Hardware Disposal Guidance
At the end of its useful life, please dispose of your hardware responsibly and in accordance with applicable local waste and recycling requirements. Where available, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on recycling, disposal, battery removal and safe handling.
Our Hardware Disposal Guidance below provides further information and links to manufacturers’ guidance to help you identify the appropriate disposal route for your equipment.
Hardware End-of-Life Treatment Guidance
IMPORTANT - GENERAL END-OF-LIFE GUIDANCE. This document provides general information only. RFiD Discovery does not offer a voluntary hardware waste-collection, disposal or take-back service. Customers must not send waste hardware to RFiD Discovery unless a separate written arrangement has been agreed. Customers holding waste equipment should arrange a lawful reuse, recycling or disposal route through any applicable manufacturer or producer arrangement, or through an appropriately authorised waste contractor, in accordance with local legislation and the supply contract. Before handling, dismantling or shipping equipment, check the current manufacturer instructions for the exact make, model and revision, including relevant safety, battery, data-sanitisation and transport requirements, and confirm acceptance with the intended recipient. Manufacturer references below are examples for the named products only; EU guidance does not necessarily establish a UK return service. Where applicable and lawful, model-specific manufacturer instructions take precedence over this general guidance. RFiD Discovery does not guarantee the availability, suitability or outcome of any third-party collection or recycling service. Nothing in this guidance constitutes an offer to accept waste equipment or changes any rights or obligations arising under applicable law or contract.
Customer end-of-life process
1. Check reuse options - extend service life through continued use, redeployment, repair or refurbishment where safe, functional and lawful. Equipment already classified as waste needs the appropriate waste controls before reuse.
2. Decommission securely - remove or revoke accounts, credentials, certificates, SIM cards and customer data as relevant. Follow the device-specific sanitisation process; a factory reset alone may be insufficient.
3. Identify batteries and other hazards - identify the exact device model and check current manufacturer guidance for lithium/other batteries, stored data, lamps, consumables and damage. Only remove components if the instructions for that specific product permit safe user removal; otherwise disclose them to the waste recipient.
4. Confirm the appropriate route - check applicable producer, distributor and contractual arrangements first. For discarded electrical equipment, select a suitably authorised WEEE route that accepts the actual equipment, any fitted batteries and other hazards. Arrange collection or shipment with that party before dispatch. Manufacturer links below are examples, not guarantees of UK return availability.
5. Keep appropriate evidence - business waste holders should check carrier registration, receiving-site authorisation and correct waste descriptions. Retain a waste transfer note or equivalent for non-hazardous waste, or a consignment note where hazardous waste rules apply. Keep recycling and data-destruction evidence where issued or required by contract. In England and Wales, non-hazardous transfer records are generally retained for 2 years; hazardous-waste holders generally retain records for 3 years. Follow national requirements elsewhere.
Using this guide
Find your product category in the following pages. Reference codes (M, G and U) link to the supporting source entries. External source links open the original documents or webpages.
Product-specific end-of-life treatment
Readers
Code 100 | Impinj, Zebra, Chainway, Nordic ID; R700, FX9600, C72, MD51, TC53, RFD40
EOL classification: Usually WEEE when discarded. Stored data, batteries and hazardous components depend on the model.
Customer preparation: Isolate power; identify the precise model, installed batteries and data. Revoke device credentials and sanitise securely where applicable.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Check any applicable, confirmed producer/manufacturer route (Zebra arrangements where eligible) or use an authorised WEEE recipient that accepts the particular device and batteries. Agree return/shipping arrangements before dispatch.
Restrictions: Do not put in general waste, remove sealed batteries without instructions or send to RFiD Discovery.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: M01: Zebra WEEE FAQs describe UK arrangements; contact Zebra directly to confirm current eligibility, collection/return and costs of transport. M02: FX9600 manual gives an EU WEEE instruction. Neither authorises shipping to RFID Discovery. For R700, C72, MD51, TC53, RFD40 and other models, check their own instructions. G03, G10, U02, U03.
Telecom equipment
Code 1000 | Network hubs and associated telecom equipment
EOL classification: Network hubs or telecom equipment are generally WEEE when discarded; contents vary by model.
Customer preparation: Disconnect safely. Identify saved configuration, accounts, batteries and power supplies; revoke credentials and sanitise as appropriate.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Check the responsible producer arrangement or use an authorised WEEE recycler accepting the equipment and any internal battery.
