Importance of IT Asset Disposition in the Protection of Your Company's Sensitive Data

 

In today's digital world, information is one of the most valuable assets that a company can have. From customer information and accounting records to intellectual property and proprietary software, your firm's hardware has mass sensitive information. But what happens when that device reaches the end of its lifetime? This is the place where IT asset disposition (ITAD) is no longer a matter of logistics, but complete security is mandatory.  

Understanding IT Asset Disposal (ITAD)  

IT asset disposal means retirement, recycling, or revival of old or unused computer hardware safely and responsibly. It covers everything from desktop and laptop computers to servers, smartphones, keyboards, monitors, and copiers. But ITAD is not only about the disposal of chronic technology - it is about settling in this way that protects data, is environmentally friendly, and complies with rules such as Hipaa, GDPR and SOX. 

Improper ITAD procedures can cause data breaches, legal exposure, and serious reputational harm. As such, companies need to have a safe, end-to-end ITAD program.   

The Security Risks of Improper Asset Disposal 

Most organizations fall into the trap of believing that deleting files or carrying out a general reset will erase sensitive data from a device. Sadly, this is very far from the case. Poor data sanitization techniques expose companies to: 

• Data breaches 

• Corporate spying   

• Identity theft 

• Regulatory fines 

Devices such as hard drives, smartphones, printers, and even keyboards can cache passwords, keystrokes, or cached documents. Without a secure IT asset disposition, that data will end up in the wrong hands. 

Why is ITAD Non-Negotiable for Data Protection? 

Here's why secure ITAD is critical for every company: 

• Certified Data Destruction: A trusty ITAD partner will ensure that all devices are handled with certified data destruction. Be it through degaussing, shredding, or certified wiping, the processes guarantee that your data is destroyed before the asset is taken away from your site. 

• Audit Trails and Compliance: Great ITAD vendors provide advanced reporting and chain-of-custody documentation, providing you complete transparency into where your gear is sent, how it is treated, and when data is obliterated. This is essential for compliance with industry regulations and successful audit passes. 

• Environmental Responsibility: IT asset disposition is not only about safeguarding data - it's also about safeguarding the earth. With an environmentally responsible ITAD partner, your business assure that parts are recycled in a responsible manner rather than disposed of in a landfill. 

The Role of Recycling in Secure ITAD 

Besides data protection, recycling individual components such as keyboards, monitors, and phones is an essential component of any solid ITAD strategy. 

• Keyboard Recycling: Though sometimes neglected, keyboards can hold residual user data, including keystrokes gathered from spyware or stored credentials from embedded programmable keys. Keyboard recycling guarantees these peripherals are properly decommissioned, sanitized, and reused without danger to your company's data. 

• Cell Phone Recycling: Smartphones are mines of confidential information. From company emails and texts to client contact information and login credentials for apps, phones need to be thoroughly sanitized. Cell phone recycling with a reputable partner guarantees that SIM cards, internal storage, and even Bluetooth information get erased before the phone gets destroyed or sold. 

• Computer Monitor Recycling: Though computer monitor recycling is not necessarily a data-sensitive process, certain monitors - especially smart displays - do retain cache memory or access cloud accounts. Recycling those via a secure ITAD process removes any network traces and configurations before disposal. 

• Copy Machine Recycling: Copy machine recycling is the most underappreciated ITAD component. New copiers and multifunction printers contain hundreds - if not thousands - of documents stored on internal hard drives. Recycling these devices without data sanitization poses a grave security threat. Hard drive removal and destruction are part of a full ITAD program in copy machine recycling. 

Financial and Legal Advantages of Safe ITAD 

In addition to preventing data breaches, having a well-planned ITAD strategy has other benefits: 

• Cost Recovery: Some aged hardware still retains some market value. A responsible ITAD partner can resell or refurbish the machines, enabling you to recover some expenses. 

• Regulatory Compliance: As data protection regulations stiffen globally, possessing a rock-solid ITAD policy prevents expensive fines. 

• Corporate Reputation: Proving your dedication to data security and sustainability fosters trust with clients, employees, and shareholders.  

Conclusion  

Whether you're replacing office equipment or advancing through digital transformation, your retired devices shouldn't be an afterthought. With data security, regulatory compliance, and the environment all on the line, IT asset disposition needs to be a priority. 

From computer monitor recycling to copy machine recycling, from cell phone recycling to keyboard recycling, each step of the ITAD process ought to be approached with professionalism, precision, and purpose. 

Don't see your old technology become a new headache - safeguard your data and your reputation with a secure ITAD solution that delivers.

