Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHO ARE YOU?
We are AIREDALE COMPUTER RECYCLING – A multi award-winning social enterprise based on the Airedale estates in Castleford.  Established in 2001 this not for profit computer recycler boasts 3 local authorities, many of West Yorkshires Emergency Services, several NHS Trusts, many schools and lots of large and small businesses throughout the region as its trusted and valued regular clients.

WHY DO ORGANISATIONS REPLACE COMPUTERS SO OFTEN?
Most large organisations have a 3 or 4 year rolling replacement program for computers.  Even in recession, older computers need to be replaced regularly as the cost of downtime for repairs and support for them outweighs the replacement costs.  Imagine a scenario where you dial 999 for the emergency services to be told “sorry, we can’t help you today as our computers are down”.  This really would be false economy.

WHY IS COMPUTER RE-USE THE RIGHT WAY TO GO?
As the majority of computers we recycle have been paid for out of the public purse, it is only fitting that they should be put to further good use after their original purpose has expired. Our main aim is to refurbish and reuse redundant computers in the local community by giving them free of charge to good causes and by making them available at very low cost to the general public who may not otherwise be able to afford this technology.  We do not export computers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE RECYCLERS?
We use this equipment primarily to retrain long term unemployed people, volunteers and work experience placements. The more people we retrain and get into paid jobs, the less drain on your taxes.  Everything we do is for the benefit of our communities.   The “Bottom Line” is not forefront with us as we have no shareholders to appease.

WHAT STANDARDS DO YOU OPERATE TO? 
We are members of the Regional Electronics Initiative (REI) and operate to a Code of Conduct.  Our entire procedures have been recently accredited by them.  We were accredited by the Industry Council for Electronics Recycling (ICER).

WHY DON'T YOU HAVE THE EN BS9001 OR 27001 STANDARDS?
Although we pride ourselves on the quality of our service and its paperwork, our commitment to environmental aspects and our security processes, we regretfully do not aspire to achieve the British Standards due only to the excessive financial burdon it would create, which defeats our charitable aims.  £10,000 is better spent on our community than on standards kitemarks. 

WHAT ARE THE AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? 
We have won many awards for Recycling, Regeneration, Business awards, Community awards, Business awards, Innovation awards, Environmental awards and awards for Excellence in Recycling. 

IS OUR DATA PROPERLY WIPED?
Formatting or partitioning does not wipe your data and it can easily be retrieved.  We use a commercial product to ensure complete sanitization and eradication of data. Any data bearing items not reusable are physically destroyed.  No exceptions. Your data security is our primary concern. Non reusable hard drives are usually destroyed in our dedicated £20,000 Hard Drive Shredder before being sent for metals reclamation and this will be offered as a symbiotic service for clients with highly sensitive data.

IS THIS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT?
No, the whole of our operation is self-sufficient and sustainable and is funded through its own trading activities.

WHAT WILL THE RECYCLING COST US?
There is no charge at all for companies using our service where the equipment is suitable for reuse as we can recover our costs from trading. If you have only small amounts, broken equipment or very old equipment, then, if you deliver it to us, it’s free, otherwise we would charge a small fee of about £30-£50 to cover our transport costs anywhere in Yorkshire.

WHAT ABOUT THE PAPERWORK? 
We will take care of the Consignment Note or Waste Transfer Note and you’ll get a copy listing the numbers and weights of all equipment collected.  We aso provide an asset list of all equipment plus sanitizing logs and shredding logs where required

ARE YOU LEGAL AND FULLY WEEE COMPLIANT?
Yes, we have all the necessary permits, licenses and permissions to conduct our recycling operation and we are audited annually by the Environment Agency.  We operate BAT (Best Available Techniques) in all our procedures. We are compliant with the European WEEE Directives and Waste and Consignment Note Regulations. All our permits and procedures are openly available on our website.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH NON REUSABLE EQUIPMENT?
Any equipment that is not destined for reuse is de-manufactured on the premises with the exception of CRT/LCD monitors which are sent away to a UK based re-processor.  All the individual waste streams are sent for reprocessing within the UK. We do not export any waste.  We operate a zero landfill policy and actually achieve around 95%. 

IS ALL EQUIPMENT KEPT SECURELY?
To ensure the total security of equipment on our premises we have a monitored alarm system which alerts the police as well as main keyholders.  We have multiple recorded cctv systems that can be remotely accessed and viewed by key staff. Our premises are secured with double roller shutters and ramraid prevention devices and the entire compound is surrounded by 10 foot high security fencing. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PROFIT?
We are owned by Chrysalis Youth & Community Project which is a registered charity who run THE HUT in Airedale and all our profits go to help them in their work providing sports and recreation for young people in the local community.

WHAT IS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our organisation makes a sustainable difference in the lives of disadvantaged people by providing employment, training and personal growth opportunities. For those companies who wish to make a positive contribution through corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is no better way of "giving back to their community" than to donate to charity  through environmental IT recycling, all the while providing employment training for excluded young people.

HOW DO I GET MY COMPUTERS RECYCLED BY YOU? 
Just call us on Castleford 01977 736283 or email: info@airedalecomputers.com or complete the form on the recycling page of this website. Give us a few details and we will call you to arrange a suitable collection day.

WHY DO I NOW FEEL SO CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR SERVICE? 
Because you are choosing to use an ethical as well as professional company where your redundant equipment is no longer a burden but has a very worthwhile social value.  Welcome to Airedale Computer Recycling.