18 Jun 2025

Security steps to take before throwing out your old laptop?

From Nine To Noon, 9:27 am on 18 June 2025
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Photo: 123rf

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world - but it's also proving to be a boon for cyber-criminals.

Data breaches can happen if old laptops or smartphones haven't been properly wiped before disposal - things like photos, emails, passwords, emails and tracking services may still be able to be accessed.

In 2022 an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced, according to the World Health Organisation -  98-thousand is thought to be produced by New Zealand.

So what should people - and businesses in particular - be doing before they dispose of their technology?

And what's the right way to get rid of e-waste?

Kathryn is joined by Wayne Angus, country manager for Greenbox, which specialises in hardware recycling and data security.