Teaching Your Kids About Responsible Electronics Disposal

Electronics are a crucial aspect of our life in the current digital era. These gadgets, which range from cell phones to laptops and game consoles, provide amusement and convenience. However, the issue of appropriate electronics disposal becomes more important as our electronic devices get older and are replaced with newer models. Teaching our children the value of local electronic recycling and responsibly recycling gadgets is an important lesson in environmental stewardship. The importance of electronic recycling, its effects on the environment, and how to make wise decisions when it comes to disposing of electronic equipment will all be discussed in this blog.

The Growing E-Waste Problem

    • Understanding The Scope Of Electronic Waste

E-waste, often known as electronic garbage, is a major issue on a global scale. Devices become outdated in a flash as technology develops at a breakneck speed. The outcome? Environmental risks from mountains of abandoned electronics that end up in landfills are enormous.

    • Environmental Impact Of E-Waste

E-waste is a significant environmental issue that goes beyond simple discomfort. Electronics can contaminate ecosystems and pose health concerns to people and wildlife because they contain a variety of dangerous elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can leak into the soil and water. We can encourage children to make environmentally responsible decisions by educating them about the effects of inappropriate device disposal.

The Importance Of Responsible Electronic Recycling

    • Local Electronic Recycling Facilities

Local electronic recycling facilities are one of the best solutions to deal with the e-waste issue. With the help of these facilities, electronic devices may be safely disassembled and recycled, ensuring that valuable components are recovered and potentially harmful ones are disposed of properly.

    • Energy And Resource Conservation

Responsible electronic recycling saves precious resources while also preventing the environmental contamination of hazardous items. Silver and other precious metals, which are found in abundance in electronics, can be recovered and utilized again. Recycling lessens the demand for mining and extraction, which has a positive influence on the environment.

Teaching Kids About Responsible Electronic Recycling

    • Lead By Example

Most of the time, kids learn best by watching adults. Sending a strong message by exemplifying responsible electronic disposal techniques, such as bringing outdated electronics to a nearby recycling facility, is important. Make it a family outing and walk your children through the procedure so they are aware of how it all works.

    • Explain The Environmental Impact

Talk to your children about the effects poor gadget disposal has on the environment. In order to protect our environment, emphasize the value of recycling as you go through the toxins that come from outdated gadgets that can harm the earth and its inhabitants.

    • Show Them The Value

Help your children realize that outdated technology may be a source of useful resources and aren't just trash. Describe how recycling these gadgets helps to ensure resource efficiency while also protecting the environment.

Making Informed Choices

    • Buy Responsibly

Encourage your children to consider the lifespan of any electronics they buy. Are they investing in something that can be quickly recycled when it has served its purpose? Prioritizing eco-friendly and recyclable products will help the environment.

    • Explore Trade-In Programs

There are several trade-in schemes offered by manufacturers and merchants where outdated gadgets can be traded in for discounts on new ones. Encourage your children to investigate these possibilities so that obsolete appliances can be properly recycled while also saving money.

Incorporate Recycling Into Daily Life

    • Designate An E-Waste Bin

Establish an electronic recycling bucket in your home and include it in your daily routine. When they're not in use, encourage your kids to put their old electronics in this container.

    • Community Initiatives And Events

Watch out for community programs or events in your area that promote recycling electronics. Participating as a family can be a rewarding and informative approach to teaching your children appropriate behavior.

A Greener Future

It is our duty as parents and caregivers to teach our kids valuable lessons about life. It's important to raise responsible citizens who are aware of the effects of their decisions by teaching them about responsible technology recycling. We can help create a greener, more sustainable future for future generations by highlighting the value of responsibly and locally recycling electronics. So let's work together with our children to pave the way for a society where devices are disposed of carefully and thoughtfully. Together, we can change things. 

How To Embrace The Future Of Server Decommissioning Services

Businesses are finding themselves updating their IT infrastructure more frequently as a result of the rapid technological advancements that have been made. Questions concerning what will happen to outmoded computers and electrical equipment arise as a result of these improvements. How can businesses properly dispose of their outdated hardware? Herein lies the opportunity for server decommissioning services in the future. Companies are seeing the value of sustainable operations as the electronic recycling market changes.

The Growing Importance of Electronic Recycling

With electronic waste becoming a global issue, it is more important than ever to dispose of it responsibly. In addition to valuable resources, electronic devices also contain potentially dangerous substances that, if handled improperly, might harm the environment. Opportunities for the future of server decommissioning services in terms of the economy. Recycling allows for the creation of new products while lowering the need for raw resources and promoting a circular economy.

The Rise of Specialized Server Decommissioning Services

Services for server decommissioning have developed from basic disposal techniques to all-encompassing solutions. Today, the emphasis of these services is on data protection, proper disassembly, and environmentally friendly recycling methods. By salvaging priceless parts and materials, specialized decommissioning services seek to maximize the value of retired servers. The financial line of the company and the environment both benefit from this strategy.

