Around 95 per cent of computers owned by UK business end up in landfill, according to a survey.
Recycling company BusinessWaste.co.uk said nearly all firms still send electronic waste to landfill rather than make arrangements for it to be collected, reused or recycled.
Companies shouldn't have to waste money, energy and resources disposing of their electronic waste incorrectly.
The firm surveyed 500 customers and prospects, and only five per cent said they had plans in place to responsibly dispose of electronic waste.
It said many businesses are unaware of UK and Europe-wide regulations regarding the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
"We're seeing more and more electronic waste being inappropriately discarded," said Mark Hall, commerical director of BusinessWaste.co.uk. "In fact, e-waste is currently the fastest growing type of waste that companies like ours handle".
One of the major reasons companies are reluctant to recycle their old computer equipment is because of concerns over data security, he added.
"Nervous bosses are worried that their data could fall into the wrong hands if it is sent for recycling," said Hall. "Scares over identity theft and corporate crime mean that they'd rather completely destroy computer goods themselves than hand it to a third party to be disposed of correctly."
Hall said responsible businesses could ensure data is wiped completely from electronic equipment, and that ethical disposal services could provide an additional layer of security.
"We've stood by and watched as employees set about perfectly good but ageing equipment with hammers, and they shouldn't have to waste these resources," said Hall.
Hall added that responsible waste management companies could show evidence they have disposed of electronic goods safely and securely but many companies were still unaware that ethical disposal facilities exist, or choose not to use them.
Many recycling companies actively work to ensure equipment can be re-used rather than destroyed, because it takes nearly a quarter of a ton of fossil fuel, 48 pounds of chemicals, and a ton and a half of water to manufacture one computer and monitor, said Hall.
"Companies shouldn't have to waste money, energy and resources disposing of their electronic waste incorrectly," said Hall.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
IDC: The business value of IBM MaximoWhitepaper Integral to the transformation of asset management
-
How to choose APM software for your businessWhitepaper A market guide to Asset Management Performance software
-
Scandal-hit Toshiba to split into three companiesNews The troubled Japanese giant aims to create more value for investors with "attractive" business separation
-
Tektronix updates its asset management softwareNews CalWeb gains four new capabilities surrounding test and measurement equipment calibration
-
Oracle Utilities partners with Veracity and Triniti to streamline utilities’ digital transformationNews The trio will join forces to enhance utilities’ critical infrastructure and processes
-
The definitive guide to warehouse efficiencyWhitepaper Get your free guide to creating efficiencies in the warehouse
-
Atera raises $77 million for its all-in-one SaaSNews RMM by Atera helps MSPs monitor and manage remote IT networks with ease
-
Rockwell and Kezzler join forces to enhance supply chain visibilityNews New track-and-trace platform helps manufacturers monitor their products' lifecycles
