THE WEEE directive may be a problem for many companies, but not for Recycling IT (Europe) Ltd, of Middlesbrough.

Based at Teesport Commerce Park, the company recycles every component of unwanted computers.

The family business was started four years ago by John Pettifer, when he was made redundant after working in computers since 1985.

Having lost his job, he set up a company providing cheap computers, largely to students, and looked on the WEEE regulations as an commercial opportunity.

Now, the business takes unwanted computers from large companies and public sector organisations that are updating their networks.

Because the computers are suitable for most private users' needs, Recycling (IT) Europe is able to sell many of them cheaply to students and community organisations as well as members of the public, including first-time buyers.

The company is also building a thriving business exporting second-hand computers to developing world countries in Africa, Asia and eastern Europe.

Those machines for which there is not a market are stripped down. Precious metals, such as aluminium, are recycled as are plastic casings and circuit board components.

Hard discs are converted into drinks coasters in a partnership with Teesside-based Baxter Promotions and the plastic is used to make money boxes.

Mr Pettifer said: "A lot of the larger companies in this field will not recycle the whole computer and 20 per cent goes to landfill. Because we take extra care, nothing goes to landfill.

"And because we recycle the precious metals, that reduces the amount of mining. Everything we are doing is aimed at an environmental benefit.

"What we are doing fits in perfectly with the WEEE regulations, which make clear that the first priority is to recycle where possible."

Currently, the company employs six people and contracts out a lot of its work, but following its move to the new premises at Teesport Commerce Park, it hopes to recruit 45 more people within the next three years and take the work in-house.

Published: 20/09/2005