Reuse & Recycle (R&R) Service
This is a free of charge IT collection, reuse and recycling service overseen by the Device Lifecycle team.
All departments can request the collection of unwanted working or non-working IT equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, docks, cables and IT peripherals. This equipment will be treated as a potential asset either for reuse within the University or for sale through our recycling partner.
Any surplus value from the sale of equipment (after collection and any recycling costs) will be returned to the university into the Device Lifecycle work which offers a free of charge Microsoft Surface device to all eligible staff. Equipment that is not able to be re-used or sold will be recycled in accordance with environmental legislation for electrical equipment.
Note: The disposal of non-IT waste will remain within the realms of the existing Estates process; collection and disposal charges will apply. Use the Estates disposal request form for non IT equipment.
What is the process?
Gather together your unwanted IT equipment, then complete the Reuse & Recycle form. Once we have your form, a decommissioning process takes places which can take up to 2 weeks. We will then send your form to our recycling partner and they will contact you or the person nominated on the form to arrange collection from you.
Reuse and Recycle Form
Please provide the asset tag/serial number of any computers or data holding devices, and the quantities of other items such as monitors. Only devices holding data need to have a serial number included. We ask for asset tag/serial numbers as devices need to be deregistered from systems and marked as reused or recycled. Part of the wider R&R service is ensuring comprehensive compliance and governance of university assets, and especially network devices.
If you need to dispose of IT equipment, please read the IT Equipment Disposal Policy beforehand.
What do we take?
This table shows what we can and can't take as part of the free of charge service. It is not exhaustive, so if you have any questions about whether we can accept something, please contact the Device Lifecycle team.
| Included | Not included |
| Desktop computers (Windows or Mac*) | Mobile phones |
| Laptops (Windows or Mac*) and their chargers | Landline phones |
| Monitors | Personal devices and IT equipment |
| External hard drives | Packaging from new equipment |
| Accessories: mice, keyboards, docks | Mouse mats, wrist rests, laptop risers |
|
Headsets and speakers |
Cables for non IT equipment (e.g. kettles) |
| Cables and power supplies |
*Important note about Macs
If you are returning a Mac, whether for reuse in the University or for recycling, please ensure that you have logged out of your iCloud account before you return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please have a read through the frequently asked questions section for more supporting information:
Q What do you do with working Microsoft Surface Go, Surface Pro or old Surface Laptops that are no longer required by the department?
A These items will be collected from you by DTS and after wiping they will be reused within the university for staff and student initiatives. For this reason, it is important that we get the charger returned with the laptop.
Q What should I do with any old non-working Microsoft Surface Go, Surface Pro or Surface Laptops that are no longer required?
A These can be added to your disposal list and they will be collected as part of a normal collection via the R&R service.
Q When a staff member leaves, what should I do with their old device?
A If the device is an older desktop or non Microsoft laptop, they should be added to your disposal pile awaiting the R&R service. If the device is a fit for purpose Surface Laptop, it should be returned to DTS to be wiped so it can be used by another staff member. For this reason, it is important that we get the charger returned with the laptop.When you later need a new device for a replacement staff member or new starter, you can request one from Device Lifecycle.
Q I have a device that was purchased as a ‘Hardware Exception’, (now called a ‘Non-Standard Device). How is it treated as far as disposal is concerned?
A This device will have been specifically purchased with departmental funds. This means the department can keep using it on the network as long as it is still receiving security updates. The device may also be used off the network when updates finish. When it is no longer needed, please follow the DTS Reuse & Recycle Service.
Q Can damaged or broken IT equipment be taken?
A Yes. They will be used for spare parts or recycled according to environmental legislation for electrical equipment.
Q Is there a minimum number of devices that can be collected?
A To ensure any collection is environmentally efficient, there is a minimum number of 10 devices for a collection. This could include a mix of laptops, desktops and monitors for example. If you don't think you'll ever reach 10 items, please email the Device Lifecycle team explaining this and we will organise something for you (e.g. we may be able to add to another collection).
Q Why has the University decided to offer this service at no costs to departments?
A It is essential from a security and environmental perspective, not to have old unmanaged and unsupported devices holding data sitting around the university. They pose a serious cyber threat. There is also the sustainability aspect to reuse as much as possible to lessen our impact on the environment. It is also to benefit the wider university with such initiatives as LapSafe and devices for the Disability Advisory Service.
Q Can you tell me about the University's recycling partner?
A They are a locally based company called Charterhouse Muller*. More information can be found at: https://charterhousemuller.com/. *Charterhouse Muller have been taken over by Academia Technology Group, although we will continue to deal with the local CHM company for the near future.
Q How will any data on my old device be securely erased once it has been collected from the university?
A The universities disposal and recycling partner Charterhouse Muller uses Blancco Drive Eraser. Blancco is the leading provider of enterprise-scale data erasure software and mobile lifecycle solutions. Tested, certified, approved and recommended by 13+ governing bodies and leading organizations around the world, no other data erasure software matches this compliance with the rigorous requirements set by government agencies, legal authorities, and independent testing laboratories. They have earned ISO certifications for internal quality and information security management systems, as well as recognitions for our focus on producing products that encourage environmental sustainability.Further information and contact
Email: device-lifecycle-dts@reading.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.
Page updated lm920207 on 10/12/24