An IT asset is any information owned by the company, its hardware or system that it used in the business activities of that company. The IT asset disposal process can be fraught with risk, but the riskiest element is environmental compliance with federal and state regulations. There is also the disaster that could occur if the company’s assets were discovered leaching toxic materials into the environment, processed under unsafe working conditions abroad in a landfill, or rotting in a landfill. To make sure the disposal of your IT assets is compliant with environmental regulations, here are some key facts to know.
When it says “free”, it doesn’t always mean that
There are IT recycling providers who will offer to take the assets and dispose of them at no cost to the business. When you ask them how they can do this, they may tell you that they will make money by selling the assets for scrap. This should raise a red flag and make you suspicious. When an IT asset material has some scrap value, it is generally not enough to maintain a recycling business that meets environmental standards. If your business has to pay penalties for a business that practices poor recycling, those “free” services could cost your business a fortune. So if an IT asset disposal center offers to dispose of your business assets for free, find another service.
Downstream matters
Many of these companies have downstream partners to whom they hand over the assets for further processing, and it is usually material that they cannot sell. One important thing to keep in mind is that your company is responsible for all IT assets that you have removed throughout the chain of custody. This is from the time you leave your business to the final disposal site. To make sure that the company you choose complies with environmental standards, you need to make sure that everyone involved is, too. Make sure you know where your IT assets are going.
Certification
This is the most reliable way to ensure that the company you have chosen is compliant with environmental standards. Generally, there is no one in your company who has the experience or the time to audit IT Asset Disposal Recycling Center practices from start to finish. You don’t have to take their word for it that they and their partners deliver. Ask to see their certification for Safe and Compliant IT Asset Recycling, which is one or both of these certificates, R2 / RIOS and e-Stewards. To obtain these certificates, they must also monitor their partners and provide documented proof that the disposal of IT assets complies with all standards and laws.