University Libraries

Recycling of Media Stock

Challenge:

Universities across the UK faced a growing need to responsibly dispose of outdated media stock, including DVDs, CDs, and outdated educational materials. With limited storage and a commitment to sustainability, these institutions needed a secure and eco-friendly solution to manage large volumes of obsolete media. The challenge was to ensure that the media would be destroyed responsibly, while also contributing to the universities’ environmental and sustainability goals.

Solution:

GreenSphere partnered with multiple university libraries to manage the secure destruction and recycling of their obsolete media stock. Our tailored approach included:

• Collection and Transport:
  We coordinated the secure collection of media items from each university library, providing full tracking and ensuring safe transport to our facility.
• Inventory and Sorting:
  Upon arrival, all items were inventoried and sorted based on material type—DVDs, CDs, and packaging. This step ensured maximum material recovery while minimizing waste.
• Secure Destruction:
  For sensitive or branded educational materials, we employed advanced granulation techniques to securely destroy the media, ensuring that no content could be recovered or reused.
• Recycling and Repurposing:
  The separated materials, including polycarbonate discs, plastic cases, and paper inserts, were responsibly recycled. The polycarbonate was granulated and repurposed into new products, while the paper and cardboard were sent for recycling.
• Sustainability Documentation:
  Each university received a Certificate of Destruction and recycling documentation, confirming that their media was securely processed and contributing to their sustainability reporting.

Outcome:

The universities successfully cleared large volumes of obsolete media stock, freeing up valuable space in their libraries and supporting their sustainability initiatives. Through our process, over 2 tonnes of media was securely destroyed and recycled, helping the institutions meet their environmental goals while ensuring compliance with data protection and brand integrity requirements.