Disposing computer equipment and e-waste

UQ has an approved supply arrangement with ACT Logistics and WVTECH for e-waste disposal with buyback, under the QG DETSOA84891 End User Computing agreement.

This agreement targets items such as desktops, laptops and monitors that have any saleable value at their end of life. It also provides higher resale pricing and lower service charges.

Proceeds from the sale and disposal of items are returned to the Organisational Unit via an invoice to the selected e-waste vendor once the items have been processed.

If you have items that are end of life, contact one of the e-waste vendors to get a quote. If you are unsure if an item is of no value, contact the e-waste vendors above for advice.

There is a call-out fee for each collection, so if you do not have many devices for resale, please contact your UQ IT Support for advice.

Please provide item details and condition to the following people:

Buyback program

ACT Logistics is proud to partner with University of Queensland to deliver the Staff Buy Back Program. This partnership offers all employees (and their families) the opportunity to purchase quality, refurbished IT equipment at a substantially discounted rate (excludes software) with 12 months warranty.

Purchase refurbished machines and equipment from Australian Computer Traders and receive 10% off your purchase when you enter the coupon code: UQSBB1024 at checkout.

Devices with no resale value can be disposed by UQ IT Support teams.

Submit an IT request

To begin the computer disposal process, the respective organisational unit must submit an IT request and include: 

• Number of computers to be disposed
• Computer serial numbers (How to locate your computer's serial number)
• Location(s)
• Access requirements or contact information
• Availability time for pickup
• Any specific instructions

Note: Devices to be disposed should be clearly marked

UQ IT Support will:

• securely dispose or wipe hard drives to protect sensitive data and remove any licensed UQ-owned software.
• remove computers from IT asset and management systems once hard drives are wiped and software is removed.
• The organisational unit must then dispose the equipment from UniFi to dissociate from UQ's IT infrastructure.
• Non-usable computers will be disposed of in designated e-waste bins managed by Property and Facilities.
• Upon completion of the disposal process, UQ IT Support will close the job request and notify the organisational unit of the successful disposal of computers.

The Head of the organisational unit can decide whether to sell IT equipment to staff in accordance with UQ's Assets Procedure: https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=24 (Part G - Clauses 112-150)

As per the UQ Assets Disposal Policy, please note:

• All data and software will be removed by authorised IT Support personnel, which typically includes the base operating system.
• No ongoing IT support is provided.
• No warranty is provided.
• Sale price must be at least equivalent to the fair market value.
• Organisational units should ensure that sufficient information is retained in their records including how the fair value was determined for GST and general audit purposes.
• Equipment cannot be donated to current or former employees or students, regardless of how the item was originally funded. If an individual wishes to retain a phone or laptop, it must be sold at its current market value.
• Ensure the device is in a safe operational condition. Electrical tagging and testing are recommended before sale.

IT Support or Finance - Central - Transactional can provide guidance to organisational units when purchasers are uncertain or require clarification. 

Note: UQ’s e-waste vendors offer buyback programmes for UQ-owned equipment, including a 10% discount for UQ staff. These devices are professionally refurbished, tested, and come with an operating system and a 12-month warranty.

Compared to selling devices to staff at market value, the buyback option is typically more cost-effective and includes added benefits such as warranty and pre-installed Operating System software.

E-waste which does not contain data - such as monitors, power cables, keyboards, mice, printers, speakers and headphones - can be dispose at no cost through an e-waste collection point.

Read what can be recycled and where stations are located for more information.

If you have a large amount of e-waste, log a request with PF Assist to arrange collection. 

UQ staff can recycle mobile phone handsets, tablets, batteries and accessories through our mobile phone recycling program.

Please see https://staff.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/facilities-services-maps/maintenance-facilities/recycling-waste