Brent Council has introduced an innovative IT disposal strategy, which helps it comply with regulations, while boosting its social credentials. It has donated 500 old PCs and laptops to charity.

The redundant equipment is being distributed to African schools and hospitals through charity Computer Aid International. This ensures the council complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, as well as boosting its corporate social responsibility programme.

The charity also guarantees that all data is removed from the equipment before it is passed on. “This is a high priority because of the sensitive information we hold,” said Prod Sarigianis, Brent council business support manager.

A spokeswoman for the charity said Brent Council is just one of the 15 councils it is working with.