Environmental agency is escalating as companies become more aware of the detrimental effects of poor waste management. One type of waste that is not typically thought of as hazardous is electronic waste. All IT equipment is considered e-waste once it is retired or no longer in use. Office IT equipment such as phones, laptops, tablets, printers, and T.V. screens accumulate in storage closets or empty office space, leaving data vulnerable to theft and reuse, potentially going to waste. IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers offer a host of end-of-use needs for retired IT assets, including asset management and data security. ITAD providers prioritize the best path for clients and the environment when disposing of hazardous material and focus on maximizing the value of retired IT assets.
Electronics Recycling for E-Waste Disposal
E-waste typically accumulates because many consumers are unsure what to do with it. No one wants to dispose of it incorrectly, but they aren’t sure how to do it safely, so it becomes an afterthought. Recycling isn’t just for plastic. ITAD facilities collect retired, damaged, and broken IT assets and ensure they are disposed of responsively via electronics recycling. As the only environmentally sound e-waste disposal method, e-recycling ensures no e-waste is sent to landfills or incineration facilities. This helps prevent pollution that occurs when chemicals from metals soak into the soil in landfills or released into the air when electronics are burned. E-recycling also prevents groundwater contamination, protecting the health of those living nearby who may unknowingly ingest polluted water.
Data Security & Asset Redeployment
ITAD is more than just disposing of old equipment. Many companies choose to upgrade IT equipment annually or biannually, and some assets are still in working order when they are retired. ITAD providers offer remarketing opportunities with asset redeployment that maximizes the value of used assets and helps bridge the digital divide by providing electronics to those without access. Asset redeployment also supports circularity by keeping used assets out of the waste stream and expanding their use.
Additionally, ITAD partners provide data security services for all IT assets. Before assets are repaired or remarketed, all data is wiped to ensure no data breaches occur even after disposal. HOBI’s internally developed data erasure tool, HOBI Shield, is just one of three data security steps we take to prevent data leaks. HOBI Shield completely wipes data from a device, and any hard drives that cannot be entirely erased are destroyed via shredding technology.
Reverse Logistics
ITAD providers are environmentally conscious and implement green standards in every part of the disposition process, including logistics. Many companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint, and working with an ITAD provider for all end-of-use needs eliminates the need to work with multiple vendors. Reverse logistics is often costly, and working with multiple vendors increases carbon output and data security risks. ITAD providers offer customized reverse logistics solutions to ensure assets stay in the same hands until data erasure can be performed.
With more than 30 years of industry experience, HOBI is a leader in IT asset management and disposition. Our R2v2, RIOS, and ISO 14001 certifications ensure all equipment is processed in full legislative compliance. HOBI focuses on maximum value for our clients and the best action for the environment.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.