Every IT asset you have will reach its end of life eventually, but that doesn’t mean every item needs to be disposed of or destroyed. Reselling your redundant IT assets is a great way to offset some of the cost of purchasing new equipment- according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), one tonne of electrical waste contains as much gold as numerous ores. The resale of IT assets also minimises the generation of e-waste – great news for the environment. Of course, before you resell any of your equipment, it’s vital that you ask yourself if your IT assets are safe for resale. Here’s why it’s so important, and how you can be sure.
IT Asset Management
IT asset management refers to the management of an asset from the moment it enters your business to the moment it becomes redundant. That’s not to say, however, that you aren’t responsible for what happens to your IT assets and the data they store, once it’s left your business premises. Your data protection team is actually responsible for the data until you receive confirmation that the device or server has been recycled securely, destroyed accordingly, or resold.
Most businesses will require the assistance of a third-party ITAD provider to receive such confirmation. Unfortunately, not all of these service providers are equal, so you’ll need to ask the right questions to ensure your redundant assets, and business data, is dealt with accordingly. Knowing the right questions to ask your ITAD provider can be difficult, but you should look to regulations, such as the GDPR to make sure you’re covering all the bases when it comes to compliance.
ITAD Accreditation
However, it’s not just the GDPR that should concern you. You also need to check that the provider holds all necessary certification and accreditation and that they comply with all environmental regulations. If the ITAD provider cannot show you proof of this, you should avoid partnering with them.
Certificates as Confirmation
Whether you’re recycling, destroying or reselling your redundant IT assets, you’ll want confirmation that your data is no longer on the device. These certificates of destruction, resale or recycling, don’t just give you peace of mind, they can also complete the chain of custody, demonstrating the final destination of your equipment.
Access to Assets
There are numerous stages in the ITAD process, whichever disposition option you choose, which means it’s quite normal for a variety of people to access your assets. The best ITAD service providers have processes in place to vet, and train, everyone that has access to your assets. However, it’s important that you’re happy with this process. Don’t be afraid to ask for details on who is involved in the disposition process and exactly what the provider does to vet and train everyone involved.
Data Erasure
Arguably the key factor in deciding whether your IT assets are safe for resale: has all data been erased from your assets? The data erasure process will vary depending on the asset in question, but it’s vital that your ITAD supplier has the necessary equipment to deal with your devices appropriately. Are they able to perform these actions onsite, or offsite?
Choosing the right ITAD service provider is potentially the most important aspect of ensuring your IT assets are safe for resale, as their process will keep you compliant with any relevant laws.
With over 25 years industry experience, tier1 is proud to be the UK’s most accredited ITAD supplier. We possess the skills, accreditations and experience to handle our clients’ data with the care they deserve, and to dispose of it responsibly and legally.
Contact us today on 0161 777 1000 or visit https://www.tier1.com to find out how we can assist in the resale of your IT assets.