Responsible Electronic Recycling for a Sustainable Future

Data security is one of the main issues during server decommissioning. In order to guard against data breaches, specialized services make sure that sensitive data is properly erased or destroyed before recycling. Respecting national and international e-waste disposal laws is essential to responsible electronic recycling. Specialized services are knowledgeable about these laws, assuring adherence and preventing legal problems.

Local Electronic Recycling Initiatives

To promote community involvement, many organizations are supporting regional programs for recycling electronic waste. Businesses can support regional economies while lowering their carbon footprint by collaborating with neighborhood recycling facilities. To increase awareness of the value of responsible e-waste disposal, educational programs are frequently included in local electronic recycling initiatives. These programs enable people to make environmentally friendly decisions.

The Role of Technology in Electronic Recycling

Technology will have a major impact on how server decommissioning service develop in the future. Modern methods improve efficiency and resource recovery, such as automated dismantling and component separation. The effect of electronic recycling activities on the environment is being evaluated using data analytics. This enables businesses to decide how best to further their sustainability activities.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Collaboration between IT companies, businesses, and companies that offer electronic recycling service is essential. These collaborations can encourage responsible behavior and innovate recycling techniques. Employees can contribute significantly to the recycling of electronic waste. Employers should urge staff members to take part in e-waste collection drives and discard their electronics safely.

Conclusion

The global push for sustainability is closely related to the future of server decommissioning services. Responsible electronic recycling promotes a more circular and resource-efficient economy while also lowering its negative environmental effects. The future of electronic waste management is bright as local electronic recycling programs pick up steam and technology develops. Businesses can significantly contribute to a greener, more sustainable future by working together and using specialized server decommissioning services.

Redefining Electronic Recycling For A New Era

Electronic devices have dominated our lives in a world dominated by technical developments. The way we interact, work, and access information has been changed by these gadgets, from cell phones to laptops. However, the problem of electronic waste is a side effect of this rapid progress. How can we make sure that our outdated technology is ethically recycled, especially in light of the potential presence of sensitive data on them? Redefining electronic recycling for a modern age is the solution. We can turn electronic recycling into a force for the environment and data security by putting an emphasis on data destruction, sustainable practices, and local initiatives.

Protecting Your Digital Footprint

The significance of data erasure during electronic device disposal cannot be emphasized. Personal information, delicate files, and confidential data are frequently found on our gadgets. In addition to protecting your privacy, properly destroying your data is essential for avoiding identity theft and unwanted access to your information. Certified electronic recyclers have the expertise and tools necessary to guarantee secure data deletion. They adhere to strict guidelines to thoroughly erase data from devices, giving you peace of mind while you retire your outdated technology.

Sustainable Electronic Recycling Practices

Electronic garbage, or e-waste, has increased as a result of the quick speed of electronic use. These abandoned devices frequently end up in landfills where they release dangerous chemicals and harm the environment. Recycling electrical waste away from landfills requires adopting sustainable procedures. Disassembling electronics into their component parts and recovering precious materials are necessary steps in proper electrical recycling. These materials can be recycled and used to create new goods, which will decrease the need for raw materials and the environmental impact of producing electronics.

Local Electronic Recycling Initiatives

Local electronic recycling programs support local businesses in addition to environmental sustainability. You may promote job development and local economic prosperity by recycling your electronics through regional initiatives. You can dispose of your old electronics conveniently at local recycling facilities. It has never been simpler to participate in sustainable recycling practices because of the abundance of centers that offer drop-off locations or regular pick-up services.

A Unified Effort

Our involvement as customers in reframing electronic recycling is crucial. To help our local communities and the environment, we must actively look for qualified recyclers, practice secure data deletion, and support regional initiatives. The definition of electronic recycling must be changed, and this involves the cooperation of corporations, governments, and citizens. By coordinating our efforts, we can bring about real change and usher in a new era of ethical tech recycling.

The Journey Of Electronic Waste: Understanding The Recycling Process

Electronic devices have assimilated into our daily lives in the quickly changing technology environment of today. Old electronics frequently become electronic waste, or e-waste, as we upgrade to newer technology. Given its propensity to release dangerous substances into the environment, the handling of e-waste is a crucial environmental concern. To lessen the impact of electronic waste on the environment, it is essential to understand the recycling process. The voyage of electronic trash, the significance of data destruction, the function of local electronic recycling, and the contributions of e waste companies to the promotion of a sustainable future will be discussed here.

The Rise Of Electronic Waste

Electronic equipment has a shorter lifespan due to ongoing technological innovation and advancements, which has significantly increased the production of electronic trash. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other discarded gadgets, including televisions, contain valuable materials but can also be a source of dangerous toxins if not handled appropriately.

