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Computers contain valuable recyclable resources, such as gold, silver, palladium and platinum, as well as other useful metals like aluminium and copper. Recycling these resources can help shrink the waste stream, conserve natural resources and, at the same time, capture value for the enterprise.
You have to consider more than just the environmental impact of your disposal choices. You could be throwing away valuable, and in some cases legally protected, data along with your old computers.
Quicker tech refreshes make for big challenges
As businesses replace IT equipment that no longer meets their needs, they face a challenge. The fun part is deciding what new technology to deploy, how to finance the purchase or lease, and how to use it to expand capabilities or boost productivity.
Deciding what to do with equipment taken out of service may lack the appeal of deploying new gear, but it presents another important opportunity – as well as significant risks. By thinking ahead, companies can minimise or eliminate risks associated with removing old equipment and maximise upside possibilities.
Asset management best practices
These five simple best practices can help you get rid of your IT equipment in an environmentally sound manner while also protecting your data.
- Choose a partner that is knowledgeable about privacy and environmental issues
Laws and regulations span the globe, and just staying current with legislation is a major challenge. Unless you have an in-house expert, work with a company that does.
- Recognise the repercussions of security breaches
Almost 20 percent of customers immediately terminate their accounts when they learn of a security breach, and an additional 40 percent consider cancelling at a later date, according to an independent survey by the Ponemon Institute.(1)
- Send equipment off for refurbishing immediately
Up to 90 percent of IT equipment can be resold if processed promptly after coming offline. Every day it sits in a store room the value drops – and the likelihood of theft or a security intrusion increases.
- Not all data security providers are the same
Equipment needs to be protected until all data is eradicated. Research how a vendor hires employees and subcontractors. Investigate the shipping process. While many vendors work with PCs, fewer have experience with server technology.
- Select a vendor with a brand name and reputation for integrity
Create rigorous, documented controls and reporting to provide audit trails and guard against potential legal issues. A responsible asset disposition partner will report on how and when data is erased.
HP Financial Services – trusted disposal partner
HP Financial Services processes and remarkets more than one million IT assets each year; process control and quality are built into its entire business structure. The company’s programs are tailored to meet the strategic requirements of enterprises large and small. These requirements include:
IT disposal
HP Financial Services has its own disposal capabilities and maintains strict business and process controls. Product disposal is handled in accordance with applicable environmental regulations. Remarketed equipment are tested and sold as fit for use.
Data wiping
HP Financial Services offers flexible data wiping options, and validates that conditions specified by customers are met. Non-functional drives are physically destroyed and that process, too, is validated.
Financial advantage
HP Financial Services’ asset recovery solutions are customised to meet each customer’s needs and budget. By seamlessly integrating the asset recovery process into the business processes of its customers, HP Financial Services increases customers’ efficiency and helps reduce their costs. Rigorous business controls include confirmation of product disposal as well as financial settlement reports detailing the revenues obtained through resale and recycling.
For more information:
Asset management best practices (PDF)
Asset recovery services
(1). “Lost Customer Information: What does a Data Breach Cost Companies?”, Ponemon Institute, 11/2005. “National Survey on Data Security Breach Notification”, Ponemon Institute, 11/2005. |
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