Get your old hardware disposed of by IT Recycling
Disposing of old hardware may seem like a simple job, but it often involves more than meets the eye. From data destruction and environmental regulations to determining whether your hardware is still worth anything, there are all sorts of things to consider.
10 tips for disposing of old hardware
Here are 10 tips to make sure your old hardware is disposed of properly.
1. Don’t save old hardware for too long, but don’t save it for too short a time either
Every company creates computer waste. And sometimes it just needs to be cleaned up. We at IT Recycling come to customers who have waited 10 years to dispose of this old electronic equipment. But we also have customers where we come 6 times a year, and then only a few pieces of hardware are involved at a time. Our tip: never less than 1 or 2 cubic meters and don’t save up more than one year.
2. Put your computer waste in a convenient place
In every organization there is a junkyard where all the old hardware is put down and stored until the recycler comes to pick it up. Often these are very inaccessible places in the building, in attics and basements. I think it is better for everyone to use a more easily accessible collection area. The ICT people sometimes have to go to that hard-to-reach place a hundred times. That takes time every time, and when the recycler comes to pick it up, it also takes longer. You can read how to deal with that in the next tip.
3. Use a collection device for excess hardware
The better computer recycling companies offer convenient collection devices for neatly storing computer waste. For example, we at IT Recycling have: wheelie bins (lockable or otherwise), wheeled containers, wooden pallet bins, roll cages and shipping containers that you can have placed outside. If you have the right means of collection, it is extremely convenient. Then you have a fixed place within your company where everything is neatly stored.
4. Have data destroyed by IT Recycling when we dispose of your old hardware
Some of our clients perform data destruction themselves. In all other cases, however, I strongly recommend having the data on hard drives (and other data carriers) professionally destroyed. Data destruction costs only a few euros per computer. If you want absolute certainty that the data will be completely destroyed, it is best to hire a specialized company that has a mobile shredder in a truck.
In data destruction, it hardly matters what software is used to overwrite hard drives. This can be done even with a free program from the Internet. What really matters is how well organized the company itself is. For example, I know some companies whose service is anything but good, while proudly advertising expensive software such as “Blancco. However, this says nothing about the quality of their work. After all, data breaches occur because of human error, not faulty software.
By the way, at IT Recycling, we don’t use any software at all. Instead, we use a special device that overwrites hard drives at low-level. In this way, we can guarantee that all data is securely and completely destroyed.
5. Deposit data carriers in a lockable storage container
If you have devices that still have sensitive data on them, or other data carriers that need to be destroyed, make sure they are securely stored. This can be done, for example, in a lockable container, such as our lockable kilko’s. This will prevent anyone from rummaging through old phones or other sensitive equipment belonging to colleagues.
Place all data carriers under lock and key, designate a single point of contact responsible for management, and make clear agreements about how these devices will be processed and destroyed. That way the data remains protected until it is finally destroyed.
6. Store old computer hardware in a locked place
Following on from the previous point, I recommend storing all old computer hardware in a safe and locked place. Make sure there is no hassle over, for example, old printers that someone wants to take home. Store everything neatly in a suitable location and have it picked up by a reliable and specialized company. Again, it is important to designate a point of contact and make clear agreements about the management and handling of the hardware. This will keep everything organized and secure.
7. Sell old hardware to colleagues or donate to charities
It is, of course, a noble idea to donate old computer hardware to colleagues or charity. Nevertheless, I advise against it. First, most old ICT equipment is often outdated and difficult to reuse, making it difficult to find a new owner for it. In addition, it takes a lot of time to arrange and you remain responsible for any data breaches if the equipment is not properly cleaned up. In addition, you must always handle confidential data properly.
If it is younger, well-functioning equipment, you can often still find a buyer who will buy up the hardware. In that case, it’s smarter to donate the money you make from this to charity. That way you support an organization of your choice in an efficient and responsible way, without the risks of data leaks or unused donations.
8. Work with a reliable company for drainage
Just throwing your old laptops or computers in your company’s dumpster or garbage is not a good idea. It’s not allowed, it costs you money, and it’s bad for the environment. Another option, such as giving it to a hardware store, is also not allowed. By law, ironmongers are not allowed to take old computer hardware, nor should you transfer it to them. Yet this often happens, because some ironmongers think about their wallets rather than European environmental legislation. The result? Old computers end up in countries like West Africa, where they are processed in unsafe and polluting ways.
The good news is that computer waste collection usually does not cost anything at all. In most cases, it’s free and you can rely on well-organized companies that handle it professionally. So it doesn’t pay to deal with tinkers, ironmongers or amateurs. Choose a reliable solution, which brings us directly to the next point.
9. Weeelabex
If you have a load of old IT hardware that needs to go, it is important to know whether you are dealing with tinkers, criminals and amateurs, or a professional and customer-friendly company. The answer is simple: see if the company is WEEELABEX certified.
To combat the illegal export of computer waste and take data destruction to the next level, the WEEELABEX standard has been introduced. This is a European quality standard with which companies that process old computers and data carriers must comply. Only the best companies, who have their processes completely in order, meet this standard.
WEEELABEX-certified companies are audited annually by an independent auditor. During this audit, attention is paid to issues such as environmental policy, transparency in waste streams, safe and sound data destruction, health and safety guidelines, and adequate insurance. Although WEEELABEX is required by law, many merchants do not meet this standard. They will often put up tall tales to explain why they would not need the standard. Don’t fall for this.
The choice is actually quite simple. Picking up old computers is usually free because the materials contain valuable metals. You can have this done for free by the best companies that are WEEELABEX-certified. Why choose less?
10. Check if your old appliances are still worth anything
It can sometimes be interesting to have old hardware bought up, but don’t set too high expectations for this. Hardware older than four years usually no longer has any value. In addition, computer hardware is only interesting for buyers if the quantity is somewhat larger, for example ten units or more. If you doubt whether your old hardware is still worth anything, my advice is to call a good buyer and ask. A real professional will give you an immediate answer.
When having old computer hardware bought up, it is important not to look only at the highest buyout price. This is because often the highest price means the worst service, and that can have serious consequences. If you sell to a tinkerer who does not delete the data properly, you may regret it. Therefore, always choose a reliable party, preferably a WEEELABEX-certified company. This will ensure professional handling and safe data destruction (see also point 9).
Do you have your own ideas or questions about disposing of old hardware? Feel free to leave a comment on this blog. I answer every comment personally!