Below is a recap of this week’s blog posts, including navigating the Swiss Ghana amendments in the ITAD industry, safeguarding enterprise data after retirement with data erasure, sustainable practices simplified with ESG and ITAD, and how device reuse will help reduce the influx of AI e-scrap.
Navigating The Swiss Ghana Amendments in the ITAD Industry
The new Basel Convention amendments are a looming obstacle for the ITAD industry, with the Swiss Ghana amendments set to go into effect on Jan. 1. The changes include the reclassification of certain materials not previously classified as hazardous, subjecting them to the same shipment regulations as hazardous materials such as CRT glass or devices with batteries containing mercury, cadmium or lead. Changes also include expanding the definition of “waste” under the convention to include devices being prepared for reuse, which were not previously classified as waste according to the convention.
Safeguard Enterprise Data After Retirement with Data Erasure
Data isn’t safe until it is properly wiped. After retirement, IT assets often become an afterthought, which leads to poor IT asset management and data theft. In the fourth quarter of 2023, 1,089 cases of data compromises were reported, affecting 107,203,536 people, a significant increase since 2021. In the digital age, data protection is critical. ITAD providers offer data security services, including data erasure, that ensure all employee and enterprise data is wiped before devices are recycled or remarketed. IT asset management plays a crucial role in data security. HOBI offers comprehensive IT asset management and disposition services for retired IT assets, including data security measures throughout the disposition process.
ESG, Carbon Footprint & ITAD: Sustainable Practices Simplified
Sustainable practices are becoming more critical as technology rapidly evolves, and the business world is taking steps to become more environmentally aware, starting with reporting methods. As part of the changing ITAD landscape, many companies are implementing ESG goals to help reduce their carbon footprint. Partnering with an ITAD provider will help bring companies closer to achieving those goals through services such as data security, repair and remarketing, and electronics recycling.
Device Reuse Will Help Reduce the Influx of AI E-Scrap
AI is taking over the world, but not in the way one might think. Generative artificial intelligence has become a popular online experience, but with the evolution of technology comes an influx of electronic waste. AI machines are also increasing and will eventually need to be upgraded and maintained like any other machinery, further contributing to e-waste generation. A key component of e-waste reduction is device reuse. ITAD providers offer services like repair and refurbishment designed to maximize the value of retired IT assets via remarketing used devices. As a crucial part of a circular economy, device reuse helps close the loop and helps eliminate waste.