How to Properly Dispose of Your Business Electronics
If you're like most businesses, you're constantly upgrading your computers and other electronic equipment. After all, new technology translates into greater efficiency and higher capabilities. However, upgrades leave the problem of how to properly dispose of your old equipment. You can't just leave it in the dumpster out back. Not only are most electronic devices and computer equipment hazardous to the environment if they are left in a landfill, but you leave your customers' sensitive personal information at risk if your equipment isn't disposed of properly.
How to get rid of old office equipment
The art and science of properly disposing of old electronics is often referred to as IT asset disposal. In fact, there is an entire industry built for helping companies deal with this issue. Below are just a few things to consider when swapping out your old equipment for the latest models.
1. Make sure all data storage devices are wiped clean. Simply deleting files and data is not enough. This information can be retrieved if the hard drive and memory on computers, thumb drives, smart phones, and the like are not electronically wiped.
2. Recycle when possible. Many areas have fines for improperly disposing of electronic office equipment. In addition, you can often recoup some of your investment in new equipment by having metals and other valuable elements removed from the equipment. For instance, many motherboards contain gold that can be sold at the market price. In addition, donating your old equipment to a school, church, or charitable organization can offer a deduction on your corporate income taxes. If neither selling parts nor donating the equipment is viable, most areas have designated recycling centers or events for electronics you can go to.
3. Consider hiring an ITAD specialist. An IT asset disposition (ITAD) firm can help you minimize the risk of data from your old electronics getting into unauthorized hands while maximizing the amount of money you can earn with your old equipment. In addition, hiring a third party to deal with your computer recycling helps to increase efficiency by freeing up your staff to concentrate on their primary job responsibilities and providing good customer service.
Knowing what to do with your old office equipment can be a challenge. Keep the previous methods in mind so you can minimize the risk and maximize the return in recycling your computer items, and especially consider hiring an ITAD specialist to further help you.
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