
Getting the latest and greatest IT equipment is very important for many businesses, but there’s a huge disconnect when it comes to investing in proper IT asset disposal. ITAD is something that should be at the top of the priority list for companies that are using IT equipment. Improper ITAD can lead to many different problems, like data breaches, fines, and ESG reporting gaps. As a business using IT equipment and looking into proper ITAD, it’s important to know some of the top common mistakes that companies make during IT asset disposal. We’re going to highlight some of these top mistakes so that you can avoid them when it comes to creating your ITAD plan.
Top Mistakes Companies Make During IT Asset Disposal
Treating ITAD as an Afterthought
IT disposal is often only thought about once the devices start to pile up and it becomes an issue, which isn’t ideal or proactive when it comes to proper ITAD. Multiple issues can come with this approach and make things harder on the team and company. For example, waiting until it piles up can result in missed value recovery, lost tracking, and blind spots in compliance. If you find yourself not thinking about IT disposal until it becomes a problem, then it’s time to incorporate ITAD into the lifecycle of your IT assets. This will keep your company on top of disposal, while abiding by regulations and compliance, and allowing you to avoid the buildup that can cause stress and difficulties addressing disposal.
Data Security Practice Issues
Data security is one of the top reasons that you should have an ITAD system in place, because breaches can cause huge problems for your company and your customers. One thing to remember is that “deleting” data is not enough when it comes to IT devices. In today’s time, deleting is not enough, and the information could still be recoverable by unauthorized sources. This is what leads to data breaches, lawsuits, and the loss of customer trust in your services that you provide. More than likely, you’ve probably heard of a company that’s had a breach that has cost them thousands or even millions, as well as resulted in customer loss. To avoid the possibility of a data breach, it’s important to use proper data destruction methods such as shredding, degaussing, or NIST 800-88. To keep up with this destruction process and ensure that it’s being done properly, record and track the destruction for compliance and tracking inside and outside of the company.
Not Paying Attention to Compliance and Regulations
Requirements with regulations and compliance are something that cannot be skipped as a company that handles IT devices. These regulations are put in place for the safety of your customers, information, and your business. Some of these regulations include e-waste regulations, HIPAA, and SOX. Not following these protocols for regulations can result in hefty fines, legal action, and even brand damage. It’s important to implement ITAD practices that follow the compliance and regulation requirements properly. Working with an ITAD company can allow you to receive certifications and documentation that showcase your regulatory compliance.
Not Repurposing or Reselling Assets
ITAD doesn’t just refer to the disposing of devices, but it can also mean repurposing and reselling them for another use. There is a huge gap here that many companies don’t take advantage of when it comes to IT assets, and being able to repurpose them is a great way to have a circular economy and give back to communities or businesses. If you’re not repurposing, then you’re wasting materials that could be used again, and you’re missing out on extra revenue from reselling. Working with a certified ITAD company will help you to repurpose and resell your assets.
Ignoring ESG and Environmental Implications
Your environmental impact as a company that uses IT assets is extremely important, so ensuring you are aware of your impact is crucial. If you’re sending your assets straight to a landfill, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to have a better environmental impact, which also helps with ESG investors. You can work with certified recyclers to help recycle your unused assets, as well as reuse programs to help distribute your assets somewhere else that can utilize them.
Lack of Internal Policies
It’s important to ensure that everyone in your business is on the same page when it comes to your ITAD practices. Everyone should know the process, what is to be done, and how to report it. If you’re not ensuring that everyone is on the same page, then you could face consequences such as missing assets and inconsistent disposal, which could result in even bigger problems, such as data breaches. Ensuring that you have practices in place that are easily communicated will keep everyone in the chain of command on the same page.
Work With an ITAD Vendor to Keep Your Disposal In Check
Avoiding these mistakes starts with working with an ITAD vendor that’s certified and skilled in their area. It’s important as a company to work with an IT disposal company to ensure that you’re in compliance with regulations, making the most of your assets, and keeping on top of your reporting. They are a crucial addition to your business that can help you ensure that you’re doing everything you need to in order to avoid breaches, keep customer trust, and stay on top of the important things like environmental impact, regulations, and everything in between. If you’re a business that hasn’t invested in an ITAD vendor, contact us as now is the perfect time to get one.