The Significance Of Data Destruction

    • Protecting Sensitive Information

In the process of recycling electronic waste, data destruction is an essential step, especially for devices like computers and cellphones that may hold sensitive personal or commercial data. A secure method of data destruction guarantees that all data is completely destroyed, eliminating identity theft or data breaches.

    • Compliance with Data Protection Laws

Data protection regulations require businesses and other organizations to protect customer information and other sensitive data. In addition to safeguarding organizations from potential legal problems, proper data deletion respects moral standards in the management of electronic waste.

The Role Of Local Electronic Recycling

    • Convenience And Accessibility

For people and organizations looking for an easy and accessible way to properly dispose of their electronic waste, local recycling centers are available. For the purpose of promoting effective recycling techniques, these facilities offer drop-off locations and regular collection occasions.

    • Supporting The Local Economy

Utilizing neighborhood electronic recycling services helps the local economy expand. Recycling facilities invest in cutting-edge machinery and hire qualified labor to manage electronic waste effectively and sustainably.

The Journey Of Electronic Waste: The Recycling Process

    • Collection And Sorting

The first step in the recycling process is gathering electronic garbage from different sources, such as homes, businesses, and institutions. The collected e waste is separated at recycling facilities according to the kind of devices and the materials used in them.

    • Data Destruction

Electronic gadgets that could hold sensitive data go through rigorous data deletion before any recycling procedure even starts. This process makes sure that all data is completely and permanently deleted from the devices, preserving user privacy and avoiding possible data breaches.

    • Dismantling And Separation

The separated e waste is then broken down into its component parts. To separate precious commodities like metals, polymers, glass, and other reusable components, separation procedures are used.

    • Recovery Of Valuable Materials

One of the most important stages in the recycling process is extracting valuable materials from electronic waste. To make new electronic items and other things, these materials are recycled and put to new uses.

    • Responsible Disposal Of Hazardous Materials

When not properly disposed of, toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium found in electronic waste can harm the environment. These dangerous materials are handled securely and disposed of in accordance with rules thanks to the recycling process.

The Contributions Of E Waste Companies

    • Expertise And Technology

E waste companies are essential to the recycling process because they have the knowledge and cutting-edge technology needed to handle electronic trash effectively. Their expertise guarantees that e waste is handled responsibly and safely.

    • Environmental Advocacy

E waste companies are at the forefront of environmental advocacy, advancing sustainable practices and bringing attention to how crucial recycling is for reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste.

The Bottom Line

An important component of proper waste management is tracking the path of electronic garbage. It is important to understand the relevance of data destruction, the function of neighborhood electronic recycling facilities, and the contributions of ewaste companies. We can all work together to create a cleaner, more sustainable future by engaging in ethical recycling methods and assisting e waste companies in their endeavors. Let's embrace the process of recycling electronic waste while making informed decisions to safeguard the environment and safeguard priceless resources for future generations. 

Solar Panel: History & It’s Benefits

In simple language, the solar panel is a device that charges up with the help of sunlight. The sunlight gives photons to the solar device, and it charges up without any artificial energy. The solar panel is also known as an inverter that helps to lighten up any place with a natural source of energy. Solar panels are of different types, some are just made for commercial use, and some are a good fit for residential use. Solar systems are also used for electronic recycling machines.  

Solar panels have a very old history, and they have been in use for the past 100 years. In the initial years, solar panels were used to produce steam and that steam is used for machinery in work. But when many saw the advantages and some researched properly & advanced the panels, people started using them everywhere for energy purposes.  

Solar panels have numerous benefits and some of them are: 

• They produce clean and green energy without harming the natural resources of the earth. 
• Solar panels don't require much maintenance for longer periods, they just require proper cleaning service every year by professionals whereas the inverters need to be replaced after 5 to 10 years of use.  
• Solar panels help in the reduction of electricity usage and bills. The inverters need artificial sources of energy to charge but solar panels just need sunlight.  
• Solar panels are safer and more secure than inverters because they are a natural source of producing energy.  

Solar panels are used by many people for homes and for commercial buildings as well. Apart from that, many electronic recycling providers build their warehouses and use solar energy for their tools and equipment. The cost of solar panels decreased in recent years also government also encourages the use of solar panels as an alternate source of energy. You can also choose solar panels and save the environment.

How is Electronic Recycling Helpful in Lowering Pollution?

Every day, several electronics in the market drastically boost, leading to an increase in e-wastage. With growing e-waste piling up in and around the environment, pollution problems arise. Luckily there is a solution: electronic recycling. Learn more in this post!

Define E-waste

Call it e-waste or end-of-life electronics like laptops, gadgets, and cell phones that are no longer in use. Around 25-55 million metric tons of e-waste are produced every year. It is arising the issues that landfills are getting overfilled. Further, the inaccurate disposal of e-waste is harming the environment. E-waste settled in landfills creates pollution in our water, soil, and air. The common procedure utilized to extract useful metals expose our surroundings to detrimental chemicals.

