How to Maximize Value in IT Asset Recovery

Maximizing Value in IT Asset Recovery

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Technological advancements progress so quickly that businesses must keep up or they can soon be outpaced by their competition. However, an unfortunate effect of this race is that it often leaves decommissioned hardware in its wake. The disposal of this hardware represents a conservational challenge and a significant upfront investment that is no longer being utilized. Companies need a partner that can ensure their assets are disposed of environmentally and thoughtfully without compromising privacy or security, all while maximizing the value that remains within the components and contributing to a circular economy. 

The Circular Economy

A circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency by keeping products, components, and materials in use for as long as possible. Rather than allowing IT equipment to become obsolete and discarded, IT asset recovery supports the refurbishment and reuse or recycling of decommissioned devices. 

Instead of disposing of aging hardware, companies can refurbish and reintroduce these assets into other areas of their operations, donate them to educational institutions or non-profits, or sell them in secondary markets. The other option is to recycle a device to extract valuable materials and reduce the need for raw material mining and production.

Key benefits of an IT asset recovery circular economy include:

• Reducing Electronic Waste – By refurbishing and reusing IT assets, businesses prevent devices from ending up in landfills, reducing the release of hazardous materials and pollution.
• Enhancing Resource Efficiency – Recycling the metal and plastic components of IT hardware reduces the demand for raw material extraction, conserving natural resources and lowering manufacturing costs.
• Encouraging Sustainable Practices – A circular economy fosters responsible consumption and production, leading to a more sustainable supply chain for IT equipment.
• Boosting Corporate Social Responsibility – Businesses that embrace sustainable IT practices demonstrate environmental stewardship, improving their brand reputation and appealing to eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders. 

“Embracing the circular economy is a win-win for businesses,” said Robert Erwin, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President of mender, a global leader in IT asset disposition (ITAD). “They can maximize their potential ROI while doing good for the planet. mender’s goal is to make it easy for businesses to transition to this cost-effective, eco-friendly lifecycle by helping them extend the life of their technology, reduce electronic waste, and recover maximum value from their old tech.”

Secure Data Destruction

No company wants a data breach on its record, especially one that occurred due to old, forgotten equipment. Data leaks hurt reputations and, depending on your industry, can wallop a budget in the form of fines and other penalties. 

To ensure your data disappears from your decommissioned devices, mender utilizes the highest data destruction techniques, such as:

• Overwriting – A technique where new information, typically sequences of ones and zeros, is written directly on top of existing data. This can be done using random patterns or predetermined ones. The latter approach aligns with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines, such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-88, which recommend using specific overwrite patterns to ensure proper data sanitization. By applying predetermined patterns, it becomes possible to verify that data has been securely wiped, as the specific pattern can be detected, confirming that the data has been overwritten in compliance with recognized standards.
• Degaussing – A powerful magnetic field to physically disrupts the delicate components of devices like hard drives, magnetic tapes, and floppy disks. The process provides a fast and comprehensive way to erase an entire storage medium in one go.
• Physical Destruction – If the equipment doesn’t need to be reused or resold, physically destroying it can make data unreadable and unusable. Destruction methods include shredding, drilling, crushing, and melting.

“When businesses dispose of IT assets without securely wiping all of the data, they risk exposing sensitive information, facing potential compliance fines, and taking a big hit to their reputation,” Erwin said. “By making sure that all data is securely and completely wiped, you give your stakeholders and customers peace of mind that their sensitive information is safe."

Repurposing IT Assets

Devices that do not need to be destroyed likely have functional and financial value. The benefits of repurposing IT assets include:

• Economic Value – Refurbished devices can be sold to other businesses, educational institutions, or non-profits, providing financial returns on old assets.
• Sustainability – Extending the life of devices reduces the demand for new manufacturing and decreases their carbon footprint.
• Cost Savings – If other departments are in need, businesses can reallocate refurbished devices, reducing the need for new purchases.

“Businesses often overlook the value hidden in their old tech, letting perfectly good devices collect dust. We can unlock that value by helping businesses securely repurpose, refresh, or resell their IT assets. Sustainability wins and we turn unused tech into a positive on the balance sheet,” Erwin said.

Best Practices for IT Asset Recovery

Partnering with a certified ITAD provider is one of the best ways for a company to maximize the value of IT asset recovery. Not only will a qualified ITAD provider ensure compliance with data security and environmental regulations, but they will also help with proper refurbishment and meeting legal and sustainability requirements.

However, a proper IT asset recovery strategy starts when the equipment is purchased.  Implement an IT asset management plan to track assets throughout their lifecycle. By maintaining an inventory of IT equipment, businesses can identify underutilized or obsolete devices and make informed decisions about repurposing or reselling them.

Also, regular audits of IT equipment help businesses optimize their asset recovery strategy. Routine evaluations allow companies to assess the condition and value of their devices, enabling timely disposition and maximizing financial returns.

Thoughtful IT asset disposal and recovery is an essential component of modern IT management. By partnering with mender and utilizing their IT asset recovery services you can contribute to a sustainable future while achieving a return on your investment. Please reach out to mender and discover how we can help you get the highest value from your decommissioned devices.

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