Restrictions: Do not treat network equipment as ordinary mixed waste or assume a factory reset removes all sensitive information.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Check the exact manufacturer/model instructions. General waste and security guidance: G01, G03, G07, U02, U03.
Routers and switches
Code 110 | TP-Link routers, PoE+ switches
EOL classification: Routers, network switches and PoE units are generally WEEE when discarded.
Customer preparation: Disconnect from power/network; remove or revoke configuration, passwords, access tokens and certificates. Identify the model and any backup battery.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Follow the confirmed producer arrangement or an authorised WEEE route; notify the recipient of fitted batteries.
Restrictions: Do not use a disposal or dismantling manual for a different TP-Link model; do not place in general waste.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: M06: TP-Link Archer A7/C7 V5 guide includes EU WEEE recycling instructions for those models only. Do not apply this to an unverified TP-Link router or PoE switch; check exact model/revision and local arrangements. G03, G07, U02, U03.
Portals
Code 1100 | Polymaster dock-door portal and similar portal assemblies
EOL classification: Mixed installed portal assembly; electrical components may be WEEE. Structural components require separate assessment.
Customer preparation: Engage competent personnel to isolate the installation safely and identify reader, antenna, power, cable and frame components.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use a suitably authorised contractor to assess and manage electrical equipment, batteries and accepted recoverable structural materials.
Restrictions: Do not dispose of a complete electrical portal as metal scrap or carry out uncontrolled waste dismantling.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: No single disposal route can be assumed for all portal configurations. Use the installed component manuals, G03, G05, G08 and U03.
Services
Code 120 | Software, hosted service, support or configuration service
EOL classification: Software and support services alone do not create a physical waste item. Associated hardware is covered separately.
Customer preparation: Close accounts and integrations; revoke access; manage customer data according to applicable retention and deletion requirements.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): There is no physical EOL waste route for software alone. Apply the appropriate hardware row to any discarded device or storage medium.
Restrictions: Do not confuse deleting an account with recycling a physical device or delete records that must be retained.
Evidence to retain: Retain closure, access and deletion records where required by the contract or legal rules; waste documentation only if hardware is discarded.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Use the applicable service agreement and data-retention requirements; U02 supports network-device decommissioning.
Printers
Code 130 | SATO printers; CL4/CL6 series and similar models
EOL classification: A discarded electrical printer is generally WEEE. Ribbons, labels, cartridges and any batteries need separate assessment.
Customer preparation: Identify the SATO model and consult its own manual. Remove any customer data and user-removable consumables safely.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use a confirmed producer arrangement or an authorised WEEE recycler; recycle consumables separately only where a facility accepts them.
Restrictions: Do not assume a particular SATO manual applies to all printers or that ribbons and labels belong in normal paper/plastic recycling.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: M03: SATO PV4 printer manual contains a WEEE disposal section and asks business users to check supplier/contract terms. PV4 is an example ONLY, not instructions verified for CL4/CL6 or other models. Consult the actual printer manual. G01, G03, G07, U03.
Anchors
Code 140 | ELA Innovation, BlueUp; open-puck and blue anchors
EOL classification: Electronic anchors can be WEEE; battery presence, type and removability are model-specific.
Customer preparation: Identify the exact ELA/BlueUp anchor and power source. Isolate safely; only remove user-replaceable cells where the matching manual permits.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use an applicable confirmed manufacturer/producer route or authorised WEEE recipient that accepts fitted batteries.
Restrictions: Do not open sealed anchors or assume every BlueUp/ELA unit uses the same battery.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: M05: BlueUp Brick Wire manual includes EU separate-WEEE guidance (example only). Brick Wire uses external DC power; its generic battery paragraph does NOT establish a fitted battery. Check the exact supplied anchor and its manual. EU dealer-return wording is not a verified UK/RFID return arrangement. G03, G08, U01, U03.
Other hardware
Code 150 | Items not covered elsewhere
EOL classification: Classification cannot be determined until the accessory or device is identified.
Customer preparation: Record make, model, materials, electrical parts, batteries, stored data and condition; disclose damage/contamination.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Obtain a product-specific classification and arrange an authorised recipient that accepts the identified waste.
