Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts are increasingly looking at refurbished devices and responsible IT recycling as part of managing budgets, reducing environmental impact and handling old equipment securely. When done properly, refurbishment and recycling can extend the life of devices, reduce procurement costs and support sustainability goals.
This guide explains when refurbished devices can be a good option for schools, and where they may not be appropriate. It outlines what good refurbishment should include, the questions schools should ask suppliers, and how to manage a mixed estate of new and refurbished devices without creating additional complexity for IT teams or staff.
The guide also covers secure end-of-life processes such as certified data wiping, WEEE-compliant recycling, trade-in schemes and donation considerations. It provides a practical framework to help schools reuse, recycle and replace devices responsibly while maintaining security, compliance and clear governance.