Common Elements of E-waste

Electronics break down into two components: plastic and metal. It is easy to recycle and reuse many metals.

Plastics regulated for electronics have toxic and non-biodegradable materials.

Though the metal components can be recycled, which end up releasing toxins into the environment in landfills. The only solution to reduce this hazard in your area is to opt for local electronic recycling.

Green Electronics

Electronics referred to those electronics that are sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Here, biodegradable can be an example of an iPhone turning into slush into your pocket. Green electronics are formed to biodegrade at end-of-life.

Green Electronics Diminish Pollution

Green electronics prevent pollution from electronic devices. Inappropriate disposal of e-waste includes eradicating removing the non-degradable plastics to melt the valuable metals. These devastating procedures involve open-burning and acid baths. It delivers chemicals into the air that later seeps into our rain clouds.

How Generation of Electronics Recycling Lower Carbon Emissions?

Encouraging electronics reduces the amount of energy consumed and carbon released. For example, metals like iron or aluminum are non-renewable. Depleting the resources by not using metals is not the solution. They utilize an excessive amount of energy.

Manufacturers opting for electronics recycling could diminish carbon emissions by using again recycled resources.

Recycling leads to a greener future. Earth cannot take much more damage. Thus, we should maintain sustainable development and save a healthy future for upcoming generations. Electronics recycling leads to a healthier planet.

The Most Important Things to Consider In Your ITAD Company

ITAD is the acronym for IT asset disposition. When organizations are required to upgrade or dispose of endpoint hardware or data center equipment, they consider the services of ITAD services. In order to make sure that you choose the best ITAD firm, here’s a look at the important questions that you need to consider:

Does the company provide full life cycle management?

Reliable ITAD companies will assist you in all stages of the process of disposition. They will operate with you as full service partner throughout the life cycle of your hardware and related equipment. Managing data center hardware is not something that can be done in one go. Whether you are undertaking a refresh cycle or decommissioning a data center, your ITAD partner will know what needs to be done.

Does the company have appropriate certifications?

It is vital that you effectively check credentials of the ITAD company and make sure that the vendor is a knowledgeable one. In certain cases, especially around issues like data sanitization, you might be subject to regulatory compliance. Here’s a look at the important certifications that you need to consider in your vendor when it comes to corporate electronic recycling:

R2 (Responsible Recycling)

R2 accounts for the recycling standard that is administered by SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International). R2 specifies that recycling should be done responsibly and offers a rigorous process to make sure that organizations adhere to the standard.

ADISA certification

ADISA stands for Asset Disposal & Information Security Alliance. ADISA carries out audits of companies that desire to become a part of the alliance. It also offers support to companies that are seeking to attain the top in-class control concerning physical security of data-bearing hardware and data sanitization.

NIST SP 800-88 compliance

NIST is the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology. It offers precise and all-inclusive guidance for U.S. government entities and companies to make sure that they follow the best data destruction practices.

Is the vendor good with IT asset recovery?

Organizations need to make sure that their chosen ITAD vendor can depict a track record of returning value to their clients. You need to check the results of the vendor for their other clients. Do not just accept the first offer that you receive. Always shop around and consider a second opinion.

Does the ITAD company possess know-how on compliance and security?

Your chosen ITAD company should have the capability to handle the process of remarketing in a secure and compliant manner. The rising value of data-centered assets and the rise of cloud centers imply that ITAD is not just an exercise in disposal. This also implies that industry experience around information and security is of crucial importance for effective electronic waste recycling.

Here’s a look at the important questions you can ask your ITAD company:

• What industry regulations can you demonstrate compliance with?
• What is the number of secure disposition projects have you completed?
• How do you utilize technology to manage an ITAD project?
• What process checks do you need to guarantee the integrity of the plan?

3 Considerations Of End Of Life Hardware Destruction

What is really going to astound you now are the statistics associated with e-waste. Do you know that close to 1.7 billion smartphones were purchased in the year 2020 alone? This number is going to increase by multiples by the time 2022 begins. We will have produced more than 52.2 million metric tons of e-waste by the year has ended.

