Data security should be your number one priority when selecting an ITAD partner. After all, that’s the main reason you need their help. However, that isn’t to say it’s the only factor you should consider. There are plenty of other factors that set ITAD suppliers apart, and these can maximise the return you see on your redundant assets. But what other factors should you consider when choosing an ITAD partner? Let’s take a look.
Environmental Responsibility
We’re all familiar with the potential risks of a data breach, but it’s also important to consider the environmental risks involved with IT asset disposal. An environmentally responsible partner will explore all avenues of disposition before deciding that disposal is the best option. However, even in cases where disposal is the only viable option, an ITAD supplier should act in a manner that is environmentally responsible.
Elements in IT equipment can contain toxic substances which, over time, seep into the soil and water systems when dumped in landfill. This is especially a problem when e-waste is transported to developing countries, where environmental laws are lax and water filtration infrastructure is underdeveloped, meaning that the toxins from these devices can end up in drinking water.
An ITAD supplier’s certification will tell you about their environmental compliance. The R2 Standard certification is an example of this, and vendors that hold this certification are audited to ensure they’re maintain a certain level of environmental responsibility. Holding other licences, such as the Waste Carriers Licence, demonstrates that the vendor will legally dispose of any e-waste, rather than fly tipping or dumping illegally.
Refurbishment vs. Rejection
How many review stages are there before the ITAD vendor decides that destruction and disposal is the only option for your redundant IT assets? Understanding this, and choosing an IT partner that repeatedly reviews each asset could help to maximise the returns you see on your redundant equipment.
Yes, that hardware might need to be obsolete in its current state, but is there a simple repair that could make it suitable for recycling or resale? Repairs for both physical damage and software insufficiencies could broaden your options when it comes to ITAD. This means that equipment that might otherwise have ended up in landfill can be used again in one capacity or another.
Resale Networks
Many ITAD vendors offer resale options following the data erasure process, but they aren’t all equal. Take a closer, more critical look at each vendor’s resale network, asking where they have connections and how successful their resale process has been in the past.
For most businesses, an ITAD partner with a global resale network is preferable, as this broadens the market for your resale options. Experience in a variety of markets around the world means your ITAD partner will be better-placed to identify and secure the right market for your end of life assets. They will understand global demand and market trends and be able to offer better advice on when is best to sell your equipment.
Ultimately, all ITAD providers should guarantee secure data destruction for all your ITAD needs. Given that global e-waste is expected to increase by 8% per year, this shouldn’t be your only focus. The next step should be filtering the list down to the ITAD vendors that offer customers the best value recovery options, minimising the potentially damaging impacts of irresponsible ITAD and partially offsetting its expensive process.
With over 25 years industry experience, tier1 is the most accredited ITAD supplier in the UK. 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. We also ensure that our clients recover maximum residual value from their redundant IT assets through our resale services.
Contact us today on 0161 777 1000 or visit https://www.tier1.com to understand how we can help you with all your ITAD requirements.