Restrictions: Do not assume unknown hardware is non-hazardous, battery-free or acceptable in ordinary recycling.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Obtain the applicable manufacturer information and recipient confirmation before choosing a route. G01, G07, G08, U03.
Antennas
Code 200 | Times-7 slimline antennas and similar equipment
EOL classification: Antennas and aerials may be in scope of WEEE; assess the particular product and installation.
Customer preparation: Disconnect safely and identify any electronics, cabling and integrated power sources.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Where classified as WEEE, use an authorised electrical-waste provider; otherwise use a material recovery route accepted by the recycler.
Restrictions: Do not assume a passive antenna is ordinary metal waste or suitable for a household recycling bin.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: G08 expressly includes antennas/aerials in the EEE scope examples. Confirm the exact Times-7 model and recipient acceptance; G03, U03.
Passive tags
Code 300 | Paragon ID (including Argent-sur-Sauldre), SATO, SML and other passive tag suppliers
EOL classification: RFID tags require a product/application-specific WEEE assessment. A packaging security feature may fall outside EEE scope.
Customer preparation: Identify the tag construction, application and any contamination. Ask the recycler whether tags affect host-material recycling.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use the authorised route appropriate to the assessed waste classification. Keep tag-bearing packaging in a recycling stream only if the recycler accepts it.
Restrictions: Do not assume that all passive RFID labels are excluded from WEEE or automatically recyclable with paper, cardboard or plastics.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: G08 covers RFID devices and specifies a particular packaging-security-feature exclusion. Obtain a classification for the exact tag/application; G07, U03.
Active tags
Code 400 | ELA Innovation, BlueUp, Digital Matter; Puck Coin Lite, Yabby Edge
EOL classification: Active RFID/BLE tags are generally battery-containing WEEE, subject to the exact model.
Customer preparation: Deactivate/unlink devices and identify battery chemistry/condition. Remove a battery only where safe and expressly intended for user removal.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use an authorised provider accepting battery-containing WEEE; agree a specialist route for damaged, leaking or swollen batteries before transport.
Restrictions: Do not crush, burn, puncture or force open sealed tags; do not place batteries or tags in general waste.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: M04: BlueUp TagX manual contains WEEE/battery disposal and model-specific CR2477 battery information. M07/M08: Digital Matter Yabby Edge Cellular/LoRaWAN pages identify different replaceable-battery configurations and give limited lithium-battery disposal advice, NOT a full EOL procedure. These are examples only; check the exact ELA/BlueUp/Digital Matter model. G03, G08, U01, U03.
Gateways
Code 500 | CTHINGS.CO, SolidRun, Minew, MOKO and other gateways (confirm exact supplier/model)
EOL classification: Electronic gateways are generally WEEE; SIMs, stored data and backup batteries may be present.
Customer preparation: Identify the gateway model. Isolate power, revoke network credentials and securely sanitise stored data; check for fitted batteries.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Confirm any manufacturer/producer collection route or use an authorised WEEE recycler accepting the full configuration.
Restrictions: Do not assume PoE-powered units contain no battery; do not remove internal parts without model instructions.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: No model-specific EOL manual verified for the gateway variants listed in this category. Check the actual gateway manufacturer, model/revision, internal battery and data-handling requirements; confirm its applicable WEEE route. G03, U02, U03.
Cables and electrical accessories
Code 600 | Co-Star; SMA male to RP-TNC male cable and similar items
EOL classification: Electrical cables, power supplies and connected accessories require waste-stream assessment; some items are EEE/WEEE.
Customer preparation: Disconnect safely. Identify power units, electronic interfaces, insulation and any contamination.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use a suitably authorised WEEE/cable recovery route; segregate accepted clean materials only where the recycler confirms acceptance.
Restrictions: Do not burn insulation, dump cables in mixed waste or strip hazardous parts without appropriate authorisation.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Use the actual cable/accessory manufacturer instructions if provided. General duty-of-care and classification: G01, G07, G08, U03.
Mounts and brackets
Code 700 | PTS long-arm brackets and similar hardware
EOL classification: Ordinary metal/plastic brackets without electronics are material waste, not automatically WEEE.
Customer preparation: Check for integrated electrical parts, coatings or contamination; identify materials.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Reuse where lawful, otherwise send clean brackets to an authorised material recycler that confirms acceptance. Assess any attached electronics separately.