The majority of the people in the US upgrade their smartphones and mobile phones almost every 2 years. This means that there is a rising amount of electronic waste that we produce and there is probably no effective way to get rid of it all efficiently. Part of the problem is that we are choosing to turn a blind eye to the hazards electronic waste is putting our environment through at the moment. There is a lot that we still do not know about end-of-life hardware destruction and electronic recycling as a whole. The following section aims to explain a few important considerations when opting for electronic recyclers:

1. Your Negligence Can Cause Data Breach  

It is not a surprise that if we fail to delete all the data on our hard drives and computers, laptops, and smartphones, we run the risk of incurring heavy financial losses. Perhaps one of your employees has left their username and password negligently written down somewhere or at a spot that is accessible to anyone who passes by; this will put their data and important company records at risk. The information that you want to keep safe and secure in your servers and systems will be out in the open for anyone to exploit. You cannot let sensitive company data get into the hands of unreliable and untrustworthy individuals at any cost. This is a major consideration when going for electronic recycling. Mitigation of risk attached to data breaches resulting from callous e-waste management is something that we still haven't been able to ensure.

2. Beware Of Electronic Toxicities  

This is also a factor that you have to be aware of whenever recycling electronics. All the personal tech that we own contains some kind of chemical and harmful compounds within them. The level of mercury and chromium that our environment gets exposed to the moment we discard our electronics is significant. These chemicals and harmful compounds can easily reach us through our water supplies and food. The crops that we grow can get polluted with these chemicals if we do not recycle our old electronics correctly. Yes, our smartphones, computers and printers, and tablets can be very dangerous to us if we do not contain the harmful effects of these gadgets and discard them off in the most environmentally friendly manner.

3. Reusing Usable Devices

The leading electronic recycling providers are of the opinion and even strongly recommend that you should try to find uses for old and obsolete gadgets within your home. Your iPod or perhaps your old iPhone and computer and tablets can be given a new lease of life if you are only able to find original equipment manufacturer-supplied batteries. You can make them usable all over again and prevent them from reaching your landfills a little too early.

Final Thoughts  

We can't be just sitting around and waiting for a miracle to happen. We are constantly releasing several dangerous chemicals into the environment by the way of exposing them to electronic waste that we produce every year. We cannot afford to be negligent with the only planet that we have. It is time we started preserving it by curbing the amount of electronic waste that we produce and also finding better ways to utilize older technologies.

Save Your Environment with E-Waste Recycling

Electronic waste recycling and end of life hardware destruction provide a range of environmental benefits. E-waste includes stuff like printers, computers, stereos, TVs, etc. Commercial places also comprise of electronic waste like imaging equipment, broken dialysis machines, autoclaves, massage chairs, etc.  The waste has become one of the most wildly growing environmental problems across the world. Safe recycling of electronics offers a range of benefits to the environment. Here we will consider the most important environmental benefits of e-waste recycling: 

Decreased mining of virgin materials

A lot of electronic components comprise of metallic elements and minerals that are needed to be mined from distinct mining fields across the world. The nonstop mining of resources leads to their depletion and affects the environment in a negative manner. When you recycle electronic components like circuit boards, significant amount of elements like gold, tin, silver, copper and palladium can be harvested. This results in decreased mining of virgin materials.

Prevention of landfill usage

Landfills are a grave environmental hazard and affect all living beings, be it animals, humans or plants. When you do not recycle e-waste, it ends up with informal and untrained waste operators who dump the waste in landfills. After some time, the toxic, metallic and plastic materials in the electronic waste begin to leech through the ground via landfills and enter the nearby water resources. Electronic recycling reduces landfills that have a negative impact on the environment and water bodies. When you hand over the responsibility of electronic waste to certified e-waste recyclers, you get to ensure that effective care is taken to reuse the elements that can be recycled and reused. 

Safeguard water bodies from toxic waste poisoning 

As discussed above, landfills release toxic chemicals into the groundwater and these chemicals enter the nearby freshwater bodies and wells. This water is then consumed by animals and people who become sick owing to chemical poisoning. E-waste recycling helps prevent a good amount of toxic chemicals from leaching into water bodies and makes sure that water is kept safe and fresh. 

Reduction in air pollution 

Electronic waste recycling helps in reducing air pollution owing to toxic gases. When you ensure that your old and obsolete electronics are recycled effectively and not burned directly, you do your part in making sure that the poisonous gases do not get released into the air. When e-waste is burned, the high temperature on the components leads to the release of poisonous gases into the air which negatively impacts the living beings. 

Save energy and land

When metals are produced from mining ores, a good amount of land and energy are consumed. Drilling of holes underground leads to the places becoming wasteland and this harms the environment. The holes can also destabilize the surrounding grounds when there are heavy rains. When you use the services of an electronic recycling provider to recycle e-waste, you help limit continuous mining and assist the environmentalists save energy and avoid wastage of land. 

Reduction of health hazards on the environment

When electronic waste is disposed of improperly in a place, the local residents experience health problems like skin disease that arise from the improper disposal of electronic waste. When the environment suffers, people suffer too. Effective electronic waste recycling helps in protecting the environment from toxic and hazardous substances that can affect people who utilize these natural resources. You can get rid of environmental hazards from poisonous gases, leeching metals and dust from burning and mining waste by safe recycling of electronic waste. 

