Last month was International E-Waste Day. It was started by WEEE to highlight the importance of the responsible and formal management of e-waste. This year’s slogan was “Join the Hunt to Retrieve, Recycle, Revive.” With many people working from home, at least part-time, businesses and organizations have idle electronics stashed in unused cubicles and empty supply rooms. There are risks to letting them sit there even if they are not taking up valuable space as they did when offices were fully occupied. America Recycles Day is November 15th, providing another opportunity to take stock of your electronic devices.
Stored Electronics Are at Risk of Theft
Piles of unused electronics may be a temptation for someone who thinks they’re “free for the taking” or won’t be missed. This is particularly true of small items, like cell phones. More important than the theft of the asset is the vulnerability of the data it contains. While they may not contain large amounts of data, or corporate proprietary information, they often contain both personal and business passwords. This could lead to a data breach, which at the very least would be inconvenient and a hassle. In the worst case it could result in lawsuits, penalties and loss of trust by both customers and employees.
Unused Electronics Can Be a Safety Hazard
In addition, many items contain batteries which degrade over time. Who hasn’t picked up a flash light only to find that the alkaline batteries have corroded inside the unit? Nothing that a cotton swab with vinegar can’t clean up. However, lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries which are found in cell phones, tablets and laptops can spontaneously combust and cause a fire. They can enter an un-controllable self-heating state which can result in an explosion. They are hard to extinguish with water and have a documented history of re-igniting when water is used. Fire extinguishers specifically designed for Li-Ion batteries should be used but the common dry chemical extinguisher could be used for a small fire to buy time. However, if the office is largely vacant, the fire may not be noticed in time to try and contain it while waiting for professional fire fighters to arrive.
Managed Disposal Has Many Benefits
Finally, a thoughtful and timely-managed disposal of electronic assets allows an organization to audit the devices to assess current and future need, evaluate service providers and avoid the mistakes that often result from hasty decisions. Frequently, the need to down-size or expand happens unexpectedly. Then all of the sudden those piles of surplus and obsolete electronics need to go. With employee, financial and other proprietary information residing on the data storage devices, you need to be have confidence and trust in your ITAD partner. You need to be certain that the data is rendered incapable of retrieval and use, and that the remaining components are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
What to Look for in an Information Technology Asset Disposal Partner (ITAD)
Certification
First and foremost is certification to stringent standards specifically for the ITAD and ITAM (Information Technology Asset Management) industries. The R2V3 certification is managed by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI). It ensures that your partner adheres to documented procedures that are best practices for the industry. Once certified, there is an independent, unannounced audit process to ensure continued compliance. In addition to adherence to strict data destruction protocols, there is a commitment to facilitate a circular life for electronics and environmentally sound disposal at the end of useful life.
Options
Secondly, it is important that your partner offer options so that you can choose what best meets your needs. Some companies can only offer one type of service. EVR provides you with a choice. Devices that are still useable can be wiped and reused. The data is gone and the device is refurbished for a second life. For old and damaged devices, we offer off-site shredding at our secure, gated and camera-monitored facility. For devices containing highly-classified data or if corporate policy dictates, we offer on-site destruction. We bring the shredder to you and nothing leaves your site until it is destroyed. Regardless of the method that your chose, you can be certain the your confidential information is destroyed and you will receive Certificates of Recycling and Destruction, as applicable.
Rapport
A third thing to consider is your rapport with your partner. While some services are simple and completed quickly, others may take multiple visits to assess, dismantle, transport and complete. It’s important that you trust the team and feel comfortable working with them. Two of EVR’s core principles are “people” and “fun.” We have a diverse team which offers different perspectives on, and enhances, problem-solving. To encourage teamwork while
So don’t wait until America Recycles Day rolls around again to assess your unused, surplus or obsolete electronics. Contact a certified ITAD firm, discuss you options and devise a thoughtful and executable plan for a secure and environmentally responsible plan of action.