Restrictions: Do not classify an electrical assembly as clean metal scrap without removing/assessing electrical parts through an authorised route.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Follow the bracket material and receiving facility acceptance requirements. General duty of care: G01, G07; electrical attachments G08.
RFID-enabled trolley
Code 800 | Agile trolley with reader, antennas, PoE and cables
EOL classification: RFID-enabled trolley is a mixed assembly containing structural materials and fitted electronic components.
Customer preparation: Record fitted readers, antennas, cables, power equipment and batteries; arrange safe electrical isolation by competent persons.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Engage an appropriately authorised contractor to manage WEEE/batteries and accepted recoverable structures in lawful streams.
Restrictions: Do not dispose of the complete fitted trolley as ordinary scrap or dismantle waste electrical components without authorisation.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation and recipient acceptance; recycling evidence where issued or required by contract; sanitisation record if data-bearing.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Follow the exact component manuals and the receiving contractor's classification. General requirements: G03, G05, G08, U03.
Accessories
Code 900 | Miscellaneous accessories
EOL classification: Accessory treatment depends on its electrical components, batteries, materials and contamination.
Customer preparation: Identify the accessory and its relevant characteristics before classifying it.
Recommended EOL treatment (confirm model and legal requirements): Use an authorised electrical, battery or material recycling route after model-specific assessment and recipient acceptance.
Restrictions: Do not apply a single general-waste route to all accessories.
Evidence to retain: For waste: applicable transfer or consignment documentation, authorised recipient confirmation and recycling evidence where issued or required by contract.
Manufacturer recommendation / source reference: Consult the specific manufacturer instructions, plus G01, G07, G08, U03 as appropriate.
Manufacturer and regulatory sources
Manufacturer sources below are EXAMPLES, not blanket instructions for a product category. Check the exact brand, model, revision and current manufacturer publication before following handling or disposal advice. M01-M06 contain disposal/WEEE instructions for the named models or manufacturer; M07-M08 contain limited lithium-battery information, not complete EOL procedures. References to EU directives or dealer take-back are not proof of current UK returns, charges or legal responsibility. RFID Discovery does not operate a voluntary waste hardware take-back service; nothing in this table overrides obligations arising by law or contract.
M01 - Zebra Technologies
Zebra-branded EEE and industrial batteries: UK arrangements
WEEE and Battery FAQs, section 6 (reviewed November 2023). Describes direct Zebra returns in the UK, including reseller purchases; confirm current eligibility, shipping, packaging and any costs directly with Zebra at e-waste@zebra.com. No RFID Discovery return offer.
M02 - Zebra Technologies
FX9600 fixed reader ONLY; EU-directed instructions
FX9600 Quick Reference Guide, page 13: WEEE guidance addressed to EU users. This is not a UK shipping authorisation; use M01 for current UK Zebra enquiries. Not applicable to other Zebra/Impinj/Chainway/Nordic ID readers.
M03 - SATO
SATO PV4 printer ONLY (other SATO models unverified)
PV4 manual, WEEE section (PDF page 35 of 36): separate collection/recycling; business users advised to contact the supplier and check the contract. No blanket UK take-back promise and not a CL4/CL6 manual.
https://www.satoeurope.com/pdf/products/printers/sato-pv4-manual.pdf
M04 - BlueUp
TagX/TagX variants named in January 2026 manual ONLY
BlueUp TagX user manual, January 2026, page 3: separate WEEE and battery disposal instructions; page 2 gives CR2477 replacement precautions. EU-style dealer-return text must not be treated as a verified UK/RFID collection offer. Verify actual model/revision.
https://docs.blueupbeacons.com/Devices/ShortManuals/BlueUp_TagX_UserManual_v2026_1.pdf
M05 - BlueUp
Brick Wire anchor ONLY (external DC powered)
BlueUp Brick Wire user manual, January 2026, page 2: separate WEEE collection. Product is externally powered; boilerplate battery text is NOT evidence of an internal battery. EU dealer-return wording is not a UK/RFID take-back authorisation.
https://docs.blueupbeacons.com/Devices/ShortManuals/BlueUp_BrickWire_UserManual_v2026_1.pdf
M06 - TP-Link
Archer A7/C7 V5 routers ONLY (EU WEEE wording)
Archer A7 & C7 V5 online user guide, product-label symbols/RECYCLING: selective WEEE collection, recycling organisation or applicable retailer arrangements. EU-specific wording; not proof for another TP-Link router/switch or UK/RFID return service.