Promote fisheries resources

E-waste contains toxins and when the waste is dumped in landfills, it leeches into water bodies and kill fish and other aquatic animals. Electronic recycling reduces water poisoning and keeps the water fresh for plants and animals.  

How Electronic Waste Affects Our Health and the Environment

In order to stay relevant and operational in the market, a lot of businesses today have to rely on electronics. With the increasing demands on business, the need for electronics also increases. Businesses increasingly look for smartest and fastest technologies that can effectively handle their everyday workload. With the increasing speed of technological innovation in the society, one needs to be careful of the way in which they dispose of their electronics when they reach their end of life. It is vital that services of electronic recycling and end of life hardware destruction are utilized to get rid of the electronic waste responsibly. Let us have a look into what e-waste is and how it impacts the environment and our health: 

Insight into e-waste 

Electronic waste or e-waste denotes any electronic device that is no longer functional or useful and has become obsolete. E-waste is considered to be one the fastest growing streams of waste across the world. It comprises of all the unusable, broken and outdated/obsolete components, devices and materials. E-waste also comprises of items that can be effectively recycled with the help of an electronic recycling program that includes electronics that can be easily reused, recycled, salvaged or resold.  

The harmful effects of electronic waste 

A lot of people get a false sense of security with their electronics. They are unaware of the harmful effects that accompany their old electronics. They think that their obsolete devices are non-hazardous. However, this is not the case. The seemingly benign exterior and the sleek surfaces of the old electronics do not portray them as stuff that can present any harm to our health or to the health of the environment. The exterior might mislead you into believing that the substances are safe but it is the interior that makes the e-waste so dangerous. 

The inside of the electronic waste contains harmful substances like lead, mercury, beryllium, arsenic, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. These substances can pose serious health concerns if they are not handled carefully with the help of an electronic recycling provider. The substances can cause severe illnesses, neurological damage and organ damage. The issues are a grave risk to the workers who directly handle electronic waste and present a threat to the communities that are shipped superfluous electronic waste.

Impact of e-waste on the environment 

Electronic waste has a negative impact on the water, soil and air of the earth. 

Impact on water

Electronics like computer batteries and mobile contain heavy metals like mercury, lithium, barium and lead. When these contaminants are disposed of in a landfill or handled improperly, they can leak into the soil and ultimately reach the groundwater. Once they reach groundwater, heavy metals make their way into ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. The heavy metals lead to the toxicity of the water tables and they become unfeasible for plants, animals and communities that depend on them. 

Impact on soil

Soil acts as medium by which heavy metals get water and thus is affected by the harmful contaminants. E-waste leads to a negative impact on the soil which ultimately affects the crop and the food. When soil gets contaminated by heavy metals that seep out of electronic waste, the crops and the food is impacted negatively. This leads to illnesses in humans.

Impact on the atmosphere

Many utilize the burning of electronic waste as a way of disposing it of or of extracting valuable metals like copper from it. Nevertheless, the burning of electronic devices like computer monitors can result in the release of pollutants like heavy metals, brominated dioxins and hydrocarbons into the air. This affects the air quality and our health. Thus, it is vital that electronic recycling services are utilized to handle e-waste reliably. 

Ways in Which Kids Can Help In Solving the Problem of E-Waste

 

Did you know that an average home has 24 electronic products? When you stop using your electronic products, they become electronic waste or e-waste. It is vital that this e-waste of yours does not end up in trash. Even small stuff like batteries and smartphones should not go in trash. E-waste is harmful to the environment and when you throw it in trash; you also end up throwing away the valuable metals present in it. This is why services of local electronic recycling and hard drive destruction are significant. They ensure that the e-waste is handled in the most reliable manner and the valuable substances present in them are recovered effectively.

    

What should you do with your old electronics? 

Give them away for reuse: At times, you have a thing that is still working but you do not use it anymore. The best thing to do here is to give that thing away to somebody who could use it. If you cannot find a friend or a family member who wants that electronic item, you can donate it to a charity.  

Recycle them: If you are not able to find someone who needs your electronic gadget, you can recycle it. Just like bottles or cans or newspapers from your house, electronic items can be recycled too. 

Where should you take your electronic waste for recycling?

There are companies that are happy to take your old electronics items, take them apart and recycle them for important materials like glass, metals and plastic. A lot of these materials can be utilized to make new products. 

Get in touch with a good e-waste recycler: When you are planning to recycle your old electronics, you should consider electronic recycling companies with an e-Stewards certification. E-stewards are recyclers who meet the best standards on how they recycle your stuff. They recycle electronic items in the best possible manner and do not ship them off to poor countries.  

