FAQ (”Skip it?” or “Sell it?”)

“So do you buy equipment, remove it for free, or do we have to pay you?”

That depends on what it is! The value of used phone equipment has declined considerably since 2002. Some can be resold, but this simply serves to offset the costs of dismantling, removal and recycling of nil-value hardware. Having been traders in used telecomms equipment since 1998, we are aware of market value, and the likelihood of reselling your used phone system.

“But I paid thousands for this equipment.”

Unfortunately, market forces acting on resale value of used phone equipment cannot be resisted. This caused us to expand the removal and recycling arm of our business some time ago. The advent of a new generation of IP-based system and new marketing strategies by major players has caused a flood of used phone equipment onto the market with a marked downward effect on values.

“Why can’t I just throw it in a skip?”

Quite simply, it’s full of pollutants; it’s illegal and has been since 1991. Electronic waste is defined as “controlled waste” (by the Duty of Care Act). When the skip is removed, you are asked to sign for it by the driver on behalf of the company. This document acts as a “waste transfer note” and confirms that you are disposing of the waste (including telecom equipment) in a suitable manner. You have “a duty of care”. An audit trail exists which can be used to trace your organisation as the producer of the waste. Placing potentially toxic printed circuit boards as found in a used phone system (containing heavy metals, toxins, etc) in the ground to seep out and contaminate the surrounding land forever is not acceptable! Your organisation is exposed! We are licensed waste carriers and complete documents which are open for inspection by the Environment Agency.

“Well, I’ve used a skip for disposal before.”

Well, you certainly broke the law and damaged the environment! It is likely that the advent of the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) regulations in August 2004 will lead to more strict enforcement of waste handling rules. And fines. Watch out!