https://www.tp-link.com/us/user-guides/archer-a7%26c7_v5/authentication
M07 - Digital Matter
Yabby Edge Cellular ONLY; battery advice is limited
Yabby Edge Cellular product page, Power: 3 user-replaceable AAA lithium batteries, plus general advice to dispose of lithium batteries safely. This is NOT a complete whole-device WEEE procedure; check exact device variant.
https://www.digitalmatter.com/devices/yabby-edge-cellular/
M08 - Digital Matter
Yabby Edge LoRaWAN ONLY; battery advice is limited
Yabby Edge LoRaWAN product page, Power: 2 user-replaceable AAA lithium batteries, plus general advice to dispose of lithium batteries safely. Different configuration from Cellular; NOT a complete whole-device WEEE procedure.
https://www.digitalmatter.com/devices/yabby-edge-lorawan/
Official reference sources
G01 - GOV.UK: Business waste
Business/commercial waste; national rules vary
Business waste responsibilities: waste hierarchy, duty of care, authorised carriers and lawful transfers. Follow the guidance applicable to the waste location.
https://www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste
G02 - GOV.UK: Transfer notes
England/Wales non-hazardous business waste
Waste transfer notes: the required transfer information and the normal two-year retention requirement for non-hazardous waste. Different rules apply to hazardous waste.
https://www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste/waste-transfer-notes
G03 - GOV.UK
UK WEEE regulations
Regulatory overview of electrical/electronic equipment and WEEE; scope and responsibilities must be assessed for the relevant equipment.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment
G04 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: EEE / WEEE
England: used EEE vs WEEE
When EEE becomes WEEE: waste status, conditions for reuse and POP-related controls. Reuse is not automatically lawful merely because equipment works.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-eee-becomes-waste-weee
G05 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: WEEE treatment
Authorised WEEE operators
WEEE reuse and treatment requirements for authorised treatment facilities. Operator compliance reference, not customer take-back or DIY treatment instructions.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-weee-reuse-and-treatment
G06 - GOV.UK: Hazardous waste
England: hazardous waste held by businesses
Hazardous waste for producers and holders: classification, authorised carriers and sites, consignment notes and three-year record-keeping for holders.
https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste/producers-and-holders
G07 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: Duty of care
England/Wales waste duty of care
Waste duty-of-care code of practice: safe transfers, accurate descriptions, carrier/recipient checks and varying record-retention periods.
G08 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: RFID / EEE scope
UK WEEE product-scope examples
EEE scope examples include RFID devices and antennas/aerials. An RFID security feature forming part of packaging has a stated exclusion; assess the exact tag and application.
G09 - GOV.UK: Distributor duties
UK retailers/distributors of electrical goods
Distributor responsibilities: certain products and sales may trigger take-back duties. Business policy does not override applicable statutory obligations.
https://www.gov.uk/electricalwaste-producer-supplier-responsibilities
G10 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: Producer duties
UK EEE producers/importers
EEE producer responsibilities: registration, compliance and possible financing of non-household WEEE. Producer/end-user alternative financing arrangements may apply.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electrical-and-electronic-equipment-eee-producer-responsibility
G11 - GOV.UK: Battery duties
UK battery retailers/distributors
Battery waste retailer/distributor responsibilities: applicability, collection obligations and exclusions depend on supply arrangements and battery category.
https://www.gov.uk/battery-waste-supplier-reponsibilities
U01 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: Battery treatment
Specialist battery treatment/recycling operators
Requirements for waste-battery treatment, recycling and export operators. Not instructions for customers to dismantle sealed equipment.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-batteries-treat-recycle-and-export
U02 - NCSC: Data sanitisation
Network devices and data protection
Device disposal guidance: revoke certificates/credentials and sanitise stored information; factory reset may be used as a precaution but is not complete proof of sanitisation.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/acquiring-managing-and-disposing-network-devices
U03 - Environment Agency / GOV.UK: Classifying WEEE
England: WEEE waste classification
Waste classification guidance for electrical equipment, hazardous components and POPs. Classification depends on actual waste composition.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-weee-how-to-classify
