When you own a small business, the proper disposal for your computer and other hardware can be challenging. A lot of smaller businesses don’t have a recycling plan in place which is understandable. However, a time will come when you need to replace or upgrade your hardware that stores sensitive information like your computers, smartphones, or even smartwatches. You may move the older computer to a less essential department but eventually, the device will have to be disposed of. It’s important to know there is a right and wrong way to do this. That’s why here we’re going to talk about computer disposal for small businesses and the correct way to do it.
Computer Disposal for Small Businesses
The proper computer disposal for small businesses is essential. The first reason for this the environment. When the different parts of computers are broken down by people looking for scrap metal, it has terrible effects on the environment. Even if you just throw away your computer and it just sits in a landfill, chemicals and other harmful heavy metals can leech into the ground.
The second reason correct computer disposal for small businesses is important is data privacy and security. Many of our communication devices hold a lot of sensitive personal data. This could be financial information, customer information, company plans, and more. Just throwing away any device with this type of data on it is very reckless. That’s why it’s imperative to properly wipe all data before finding a reputable company to recycle your computer. Some recycling companies also offer complete data wipes and destruction to offer you added peace of mind.
Take a look at the list below for the dos and don’ts of computer disposal for small businesses.
The Dos of Computer Disposal:
- Use a reputable and certified recycling company to dispose of all electronic devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, and more.
- Make a complete backup of all the information on the computer or device. You can put this data on an external hard drive or store it on the cloud.
- Perform a reset on the device and completely wipe it clean.
- Contact a certified and trusted e-waste recycling company that provides data destruction. This will ensure the data is completely wiped and release your company from any liability.
The Don’ts of Computer Disposal:
- Never throw away your computer. Not only is it terrible for the environment, but it’s also a goldmine for hackers looking to steal data.
- Never take your computer to a recycling company that isn’t certified or reputable.
- Don’t assume all of the data is removed from your computers or other devices just because you performed one reset or wipe of it. This is often not enough.
Contact American Recycling for More Information
American Recycling is your trusted resource for all electronic recycling needs. We are certified by the International Organization for Standardization, the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification, and the Sustainable Electronics Recycling International. Data security, your satisfaction and peace of mind, and our environment are our top priorities. We make sure your data is handled responsibly and destroyed as you specify. We offer sanitation, shredding, and crushing options. You’ll also be provided with a Certificate of Destruction to certify that we are responsible for properly erasing all data containing devices and release you of all liability.
Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns. You can also schedule a pick-up online and schedule a recycling event, too! We hope to see you soon.
