Network equipment disposal UK
Routers, switches and firewalls.
Secure disposal of network infrastructure for businesses, data centres and public sector organisations across the UK. Routers, switches, firewalls and other network equipment store configuration data, credentials and access logs, just like any other data-bearing device. Ego Technology collects, wipes and disposes of network equipment under the same certified, audited process used across our full IT asset disposal service.
Configurations hold more than you think. Treat network equipment like the data-bearing asset it is.
One collection.
One chain of custody.
One report covering every asset removed.
Did you know that 83% of old IT equipment still contains discoverable data?
Why network equipment needs the same treatment as servers and laptops
Network devices are often overlooked during an IT refresh because they don’t feel like data-bearing equipment in the way a laptop or server does. In practice, routers, switches and firewalls routinely store credentials, VPN configurations, access control lists, SNMP community strings and historical traffic logs, all of which can expose a network’s structure or provide a foothold into the systems that replace it if recovered by the wrong party.
Wiping a configuration via the device’s own reset function is not the same as certified data destruction. Factory resets on network hardware can leave residual configuration data recoverable from flash memory, in the same way a consumer factory reset doesn’t satisfy GDPR requirements on a laptop.
Equipment types covered
Routers: enterprise, branch and core routers from all major manufacturers
Switches: managed and unmanaged, core, distribution and access layer
Firewalls and security appliances: hardware firewalls, UTM appliances, VPN concentrators
Wireless access points and controllers
Load balancers and network appliances
Patch panels, media converters and other passive infrastructure
Certified configuration wiping and destruction
Every device is either certified-wiped or physically destroyed before leaving Ego’s chain of custody, the same standard applied across our secure data destruction service. For equipment being decommissioned permanently, physical destruction is available. For equipment being remarketed or redeployed, certified configuration wiping removes all stored credentials and settings, returning the device to a clean factory state with a serial-level erasure report.
See our certified data destruction page for full detail on the certification and audit documentation provided with every project.
Collected alongside server and data centre decommissions
Network equipment is rarely disposed of on its own, it usually accompanies a server refresh, a data centre decommission or an office relocation. Ego Technology collects network infrastructure as part of the same managed collection as servers, switches and racking, so there’s no need for a separate booking or a second point of contact. See our server disposal and decommissioning service for how this is typically managed alongside a wider infrastructure refresh. For full-scale data centre exits, see our dedicated data centre and MSP disposal services.
Material recovery and WEEE compliance
Network equipment is classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and must be disposed of through a licensed carrier. Ego Technology is a licensed WEEE carrier and AATF-approved operator. Devices not suitable for reuse are broken down for material recovery, with zero to landfill as standard.
Rebate potential on recent-generation network hardware
Enterprise-grade routers, switches and firewalls, particularly equipment less than five years old, often hold meaningful resale value. Ego Technology carries out an asset valuation on intake and returns a financial rebate where applicable, in the same way as our wider technology buyback service. This can offset part of the cost of a network refresh or infrastructure upgrade.
Large-scale and multi-site network refresh programmes
Ego Technology manages network equipment disposal at any scale, from a single firewall replacement to a full multi-site network refresh covering hundreds of switches and access points across a distributed estate. Scheduling is coordinated centrally and reporting is consolidated, so a national rollout generates one report and one set of destruction documentation rather than a fragmented record per site.
IT equipment
we process
At Ego Technology, we specialise in securely removing business IT assets. This includes a variety of technical equipment such as:
What our clients say
"Professional, responsive and easy to work with from start to finish."
IT Manager, NHS Trust
"A reliable partner who understands compliance, security and environmental responsibility."
Head of IT, UK Corporate Organisation
"The collection process was smooth, secure and very well organised."
Facilities Manager, Education Sector
"Excellent communication throughout and complete confidence in secure data handling."
IT Infrastructure Manager, Financial Services
"Efficient, professional and delivered exactly as promised."
Operations Manager, Manufacturing Business
"A trusted partner for secure IT disposal and environmental reporting."
Sustainability Lead, Public Sector Organisation
"The team were knowledgeable, friendly and highly professional."
Procurement Manager, Local Authority
"A seamless service with clear communication and strong compliance standards."
IT Director, National Business
"From initial enquiry to final reporting, everything was handled professionally."
Technology Manager, Healthcare Organisation
"Reliable, secure and environmentally responsible, exactly what we were looking for."
Head of Operations, UK Enterprise Client
Get In Touch
Thorough network equipment disposal
Contact our team at Ego Technology for a quick and reliable disposal of all unused network equipment.
Frequently asked
questions
Do routers and switches need to be securely wiped before disposal?
Yes. Routers, switches and firewalls store configuration data, credentials, access control lists and historical logs in flash memory. A standard factory reset does not guarantee this data is unrecoverable. Ego Technology applies certified configuration wiping or physical destruction to every network device, with a serial-level erasure report issued on completion.
Can network equipment be recycled alongside a server room decommission?
Yes. Network equipment is commonly collected as part of a wider server room or data centre decommission. Ego Technology manages routers, switches, firewalls and racking under the same collection, chain of custody and reporting as the rest of the infrastructure being decommissioned.
What happens to old firewalls and security appliances when they're replaced?
Replaced firewalls and security appliances are assessed for resale value, certified-wiped of all configuration data, and either remarketed or processed for material recovery if no longer fit for reuse. A financial rebate is returned where applicable. All devices are processed in compliance with WEEE regulations.
Is there a financial return from disposing of old network hardware?
Yes. Enterprise-grade network hardware, particularly equipment less than five years old, can hold meaningful resale value. Ego Technology carries out an asset valuation on intake and returns a rebate where applicable, helping offset the cost of a network refresh.
Can you manage network equipment disposal across multiple sites?
Yes. Ego Technology manages network equipment disposal programmes of any scale, from single-device replacements to multi-site refresh programmes covering hundreds of devices. Scheduling is coordinated centrally and reporting is consolidated into a single project record regardless of the number of sites involved.