removed and put through a dedicated recycling process which will recover any components for re-use and then the individual materials will be recycled. This will ensure any value that might be left in the equipment is realised.

"If schools view this process as an ongoing programme, then the lifetime of their IT equipment will be maximised and the benefits will be seen in both monetary terms but more importantly, environmentally.

"So while many will speak of recycling as the way for schools to meet their environmental obligations, education leaders would be foolhardy to overlook asset recovery, re-use and the benefits it can bring."

If you would like any further information regarding asset management, please contact Sims Recycling Solutions on 01387 723039 or visit their website