Windows 10 End of Support Could Create £1.8bn Worth of E-Waste
Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EoS) on 14th October, rendering millions of devices obsolete. As consumers and businesses look to upgrade their systems, our WEEE waste experts have calculated the amount of waste the shutdown could generate and the value of these resources.
What is happening to Windows 10?
On the 14th of October, Windows 10 will reach End of Support (EoS), meaning Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security fixes, or technical assistance.
This is problematic because it means any devices that can’t be updated to Windows 11 will face multiple issues:
- Devices will become more vulnerable to viruses
- Users may find stability issues as software glitches are not resolved
- Devices will lack compatibility with applications or hardware
- Businesses specifically running unsupported software could face compliance issues for insurers or cybersecurity policies
While users in the European Economic Area (EEA) have received the promise of free extended security updates for Windows 10 until 13th October 2026, the UK has not been given this same offer.
How many devices could it affect?
400 million devices are expected to be affected globally, with the UK’s share of the global PC market sitting at 3.6%. This could result in 14.4 million obsolete PCs in the UK.
How much material
will this generate?
Based on metal recovery rates data from E-Parisara and average device weights, applied across a share of 70% laptops and 30% desktops, we estimate the Windows 10 EoS could generate 12,805,100 kg of metals – that’s equivalent to the weight of 8,537 cars.
What’s the value of this
waste material?
Using metal prices from Kitco, our experts estimate the materials from devices rendered obsolete by the Windows 10 EOS could be worth up to £1.809 billion. This only considers copper, gold, and silver. It doesn’t take into consideration the other precious metals that could be recovered such as platinum, palladium, and indium.
What can businesses affected by the
Windows 10 EoS do with WEEE waste?
If your device supports it, the first step should always be to upgrade your operating system to Windows 11 to ensure you can continue to use your device and prevent generating any e-waste unnecessarily.
If this isn’t an option, and you decide you need to get a new device, the best move is to recycle any obsolete devices through a certified e-waste handler. Old electronics can be stripped down, precious metals removed and reused, and separated into different materials (such as metal and plastic). These are then recycled in their individual waste streams.
For businesses, this could mean partnering with a waste broker to handle any large quantities of WEEE waste to ensure that any compliance needs are met and waste is diverted away from landfill.
It’s essential that any WEEE waste is treated correctly. In the UK, there’s strict legislation in place that covers disposing of electrical waste. WEEE regulations legally require electronic waste disposal away from landfill or incineration.
Mark Hall, WEEE expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, says:
“When operating systems like Windows 10 enter the end of support, this can become problematic for users, especially businesses. As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important issue, many consumers and businesses are finding that they cannot afford to take risks when it comes to device security.
“While it’s important to be vigilant and protect yourself, it’s essential that any obsolete devices do not enter general waste streams. This is against UK WEEE regulations, meaning it’s illegal, and it can be highly damaging to our environment. WEEE waste recycling is complex and requires expert handling. Some electronic equipment and appliances can contain hazardous materials and it’s vital these are separated.
Arrange commercial e-waste collection
with Business Waste
At Business Waste, we provide regular, reliable, and sustainable e-waste collection and recycling for businesses anywhere in the UK. This includes the removal of old computers from offices, damaged and broken laptops from electronic shops, and electrical waste recycling for schools.
Find out how we can help if your business or organisation will be affected by the Windows 10 EoS. We can provide free bins for your WEEE items as you only pay for collection. Plus, you receive a free duty of care certificate for confirmation that your e-waste is disposed of away from landfill.
Get in touch today with our friendly team for more information and a free no-obligation quote – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
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