America Recycles Day is around the corner, and companies are still struggling with responsible IT asset disposal. The last twenty years have brought significant technological advancements, but the rapid release of new technology also brings more environmental liability. Global electronic waste generation increases annually, and e-waste production is surpassing recycling rates, which means carbon output is steadily increasing. Environmental liability is often disregarded or put on the back burner because solutions seem out of reach, but companies fail to recognize the significant role they play in e-waste. This blog post explains how companies unknowingly contribute to the e-waste crisis, and how a sound disposition plan can improve more than just environmental standards.
The Contribution You Don’t Know You’re Making
E-waste is a growing crisis, and many companies don’t realize they are part of the problem. New tech models are released every year, driving annual or bi-annual IT refresh cycles to keep corporate hardware and software up to date. However, this leaves companies with excess IT hardware. Many believe keeping retired assets safe means storing surplus IT equipment in closets or warehouses to protect data or the hardware from theft. Immediately after devices are decommissioned, they become e-waste. Even fast tech such as earbuds, charging cables, and adaptors can pile up into a large pile of e-waste. Smart thermostats, security cameras, and remotes are devices companies don’t recognize as e-waste because they fall outside the norm. Companies that travel to conferences and trade shows often hand out “swag bags” that sometimes include chargers or earbuds, which attach the company name directly to e-waste. Electronics are electronics, and hoarding retired, decommissioned, or damaged tech can lead to audit failure, compliance issues, data breaches, and major value loss.
Poor Disposition Equals Increased Data Security Risks
Every electronic device retains data, and that data remains on hard drives until it is wiped. Simple resets don’t erase or protect data, and excess IT hardware in your storage closet could cost you millions in legal fees after a data breach. Corporate devices contain login credentials, HR documents, and company passwords, all of which become vulnerable to hackers if data is not properly sanitized after assets are decommissioned. When employees quit, their devices are rarely wiped directly after, leaving sensitive enterprise and employee data vulnerable. Hackers target retired equipment because it typically has less security. IT security teams focus on devices in use rather than decommissioned ones, leaving a major blind spot in security programs. Additionally, in-house theft occurs more often than people believe. It only takes one disgruntled employee, contractor, or custodial staff member to swipe a device, turn it on, and log in to the company network with valid credentials.
Value Loss You Can’t Get Back
Speed, not just condition, determines recovery value. Many believe enterprise IT assets lose value gradually, but the steepest drop happens much faster. Many organizations choose to hold onto decommissioned equipment because they believe it’s safer, but idle assets mean functionality, condition, and value degrade. Immediately after decommissioning, the 90-day value cliff begins, and IT assets start to depreciate rapidly.
Delayed logistics and internal approval bottlenecks also contribute to rapid value loss, as does a lack of ownership when assets get lost between IT, procurement, and finance. Manual inventory reconciliation can also cause delays if records don’t match and can lead to audit failure. Waiting for data-destruction approvals results in idle assets and depreciating value.
Environmental Pollution
Everyone has excess IT equipment at some point; the problem is irresponsible disposal. E-waste must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental harm. When IT teams don’t know how to dispose of e-waste properly, they end up throwing smaller tech away, which brings e-waste into municipal waste streams. E-waste is classified as hazardous, and almost every single electronic device contains a battery. Many mobile devices, like laptops, phones, and tablets, now contain Lithium-ion batteries that can cause large-scale chemical fires. When e-waste ends up in municipal waste streams, the risk of garbage truck fires and landfill fires skyrockets.
One of the most common reasons for poor IT asset disposal is that users don’t know how to dispose of it responsibly. Landfills and incineration were popular methods in the past, but each contributes to environmental pollution. Electronics contain metals that can leak toxic chemicals into the soil, which can eventually pollute the surrounding water supply. If this occurs, residents living nearby could ingest these chemicals in their water and become fatally ill over long-term exposure. Burning e-waste releases these toxins into the air, causing air pollution. So, how do you get rid of e-waste?
Put Words Into Action with a Sound ITAD Plan
Certified ITAD providers offer a range of end-of-use services for used, decommissioned, or retired IT hardware. ITAD programs are designed to maximize value, protect data, and mitigate environmental liability.
Serialized Tracking – Serialized tracking is part of the ITAD process and provides quick, easy identification throughout the process. Serialized tracking tightens the chain of custody by providing auditable documentation that every device is accounted for. This also helps prevent data-risk gaps and protects clients from legal issues.
Data Protection After Asset Retirement – Certified data erasure is the only method of data destruction that eliminates all risk, and ITAD providers offer data security solutions tailored specifically for client needs. Onsite data erasure provides transparency and accountability by enabling clients to oversee the erasure process. In the digital age, digital storage is the industry standard, and ITAD providers bring customized data security solutions at scale.
Repair & Refurbishment Designed to Support Circularity – Retired mobile assets are a goldmine for enterprise ROI. The ITAD process involves device grading and, if necessary, repairs. ITAD providers study resale market values, determine the best path for assets based on recovery value, and ensure clients get the most from their retired mobile devices. Partnering with an ITAD vendor eliminates wait times with proactive strategies designed for maximum ROI.
Materials Recovery & Recycling – All assets not eligible for reuse are recycled; before that, each device is harvested for functional parts that can be used in other devices. Materials recovery helps extend the lifecycle of used devices, reducing demand for new devices. Partnering with an ITAD provider will help companies check the sustainability box and improve their ESG performance.
Partner with HOBI Today
HOBI International, Inc. is an R2v3, RIOS, ISO 14001, and NAID AAA certified ITAD enterprise with more than 30 years of industry experience. As a rare ITAD provider with its own data erasure tool, HOBI is uniquely qualified for top-tier data security. HOBI maintains NIST compliance and boasts a clean data breach record throughout its 30+ year history. Additionally, HOBI provides quarterly and annual carbon-emissions reporting to help clients track and actively reduce their carbon footprint.
Every enterprise claims it wants to help the environment, but too many fail to put in real effort to deliver results. Don’t wait for America Recycles Day. Contact HOBI today at 877-814-2620 or sales@hobi.com to request a free consultation.