Why It’s Time to Rethink IT Asset Disposal in the Capital
Old IT equipment might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind.
Across London, organisations are cycling through devices faster than ever – driven by hybrid work, security upgrades, and cloud transformation. But once those devices are decommissioned, the risk doesn’t vanish. In fact, that’s often when it begins.
From data security to sustainability, compliance to cost recovery – secure IT asset disposal (ITAD) is now a strategic necessity for London’s businesses. Here’s why.
Your Risks Don’t Disappear with Your Devices
In 2023, over 15% of second-hand hard drives sold online were found to contain recoverable business data. That’s a staggering stat – and a reminder that deletion isn’t enough.
Without certified, verified, and auditable erasure or destruction, your old devices can still leak confidential data – putting your clients, compliance status, and reputation at risk.
And with the average cost of a UK data breach now estimated at £3.4 million, that’s a risk very few can afford to ignore.
Compliance Isn’t Optional – Especially in London
Whether you’re based in Canary Wharf, Westminster, or the Stratford tech corridor, you’re operating in one of the most tightly regulated business environments in the world.
From GDPR and NHS DSPT to environmental duties under the Environment Act, businesses across London are being held to higher standards – and rightly so.
Failing to handle IT asset disposal properly could leave you exposed to fines, investigations, or reputational damage you didn’t see coming.
Reuse Is the Real Sustainability
Shredding perfectly good equipment might feel satisfying – but it’s rarely the most sustainable choice.
Every laptop that’s reused instead of recycled avoids around:
- 380kg of CO₂
- 1,200 litres of water
- 700kg of raw materials being extracted from the earth
That’s not just good for the planet – it’s good for ESG reporting, stakeholder confidence, and CSR targets.
More London organisations are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental impact – and IT asset disposal is a key part of the circular economy.
Many organisations assume moving to the cloud eliminates the risks of hardware altogether — but that’s a dangerous misconception.
Here’s why hardware still holds risk, value, and responsibility in a cloud-first world.
The ITAD Industry Is Changing – Are You Still Getting the Same Old Service?
The traditional approach to ITAD? Collect, shred, tick the box.
But in 2025, that’s not good enough.
We built Astralis to challenge that outdated model. Our Triple E strategy recognises that not every client, and not every device, needs the same treatment.
- Essential – when secure, certified compliance is your priority
- Enhanced – for clients who want added value from redeployment or resale
- Elite – end-to-end support, ESG metrics, custom reports, and maximum recovery
We don’t do one-size-fits-all. We do what’s right – for you, your business, and your bottom line.
Why Astralis?
We’re not another faceless service provider.
We’re a trusted partner – delivering secure, tailored, and fully auditable IT asset disposal across every borough of London.
- ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Cyber Essentials certified
- Enterprise-grade data erasure aligned with NIST 800-88, GDPR, and ISO 27001 standards
- Real humans, real transparency, real-time support
- ESG-led approach underpinned by independently audited Social Value commitments and measurable impact
- End-of-life options that prioritise reuse over recycling wherever possible
We’ve helped public sector bodies, enterprise IT teams, universities and more stay compliant, cut risk, and recover hidden value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cover all of London?
Yes. From EC1 to SW19, we cover collections and ITAD services across all London postcodes.
Can you provide ESG metrics for our reports?
Absolutely – that’s standard within our Elite service tier.
How secure is your erasure process?
We use certified, enterprise-grade erasure software aligned with NIST 800-88, GDPR, and ISO 27001. Each device is individually audited, and if data can’t be fully erased, it’s immediately removed from circulation and physically destroyed.
Ready to Take Control?
If your current provider isn’t helping you manage risk, align with ESG, or unlock residual value – it’s time to ask why.
Whether you’re based in The City, Canary Wharf, or Southbank – or anywhere else across Greater London – Astralis is ready to support your team with secure, strategic IT asset disposal that goes beyond the basics.
👉 Let’s start the conversation – and make your next IT disposal a win for security, sustainability, and your bottom line.
