Are you planning to get rid of old laptops, servers or other hardware soon? Then of course you want to be sure that you comply with the e-waste legislation. In 2026, the rules at the European level have been tightened significantly to better protect the environment. The most important change? As a company, you are now even more strictly responsible for where your old equipment ends up.
In this article, we explain what the new rules mean for you and how you can get rid of your old hardware without worry and safely.
What exactly is e-waste?
Before we dive into the rules, first the basics: what is e-waste really? E-waste stands for Electronic waste. In Dutch we call this electronic waste. It refers to all devices with a plug or battery that are no longer in use. Think of computers and phones, but also of monitors and printers.
The new rules of 2026: DIWASS and exports
The government wants us to start separating almost all of our electronic waste by 2026. There are two major changes that you, as a company, need to be aware of:
- DIWASS (Digital Waste Shipment System): From May 2026, the mandatory digital system for waste transportation will be in effect. Old paper forms will no longer exist. Any movement of e-waste must be reported digitally. This is a kind of Digital passport for your old hardware.
- Export ban: Since 2025, it has been forbidden to export e-waste to countries outside the EU and the OECD. This is to prevent our old devices from ending up in a toxic waste dump in developing countries.
Why returning business-related e-waste works differently now
In the past, you could sometimes hand over old computers to a buyer without asking too many questions. That is no longer possible. The Inspectorate for the Environment and Transport (ILT) strictly monitors whether companies comply with the e-waste legislation.
When you decide to outsource the disposal of your business e-waste, you need to be able to prove that it is being handled by a certified party. At W3E, we work according to the strictest environmental standards, So that you always have a waterproof proof for your records.
Recycling is no longer a choice, but a legal obligation
Did you know that reuse According to current e-waste legislation, it officially has priority over recycling? This is set out in the Lansink Ladder, the most important rule for waste management in the Netherlands. This ladder is used to determine the best destination for your old devices. This is a hierarchy that forces us to always choose the most sustainable solution. So when you return your old hardware, you should follow these steps:
- Step 1: Prevention. Avoiding waste by, for example, using devices for longer.
- Step 2: Reuse. The device is cleaned, the data is erased and it gets a new owner.
- Step 3: Repair. A defective part is replaced so that the device works like new again.
- Step 4: Recycling. If reuse is no longer possible, we extract the valuable raw materials from the device to create new products.
Only if all these steps are not possible may hardware be burned or scrapped. Our goal in 2026 is to keep as much hardware as possible at the highest levels of this ladder at W3E.
Right to Repair: repairing is the new normal
A key driving force behind these rules is the European Right to Repair Directive. This directive came into force in July 2024 and was fully implemented into our national legislation by mid-2026. The goal is simple: to counteract the throwaway society and promote the circular economy.
The main aspects of this directive are:
- Extended repair obligation: Manufacturers are required to repair products such as smartphones and laptops, even if the statutory warranty period has already expired.
- Better accessibility: It should be easier and cheaper to choose repair instead of buying a new product immediately.
- European platform: An online platform is being launched to help businesses and consumers find local repairers and refurbished goods.
For your organization, this means that your hardware remains valuable longer and that you are encouraged to first offer defective equipment for repair.
The balance between reuse and data security
Many organizations find this exciting because they are afraid that data will be left behind on equipment that will have a second life. But that is exactly where the expertise of W3E makes the difference. We ensure 100% security data destruction. This way you comply with both environmental and privacy legislation (GDPR). In this way, we turn a legal obligation into a sustainable opportunity for your business. Only when we are certain that the data is gone does the hardware get a second life.
How W3E helps you with sustainable IT management
At W3E we believe that legislation doesn’t have to be a burden. We see it as an opportunity to work together to create a circular economy. We prepare devices for reuse and recycling on a daily basis and, although this is our last resort, we are familiar with the DIWASS system.
Our approach is simple and heartfelt:
- Complete hassle-free service: We will arrange it transport and the digital registration.
- Data destruction certificate: You will receive an official confirmation from us that all your data has been securely deleted.
- Expertise in circularity: We always first check whether your hardware still has value for reuse. This is good for the planet and you often also receive a nice residual value.
Your e-waste partner with knowledge of tomorrow's law
The legislation surrounding e-waste is changing rapidly, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Are you looking for a reliable partner who knows exactly what requirements your organization needs to meet? Are you wondering if your current way of disposing of business e-waste is still legally viable, or do you want to have your data destroyed on old hardware that you want to donate? W3E is here for you. Contact us today. contact Join us. Together we'll make the circle complete, without worrying about the small print.
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