Survey Shows Data Security Concerns are Affecting Recycling Rates

Producer responsibility organization WEEE Ireland recently conducted a survey and found that data security concerns are holding back recycling rates for scrap electronics and small appliances. According to the nonprofit organization’s survey, 21 percent of adults aren’t recycling their unused devices due to concerns about their personal data, and another 22 percent keep them as backups. 

WEEE Ireland is the country’s largest nonprofit electronics stewardship program operator and has emphasized the need to increase the rate to produce metals that Ireland needs, as well as the rest of the EU in renewable energy, transportation, health, and technology sectors. 

CEO of WEEE Ireland Leo Donovan stated in a press release, “We urge the public to take advantage of the available free recycling facilities nationwide and contribute to the country’s sustainable growth while helping to protect our planet.” 

In in the press release, Donovan noted that the coming EU battery regulations would include a significant increase in battery collection targets in the future. 

Data security should always be a top priority when recycling old IT equipment and is often a concern when getting rid of electronics. Data remains on retired devices until properly sanitized, making it vulnerable to data breaches even after retirement. 

IT asset disposition enterprises like HOBI specialize in data security and erasure. Partnering with an ITAD provider helps save companies time and money over data security issues by enabling professionals to ensure their IT hardware is wiped of all data. 

HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO-14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. HOBI provides three steps for data security solutions, including data erasure, DOD-compliant wipe on data storage devices, and device destruction. HOBI uses an internally-developed data erasure tool, the HOBI Shield®, that completely wipes data from a device. 

If resale is not an option, either due to market value or client request, HOBI destroys the devices through shredding technology for ultimate data security. Once devices have been shredded, they are recycled.

Data isn’t safe until it’s properly sanitized. For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.