Corporate sustainability goals have come into focus for many organizations in recent years. As the global e-waste crisis mounts, it has become increasingly clear that IT departments have a great deal to contribute to improving sustainability. IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) plays a central role in that trend.
ITAD refers to the processes and practices involved in responsibly disposing of unwanted IT equipment such as laptops, servers, printers, hard drives, and mobile phones. Companies that specialize in ITAD follow rigorous procedures aimed at minimizing the negative impact of asset disposition on the environment. In fact, much of their focus is on refurbishing and repurposing hardware and components. In cases where that isn’t practical, they responsibly recycle and dispose of unwanted devices.
Reputable ITAD service providers also help companies secure their data by destroying any residual information stored on their unwanted devices. They assist with regulatory compliance and IT lifecycle management as well. In this way, ITAD practices help organizations mitigate risks associated with data breaches and environmental harm, while also maximizing the value recovered from unwanted equipment.
ITAD best practices have been developed with corporate sustainability in mind. NCS Global, for example, has long held to a “zero landfill” policy aimed at protecting our planet from harm. By adopting ITAD practices, companies can minimize their e-waste footprint, reduce carbon emissions, and support the circular economy through the recycling and refurbishing of IT equipment. This enhances an organization’s sustainability metrics, improves its image with stakeholders, and ensures adherence to an increasingly strict body of environmental regulations.
Sustainability Challenges in IT Management
Many of the electronic devices in use today were designed with little or no consideration as to the long-term environmental impact they might have. As the pace of innovation has accelerated, product lifecycles have grown shorter, leading to dramatic increases in the overall volume of e-waste.
Innovative thought leaders have proposed that we shift toward a “circular economy” in which more of our manufactured goods are designed to be recyclable, or can be repurposed. This is a sharp departure from the “planned obsolescence” theory of recent decades.
As we make that transition, however, IT departments must grapple with the specific challenges of IT lifecycle management. This involves increasingly complex regulations, data security challenges, and logistical complexities.
Navigating a complicated web of international, national, and local environmental regulations can be overwhelming. Many businesses span multiple states or provinces, and frequently have a presence in more than one country. Remaining in compliance across all jurisdictions can require significant administrative resources.
Companies must also ensure that sensitive and confidential data is securely and irretrievably erased. Most organizations lack the proper tools and expertise to guarantee data destruction, which can lead to data breaches and legal repercussions. IT professionals might not always be aware that certain devices retain data. When Affinity Health Plan returned a fleet of leased copiers to the lessor, for example, they inadvertently revealed the protected health information (PHI) of thousands of patients. That was a violation of the HIPAA law, leading to a fine of over $1.2 million.
Logistical issues, such as the collection, transportation, and proper recycling of e-waste, add another layer of complexity, often requiring partnerships with specialized e-waste recycling firms. Choosing the wrong company can be a very risky proposition. When Morgan Stanley hired a moving company to haul away some old IT equipment, they were assured that their data would be properly destroyed. When their devices turned up on eBay, with customer records intact, it cost the company $60 million in fines and led to multiple lawsuits.
The improper disposal of IT assets can have severe environmental consequences. When e-waste is discarded in landfills, hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into the soil and groundwater, posing serious health risks to nearby communities and wildlife. The improper handling and recycling of e-waste also mean that valuable materials, such as gold, silver, and rare earth metals, are lost instead of being recovered and reused, leading to increased environmental degradation from mining activities.
Innovative ITAD Strategies
Innovators in the ITAD industry are contributing to sustainability with techniques like advanced refurbishing techniques, component harvesting, and material recycling.
Advanced refurbishing involves restoring used IT equipment to a like-new condition, extending the lifespan of devices and reducing the need to manufacture new products. ITAD companies facilitate the sale or donation of these products, returning financial benefits to their customers.
Component harvesting involves the re-use of valuable parts from outdated or non-functional equipment. This contributes to sustainability in two ways. First, it extends the life of other devices that may still be repairable. Second, it limits the amount of material being sent to landfills.
Material recycling involves processing metals, plastics, and other materials for reuse. This limits landfill waste and reduces the need to extract virgin resources from the earth.
These practices effectively reduce the carbon footprint and resource wastage associated with IT products. They reduce the energy and raw materials needed to manufacture new devices, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. These ITAD innovations contribute to our shift toward a circular economy, conserving resources and reducing the ecological footprint of the tech industry.
Benefits of Sustainable ITAD Practices
Sustainable ITAD practices deliver a range of specific benefits, some of which impact the bottom line directly, and others which are essential to risk management and compliance:
- Cost savings: ITAD companies help you get top dollar for your unwanted IT assets, recovering value by refurbishing, reselling, or donating assets to gain tax advantages.
- Data security: Proper handling of unwanted IT assets reduces the costs and risks associated with data breaches, including fines and penalties, bad publicity, and lawsuits.
- Improved compliance: The best ITAD companies are certified by respected organizations such as eStewards, adhering to strict standards for data protection and sustainability. They understand the regulatory environment for e-waste and can help you stay on the right side of the law.
- Enhanced corporate image: Sustainable ITAD practices play a critical role in achieving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives, minimizing your company’s environmental footprint and boosting your sustainability scores. By integrating sustainable ITAD into your overall CSR strategy, you stand to enhance your company’s reputation in the marketplace.
Conclusion
Given the rate at which technology innovation is happening, it’s essential that we take affirmative steps toward a circular economy. By aligning their IT lifecycle management practices with corporate sustainability goals, today’s IT leaders can deliver a win-win. Sustainable ITAD limits the negative impact of asset disposal and ensures that our earth’s resources are used as efficiently as possible. Even better: ITAD can help you recover value from your unwanted assets.
Want to learn more? Reach out to the team at NCS Global to find out how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals.
