IT assets are an essential aspect of every business, but often become burdensome when it’s time for disposal. Because electronic waste is classified as hazardous, sending IT assets to landfills or incineration facilities will result in significant environmental pollution. Many companies try to avoid these routes but lack the time to track down multiple service providers for the necessary steps of data protection. Responsible IT asset disposition doesn’t have to be a hassle or time-consuming. ITAD enterprises provide all services needed for safe and secure end-of-use asset management and disposition, prioritizing environmental protection at every step.
Step 1: Risk Management with Data Security & Compliance
The number one priority of asset disposition is data security, which is why it is one of the first steps of processing. After initial processing, where assets are checked in and receive specified load codes, all IT assets undergo complete data erasure, including data centers. Certified data erasure is essential in protecting enterprise and employee data, ensuring no data leaks occur after disposition. Certifications are a critical factor in responsible disposition, as they protect employees and companies from potential legal issues and provide peace of mind to clients that all equipment is processed under full legislative compliance.
HOBI uses an internally developed data erasure software, the HOBI Shield, that completely erases data from a device. Any devices that cannot be erased are destroyed via shredding technology to prevent further data leaks. Our team adheres to the most stringent data security protocols, compliant with NIST 800-18 and DOD standards, throughout the entire lifecycle of your IT assets. Additionally, HOBI is R2v3 and NAID certified.
Step 2: Value Maximization with Asset Repair & Redeployment
After data erasure, it is time to determine the path of the device: recycling or reuse. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and thousands of IT assets are discarded or disposed of before they begin to malfunction. Improper disposal of IT assets contributes to the ever-growing e-waste crisis; however, ITAD providers offer services that maximize the value of used assets and keep them in circulation via asset repair and redeployment. As the last step in circularity, ITAD providers close the loop on the circular economy by preparing retired assets for reuse. Asset redeployment extends the lifecycle of used assets, maximizing their value while providing technology to those without access. In addition to Mobility Managed Services (MMS), HOBI also offers donation programs to clients looking to maximize ROI.
Step 3: Materials Recovery & Recycling
ITAD facilities focus on environmentally sound e-waste disposal and materials recovery. Recovering usable materials from obsolete IT assets helps preserve resources and saves time and energy by reducing the demand for new materials. Reuse is a key component of the circular economy, keeping materials in use and helping eliminate waste. There are several e-waste disposal methods, but recycling is the only one that prevents pollution and potential health problems for surrounding residents.
ITAD providers like HOBI understand the sensitive nature of e-waste and focus on the best course of action for both clients and the environment. An ITAD partner eliminates the need for multiple vendors and relieves the burden of responsible disposition with a range of end-of-use services for traditional and non-traditional assets, including data erasure, asset redeployment, reverse logistics solutions, and recycling.