DTI urges businesses to go green

'Unwanted computer equipment: a guide' is the catchy title of the handbook launched last week by the DTI. The guide provides advice and help about what to do with old equipment and contains a directory of refurbishers for businesses who want to donate equipment and those who want to obtain it.

Dr Howells, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Minister, believes recycling would benefit schools, libraries, community centres and charities. "Around five million items of old IT equipment are thrown away in the UK each year, despite the fact that someone else might have a good use for them," he said.

The standard to which refurbishment is carried out is generally high. Most conform to quality standards, check electrical safety, virus and Y2K checks.