S2Say It – Nicola Sheard on the Importance of Education in Reducing E-Waste
S2S Group, April 2025
At S2S Group, our team of experts are at the core of everything we do, delivering environmentally sustainable and secure customer solutions for businesses.
Our S2Say It blog series shares the insights and experiences of our team members, providing valuable thought leadership on the ITAD industry. In this edition, we sit down with Nicola Sheard, Account Manager.
Nicola plays a key role in managing relationships with our key customers and business prospects. She shares why she started a career in e-waste management, discusses the role of education in building a safer future, and why human relationships are still important in the age of AI.
What’s your role at S2S Group?
As Account Manager, Nicola is responsible for managing client relationships and ensuring customer needs and requirements are met. She also supports generating new business and takes pride in building long-term relationships with key customers for S2S Group and S2S Group Scotland.
What inspired you to get involved in e-waste management, and why is it a critical issue today?
With extensive experience in customer service, Nicola entered the e-waste industry for the first time when she joined S2S Group in 2023.
“I have never worked within this type of industry in any of my previous jobs, so it was an exciting opportunity to learn all about ITAD and the processes surrounding how electronics are disposed of” Nicola says.
On average, the UK generates around 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste every year. With electronics now a part of everyday life, Nicola adds: “The safe and effective recycling of electronic devices is essential.”
What are the biggest challenges the team faces when managing e-waste, and how do you work to overcome them?
Nicola works closely with our clients and the wider S2S Group team to ensure a smooth and effective IT waste disposal process from start to finish. As such, she has a strong understanding of the challenges of managing the end-to-end process.
“I would say the biggest general challenge is ensuring the security of data throughout the whole process, from collection to management and effective destruction. Making sure the kit is kept safe and dealt with in a compliant way is something our team excels at, but it comes with its challenges” Nicola comments.
To overcome this challenge, the S2S Group team undergoes continuous training to stay updated on the latest policies and procedures. Nicola highlights the importance of training to ensure the utmost security in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling process.
Nicola continues: “By demonstrating our expertise, we provide assurance that our clients’ data remains protected, giving them peace of mind that their information is handled securely and responsibly.”
How do you see advancements in technology, like AI or robotics, shaping the future of e-waste recycling and disposal?
Advancements in technology, such as AI and robotics, are increasingly shaping the future of e-waste recycling and disposal, and their role will likely continue to expand. While AI is already integrated into many aspects of daily life, including smartphones and business operations, Nicola believes that human interaction remains essential.
“Many customers still value direct conversations when booking jobs or seeking reassurance about the security of their data. Moving forward, AI may be incorporated into certain processes to improve efficiency, but it won’t replace the personal touch that customers appreciate and rely on.”
What steps can individuals and businesses take to reduce their e-waste footprint effectively?
Safe and effective disposal of old IT devices starts with awareness. Nicola emphasises the importance of education in reducing e-waste effectively.
“Many people are unaware that electronic devices carry and store significant amounts of sensitive data. Even performing a factory reset doesn’t always completely erase data.”
Additionally, improper disposal of electronic devices contributes to environmental hazards. If a device has not been stripped down to its component materials and sent for further proper recycling, those hazardous materials can end up in landfills.
Nicola advises how businesses can address this to prevent e-waste from being sent to landfills: “To address this, I recommend businesses to build partnerships with ITADs like S2S Group to manage their e-waste and ensure their waste is handled securely and sustainably. By raising awareness and adopting responsible disposal practices, both individuals and organisations can minimise their e-waste footprint and protect both data security and the environment.”
Dispose of your e-waste safely and securely with S2S Group
At S2S Group, we pride ourselves on helping you find a secure and sustainable solution for your business e-waste through WEEE recycling. As Nicola highlights, to create a safe and sustainable future for everyone, education about proper IT asset disposal services must improve.
By engaging an ITAD company like S2S Group, individuals and businesses can rest assured that their e-waste is being disposed of effectively, in a quick and cost-efficient process. To learn more about S2S Group’s WEEE recycling services, contact us today for a consultation and free quote.
Stay tuned for more insights and expertise from the team at S2S Group in future editions of S2Say It!