Industry expert warns of old computers and e-waste risk

Australians are being warned that the old laptop gathering dust in the cupboard, the forgotten mobile phone in the drawer and the broken printer sitting in the garage may pose a far bigger risk than they realise.
 

According to Secure Waste Solutions, a growing volume of electronic waste is ending up in household bins, hard rubbish collections and landfill sites despite containing valuable materials, hazardous components and in many cases sensitive personal or business data.
 

Clayburn Figredo, Group CEO of Cleaning Edge Solutions, which includes Secure Waste Solutions, said Australia is facing an escalating e-waste problem driven by rapid technology upgrades and a throwaway culture.
 

"People see old electronics as rubbish when in reality they are anything but," Figredo said.
 

"Many electronic devices contain valuable resources, hazardous materials and potentially years of personal or commercial information. Throwing them in the bin can create serious environmental, security and compliance risks."
 

The devices people should never throw away
 

Figredo said many Australians remain unaware of what qualifies as e-waste.
 

"We are talking about computers, laptops, mobile phones, servers, hard drives, tablets, printers, photocopiers, networking equipment, batteries, televisions, monitors, chargers, cables and even small office appliances," Clayburn said.
 

"Every one of these items requires proper handling and disposal."
 

He said the problem is particularly significant for businesses replacing technology infrastructure.
 

"Many organisations spend significant amounts on cybersecurity yet unknowingly throw old devices away without considering what data may still be stored on them," Clayburn said. 
 

Your identity could still be inside
 

One of the biggest risks associated with e-waste is data exposure.
 

Figredo said many discarded devices still contain recoverable information.

"People assume deleting files is enough. It isn't," Clayburn said.
 

"Hard drives, mobile phones, servers and storage devices can retain sensitive information long after users believe it has been removed."
 

He said discarded equipment may contain customer records, financial information, passwords, emails, photographs, contracts and confidential business data.
 

"We are seeing businesses invest heavily in protecting information online while potentially exposing themselves through improper disposal of physical devices," Clayburn said. 
 

The environmental damage nobody sees
 

Figredo said e-waste is also one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.
 

"When electronic devices end up in landfill, valuable materials are lost and harmful substances can potentially enter the environment," Clayburn said.
 

"Many products contain metals, plastics, glass and components that can be recovered, recycled and reintroduced into manufacturing supply chains."
 

He said batteries and certain electronic components can pose additional environmental risks if not managed correctly.
 

"The environmental cost of throwing these materials away is enormous when viable recycling pathways already exist," Clayburn added. 
 

Australia's urban mines
 

Figredo describes discarded electronics as modern-day urban mines.
 

"People don't realise how much value sits inside old devices," Clayburn said.
 

"Electronic equipment contains recoverable materials including copper, aluminium, steel and precious metals that can be extracted and reused.
 

"Recycling e-waste reduces demand for virgin resources while supporting the circular economy. Every laptop, mobile phone and server that is properly recycled reduces pressure on mining, manufacturing and landfill."
 

Businesses facing growing compliance pressure
 

For businesses, the risks extend beyond environmental concerns.
 

Figredo said regulators, clients and stakeholders are placing increasing scrutiny on how organisations manage electronic waste.
 

"Businesses are expected to demonstrate responsible disposal practices, particularly where sensitive information is involved," Clayburn said.
 

"Failure to do so can create reputational damage, compliance issues and potential security breaches."

He said secure chain-of-custody processes and documented disposal practices are becoming increasingly important.
 

"Organisations need confidence that equipment is being collected, processed and recycled appropriately," Clayburn said. 
 

What Australians should do now
 

Figredo is urging both households and businesses to stop treating old electronics as general waste.
 

"If you have unused devices sitting in cupboards, storerooms, garages or warehouses, now is the time to act," Clayburn said.
 

"Do not place them in general waste bins and do not assume someone else will manage the problem."
 

He recommends engaging specialist e-waste providers that can securely collect, assess, dismantle and recycle equipment through certified channels.
 

"The goal is simple. Protect the environment, protect your data and recover value wherever possible," Clayburn said. 
 

A warning Australians cannot afford to ignore
 

Figredo believes e-waste will become one of the defining waste management challenges of the next decade.
 

"We are generating more electronic waste than ever before and the problem is accelerating," Clayburn said.
 

"Every time someone upgrades a phone, replaces a laptop or installs new technology, another piece of e-waste is created.
 

"That old device sitting in your cupboard is not rubbish. It could contain valuable materials, confidential information or environmental hazards.
 

"The question is not whether you should recycle it, the question is why you haven't already."
 

About Secure Waste Solutions
 

Secure Waste Solutions, part of the Cleaning Edge Group, delivers innovative waste management and sustainability solutions for high-risk and high-volume industries, including food manufacturing.
 

Focused on reducing carbon footprints and driving circular economy outcomes, the company integrates advanced technology with practical operational strategies to help businesses reduce costs, improve compliance and create measurable environmental impact. Securewastesolutions.com.au
 

Cleaning Edge Solutions
 

Cleaning Edge Solutions is one of Australia's leading commercial cleaning and facility management providers, specialising in large-scale, high-risk and clinical environments. Founded in 2008 by Managing Director Clayburn Figredo and headquartered in Mulgrave, Victoria, the company has built a national reputation for innovation, strict compliance and advanced infection-control standards.
 

With ISO certifications across quality, safety, environment, food safety and information security, Cleaning Edge Solutions delivers services to major organisations across health, government, education, transport, retail and aged care sectors. Its operations span commercial and industrial cleaning, facilities maintenance, waste management and property development.
 

Known for its commitment to excellence and social impact, Cleaning Edge Solutions is dedicated to elevating national cleaning standards and creating safer, healthier environments for all Australians.
 

Visit: www.cleaningedge.com.au