Staples stores: If you are not able to find an e-Steward recycler near your place, you can take some of your electronics back to any Staples Store for the purpose of electronic recycling. Staples is equipped with a free recycling program that works with an e-Steward recycler. 

Best Buy stores: If you have certain big electronic items that Staples cannot take (eg. televisions), you can take these to any Best Buy Store. 

Kids can also learn to fix their broken electronic gadgets on their own or do a fundraiser or smartphone recycling drive in their school. This will also encourage other kids to take e-waste recycling seriously.

Essential Methods of Disposing Your Electronic Waste

 

E-waste is made from deadly chemicals like cadmium, lead, beryllium and mercury. When gadgets are disposed of in an improper manner, the hazardous substances present in them end up contaminating the soil and air and also reach water bodies. In spite of having services of local electronic recycling and corporate electronic recycling, a lot of e-waste ends up being shipped overseas and gadgets get buried in pits. It is vital that people adopt eco-friendly waste disposal methods so that they can dispose of their e-waste locally. Here’s a look at the distinct ways of safely disposing electronic waste: 

Sell your outdated electronics 

The electronic you are no longer using can be easily sold. Online websites like eBay and Craigslist can help you get rid of your outdated electronics and you can also earn money. You can also have a garage sale for your old electronic products and sell them to people who really need them. A lot of electronic shops are forever ready to buy old electronics from people. 

Give the electronics back your electronic company 

A range of electronic companies offer an exchange policy to their customers whereby they take back the old gadget from the customers when they buy a new version of the gadget. Customers also receive a discount on their new purchase. Some recycling companies have also set up initiatives for electronic drop off. They have drop off points for products like tablets and mobile phones. You can get in touch with local electronics shop to gain information concerning drop off locations.  

Give your e-waste to certified e-waste recycler

E-waste recycling equips you with good options of local electronic recycling. You need to get in touch with an e-waste recycler that is officially certified by the Basel Action Network (BAN). Basel Action Network is a non-profit organization of recycling companies that are dedicated to recycle electronic waste in a responsible and safe manner. All members are required to make a pledge and demonstrate their Pledges of Responsible Recycling. Thus, working with a certified recycler implies that you do not have to worry about risking losing your personal details to criminals or polluting another nation via export of e-waste. 

Go to civic Institutions

Enquire amongst your universities, schools and government for any programs of recycling they are running as a range of organizations have started assigning a particular place and day for citizens who are environmentally conscious to come and drop off their electronic waste. 

A Quick Guide to Important Data Destruction Methods

 

When it comes to hard drive destruction or data destruction, there is not a large variety of methods and the thing that is common with all approaches is the requirement to dispose of them in a secure manner. Merely throwing away the old items is not sufficient. Without the adequate disposal of items, businesses run the risk of exposing client information, information insurance, and security arrangements. 

Here’s a look at the distinct types of data destruction methods that are available for your business:

Overwriting

In case you have data that remains on disks and storage media even after you have tried to erase it, then the most commonly used method to get rid of it is via overwriting the media with new data. The process is also called sanitization or data wiping. When the data is overwritten in such a manner, a pattern of 0s and 1s is written over the original information. At times, a random pattern is made use if and this makes for later verification that the drive has been wiped completely.

As overwriting hard drive data is made possible by software and is used selectively on all or part of a storage medium, it is a simple option for certain applications. Ensuring that all information is addressed, one pass is generally sufficient to remove all the data. Nevertheless, at times, high-security applications might need multiple wipes and this provides an added measure that ensures that the old data is destroyed. Overwriting is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option of data destruction.

Physical destruction

This method sounds like the most effective data destruction method and businesses can physically destroy data in a range of ways like melting, shredding, pulverizing, etc. The methods ensure that the hard drive becomes completely inoperable after the destruction. Physical destruction needs to be carried out with the help of high-powered equipment only. With the developments in technology, it has become possible to retrieve data even from damaged hard drives. When a process of data wiping is utilized prior to physically destroying the disk, it makes sure that the data is thoroughly destroyed. Reliable ITAD companies take upon themselves the task of effectively destroying data from the electronic equipment before disposing of it.

Degaussing

This method of data destruction makes use of a high-powered magnet to disturb the magnetic field of floppy disks, magnetic tapes, or hard disks. Once this is done, the data gets destroyed as part of the process. This is done by making use of a degausser. Degaussing ensures that data becomes completely unrecoverable in a less amount of time and this makes the process ideal for dealing with data that is highly sensitive. It decreases the labor resources and time required to overwrite information. The process of degaussing prevents the recovery of any company information by data recovery software or services, thereby strengthening the data security of your company from any outside threats. Degaussing diminishes the risks that are concerned with potentially damaging financial data, emails and proprietary information thereby uprooting the risks of compromising any information being exposed.