How schools should dispose of old Chromebooks and iPads
A practical guide for UK schools disposing of Chromebooks, iPads and laptops: removing management, recording serials, wiping pupil data and planning collection.
Impactech
11/6/20261 min read
Schools replace Chromebooks, iPads and laptops in large batches, often all at once at the end of a refresh cycle. Getting rid of them safely takes a little planning. Here is how to do it properly.
Remove devices from management first
Before anything leaves the building, take each device out of your management system. Deprovision Chromebooks in the Google Admin console and release iPads from Apple School Manager or your MDM. If you skip this, the next user cannot set the device up, so it cannot be reused and its value drops to scrap.
Record serial numbers
Keep a list of every device going out, with its serial number and asset tag if you have one. This makes it easy to match the certificates you get back and keeps your asset register accurate for audits.
Wipe the data properly
Pupil and staff data is personal data under UK GDPR, and much of it concerns children. A reset on its own does not give you proof. Use a provider that wipes each device to a recognised standard such as NIST 800-88 and gives you a certificate for every serial number.
Plan around the school year
The summer holiday is the easiest time to collect large numbers of devices, but it is also the busiest time for collectors. Book early, and make sure someone is on site to hand the equipment over.
Reuse before recycling
Many Chromebooks and iPads still have plenty of life left. Reuse is better for the environment than recycling and can return some value to the school. Anything that cannot be reused should be recycled by a registered waste carrier.
How Impactech can help
Impactech collects school IT equipment free across the UK, wipes every device to NIST 800-88 standards and gives you a certificate for each one. We are an upper tier waste carrier, registration CBDU659902. Call 07349 960040 or email info@impactechno.com to plan your collection.
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Email: info@impactechno.com
Phone: 07349 960040
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Impactech Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 17165189
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