Published on March 20, 2023, Updated on March 20, 2023

IT asset disposition (ITAD) refers to the reusing, recycling, repurposing, repairing, or disposing of old IT equipment in a secure and ecologically friendly manner. Businesses, schools, organizations, and other institutions have the option of handling IT asset disposition themselves or outsourcing it to a professional provider.

The interior parts of an IT device can be reused rather than becoming electronic garbage, or e-waste, in a landfill. As a result, garbage like plastic and heavy metals are kept out of the environment.

While many firms have a regular replacement or upgrade cycle for electronic equipment, businesses with worn-out hardware must determine whether to restore, resell, recycle, or dispose of it. IT asset management, procurement, or risk management teams typically handle aspects of the IT asset disposition process when performed internally. An enterprise may also collaborate with external firms that specialize in IT asset disposition. Generally, these businesses offer secure data destruction and environmentally responsible e-waste recycling. ITAD suppliers specialize in expediting the disposition of IT assets for their clients, while minimizing costs and perhaps recovering equipment value.

What is the Focus of ITAD?

ITAD focuses on the following:

Securing data. Outdated hardware may still hold data, so ITAD providers adhere to data erasure best practices. The storage media is securely wiped.

Reusing and recycling equipment. ITAD providers dispose of a wide variety of obsolete hardware, including PCs, servers, laptops, tablets, and phones. Memory sticks and video cards can be recovered, repurposed, or recycled for use in other devices.

Fixing broken hardware. ITAD providers may also do hardware repair solutions, allowing enterprises to reuse existing equipment.

IT asset disposition providers can assist businesses in the disposal of surplus IT equipment. They purchase unused hardware from IT businesses and then attempt to recover its worth.

Typically, IT asset disposition suppliers offer the following services:

  • asset management
  • data erasure
  • data center decommissioning
  • hard drive shredding
  • refurbishing
  • repair and return

Why is IT Asset Disposition Crucial?

In terms of e-waste, IT asset disposal is a larger and more pressing concern due to the rapid turnover of IT within organizations. These devices may contain chemicals, heavy metals, and other substances that could harm the environment if disposed of in a landfill. These substances could seep into the ground and contaminate water sources, for instance. To ensure the proper and secure disposal of e-waste, ITAD providers utilize certified recyclers.

ITAD is also essential when thinking about data security. For instance, data breaches may occur if the data on a hard drive is not erased properly before disposal. ITAD providers assure total data deletion by physically destroying or degaussing hardware. Degaussing eliminates the magnetic field of a disk or hard drive, rendering it unusable using a specialized electronic instrument. These are both secure methods for guaranteeing complete data destruction.

ITAD also allows companies to save money by purchasing IT equipment from their clients and refurbishing their obsolete equipment.

1 Green Planet can recycle all of your unwanted electronics and help you attain your recycling goals using its ITAD program. Call them now to schedule a pickup from the areas served.