When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, millions of computers worldwide will become outdated overnight. Vital security patches will no longer be available for free. For businesses across the UK, this shift is more than a software update. It’s the start of an IT refresh that will leave many with stacks of old PCs and laptops to deal with.
The challenge is clear: what do you do with all the obsolete kit?
Throwing it into a skip isn’t an option. Old IT equipment is classed as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and must be recycled properly under UK law. On top of that, data-bearing devices like hard drives carry sensitive information. If not destroyed securely, they pose a huge risk to your business.
This is where choosing the right IT recycling partner makes all the difference.
Why Windows 10 End-of-Life Creates a Recycling Challenge
Microsoft has confirmed that after October 2025, Windows 10 machines will no longer receive updates or security patches. While some devices can upgrade to Windows 11, many older systems won’t meet the technical requirements. Businesses will be left with two choices:
- Keep using unsupported devices, with growing security risks.
- Upgrade to new hardware, leaving large volumes of redundant kit to recycle.
For most businesses, upgrading is the safer option. But that creates another problem, disposing of old IT equipment in a secure and compliant way.
The Risks of Choosing the Wrong Recycling Company
Not all recycling companies operate to the same standard. Handing over your IT kit to an unlicensed or inexperienced operator can have serious consequences:
- Data breaches: Old hard drives can still contain customer data, financial records, or intellectual property. If not destroyed properly, this information could fall into the wrong hands.
- Regulatory fines: Failing to dispose of IT equipment in line with WEEE regulations and GDPR can result in penalties and damage to your reputation.
- Environmental harm: Unscrupulous companies may export e-waste illegally, potentially leading to pollution and wasted resources.
The stakes are too high for guesswork. Businesses need to know what to look for when selecting a trusted recycling partner.
What to Look for in an IT Recycling Partner
The key things every business should check before choosing a recycling company:
1. Licensing and Certifications
A legitimate recycling company should hold:
- An Environment Agency waste carrier licence.
- A site license to treat electrical waste. This can be an exemption, ATF or AATF issued by the Environment Agency.
- Any additional certifications that show a commitment to compliance and quality.
2. Data Destruction Methods
Ask how the company destroys data-bearing devices. This will usually be in the form of wiping, to reuse the drives or physical destruction. Look for:
- In-house shredding facilities, or, certified, wiping software.
- Certificates of destruction issued for every item.
- Secure handling and transport from your site to theirs.
3. Full Range of Equipment Recycling
Your old IT setup may include more than just PCs. Look for a partner that can take:
- Servers and server cabinets
- Networking equipment
- Monitors and screens
- Printers, copiers, and scanners
- Cables and accessories
A one-stop shop makes the process simpler.
4. Clear Documentation
From waste transfer notes to certificates of destruction, the right partner will provide all the paperwork you need to prove compliance. This is essential for audits and internal reporting.
How Pure Planet Recycling Can Help
At Pure Planet Recycling, we’ve been recycling IT equipment for businesses since 2007. We understand the risks that come with decommissioning IT kit and have built our service to make the process safe, compliant, and straightforward.
Here’s how we work:
Secure Collections
Our own vehicles and trained staff collect equipment directly from your business. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or anywhere across mainland England, we can help.
Data Security Guaranteed
All hard drives, tapes, and other data-bearing devices are shredded using our specialist media destruction equipment. We issue a certificate of destruction for every device, giving you proof that your data is gone for good.
WEEE-Compliant Recycling
Every item is processed at our licensed facility in Bedfordshire. We dismantle and recycle equipment to recover valuable metals, plastics, and components.
Full Documentation
You’ll receive waste transfer notes and destruction certificates, ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements. This documentation also supports sustainability reporting and demonstrates your business’s commitment to responsible disposal.
Planning Ahead for Your Windows 10 Upgrade
Don’t wait until the support stops to think about recycling. The earlier you plan, the smoother the process will be. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Audit your equipment: Identify what can be upgraded and what needs replacing.
- Book your recycling partner: Secure a collection slot before peak demand around the Windows 10 deadline.
- Prepare your team: Ensure staff know what equipment is leaving, and that no important files are left on old machines.
-
Keep records: Save certificates and waste transfer notes for compliance and audit purposes.
Why Businesses Trust Pure Planet Recycling
- Over 18 years’ experience in IT and WEEE recycling.
- Fully licensed and ISO 14001 certified.
- Secure shredding of data-bearing devices.
- Nationwide coverage for businesses large and small.
- Professional service delivered by our own team, never subcontracted.
Final Thoughts
The retirement of Windows 10 will create a surge in IT upgrades, and with it, a wave of redundant equipment. For businesses, the challenge isn’t just about upgrading systems. It’s about disposing of old kit in a way that is secure, compliant, and environmentally responsible.
By choosing the right recycling partner, you protect your data, meet regulatory obligations, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Pure Planet Recycling is here to make that process simple.
Call us today on 01234 315496 , or, Email sales@ppr.co.uk to arrange your IT recycling collection.
