Vertiv unveils UK UPS trade-in to cut e-waste & costs

Vertiv has launched a UK-wide trade-in scheme for small uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, offering discounts on replacement units plus collection and recycling for older equipment.

The Power Swap Program covers single-phase UPS installations rated up to 5kVA and accepts eligible legacy units from any vendor. The offer applies to customers buying selected Vertiv replacement models through the companys UK channel.

The scheme combines a financial incentive with a managed end-of-life route for traded-in equipment. Organisations face increasing scrutiny over electronic waste and the energy consumption of IT and facilities infrastructure. UPS systems are part of that mix because they run continuously and often remain in service for many years.

Vertiv positioned the programme as part of a broader push for responsible collection, refurbishment, and recycling, linking it to the UKs Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) rules for discarded electrical goods.

Customers can receive discounts of up to 40% on new Vertiv UPS systems. Vertiv also offers free on-site collection of the old unit, removing the need to arrange transport and disposal. Under the programme, Vertiv manages registration, eligibility checks, and recycling.

Channel Focus

Vertiv said the Power Swap Program is aimed at the UK channel and the single-phase UPS market. Partners are expected to use it to upgrade installed bases where older units have reached the end of their practical life or no longer meet operational requirements.

Stuart McDougall, Channel Marketing Specialist, Northern Europe at Vertiv, compared the initiative with existing industry offers.

"While many UPS vendors offer recycling or limited trade-in options, the Vertiv Power Swap Program is designed specifically for the UK channel and single-phase UPS market, uniquely combining discount incentives and an efficient trade-in process. The Vertiv Power Swap Program helps our partners to reduce their carbon footprint."

He said the programme is intended to help business customers upgrade power protection while reducing environmental impact.

With the launch of this new initiative, were supporting UK businesses to upgrade their power protection whilst decreasing their environmental impact. This is more than a discount  its a win for energy efficiency, budgets, and operational reliability, McDougall said.

Eligible Systems

The scheme targets single-phase UPS units up to 5kVA, a category that covers much of the power protection used in small server rooms, network cupboards, and distributed IT environments. These systems are also used in retail, healthcare, industrial sites, and office buildings where organisations rely on local resilience for network and computing equipment.

Vertiv listed the Vertiv Edge, Vertiv Liebert GXT5, and Vertiv Liebert GXE as examples of replacement products available through the programme. Customers also receive warranty coverage when they upgrade to new systems.

Martin Ryder, Channel Sales Director, Northern Europe at Vertiv, said the programme also supports partner margins.

This program strengthens our commitment to the channel by providing partners with an opportunity for enhanced margins and customers with reliable, innovative UPS technology. The Power Swap Program makes it easier than ever to transition to high-efficiency solutions like the Vertiv Edge, Vertiv Liebert GXT5, and Vertiv Liebert GXE, enabling greater uptime and cost savings in todays demanding IT environments, Ryder said.

Process Steps

The process has five steps. A customer raises a trade-in request with an IT partner, which submits the unit details through the Vertiv Partner Portal. Vertiv validates eligibility and issues a discount code, which the partner redeems when purchasing a new Vertiv UPS through an authorised reseller. Vertiv then arranges collection of the old unit from the customer site and routes it for recycling in line with WEEE directives.

Vertiv said the collection service is particularly useful in congested city centres, where moving heavy electrical equipment can be difficult. Pickup is arranged directly from customer locations, including offices and other facilities without dedicated loading bays or storage areas.

The Power Swap Program is available immediately to UK customers and partners and will run until the end of 2026.