The Data Protection Act requires that all information collected by an organisation be destroyed when the media on which its stored becomes redundant. Organisations and individuals within organisations have a duty of care obligation to ensure that the confidential data they hold is not released in an unauthorized or accidental way. Particularly data related to employees or customers. This includes storage media such as hard disc drives. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines. Compensation for individuals who have suffered unauthorized disclosure of confidential data (section 13 DPA 99), and brand damaging media exposure. This is why we keep equipment under quarantine conditions in our warehouse until the data has been destroyed, and the client has given authority to release the equipment to resell. We data wipe to our client instructions, and use the latest propriety software to meet the standards defined by the security equipment assessments panel (SEP), which conforms to all requirements of UK and US government legalization ( including the data protection act 1998). Unlike some of our competitors who just remove data petitions and reformat. Omega Computers use software to overwrite and fully destroy resident data to render it completely non-recoverable any hard disc that fails data wiping , cannot be assessed or is found to be faulty is removed from the pc and physically destroyed. This ensures complete data security from our clients point of view. Destroyed hard discs are sent to the licensed metal refiners for recycling. Additional client confidentiality is maintained by removing security/ identifying markings and stickers during processing.

Certificated Assurance of data destruction can be provided upon request

The waste electronic and electrical equipment directive (WEEE)

Waste electrical and electronic  equipment (WEEE) is the fastest growing element in the municipal waste stream. There are many hazardous substances used in IT equipment including lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine compounds and arsenic.

By using Omega Computers services, your organisation can ensure it complies with the WEEE Directives.

Omega Computers computer equipment recycling services can help to enhance your organisations environmental credentials by taking redundant, surplus and obsolete items, repairing and re marketing where possible, whilst recovering scrap materials and components for recycling in compliance with all UK and EU organisation.

Importantly Omega Computers does not have a policy of sending scrap to landfill sites!

Are you aware of your legal obligations ?

There are many issues that govern and determine the disposal process of redundant computer equipment. Omega Computers work to ensure a guarantee that our service not only meets, but surpasses, the latest UK and EU legislation and directives.

You need to be aware that your organisation has a Duty of Care to take all reasonable measures to protect the environment.

You should be aware that:

All redundant (no economic value) computer equipment is classed as Waste

You must ensure your collection agents hold a Waste Carrier Licence.

You must ensure that your waste equipment goes to a licensed disposal site.

Your legal Duty of Care extends to when your equipment is reused, recycled or disposed of.

Organisations have a duty of care to ensure that waste items are consigned to registered carriers, are properly stored, and disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities. Directors, Managers and other employees who deal with environmental waste matters can all be held accountable and face fines and in severe cases imprisonment if laws are broken.