Do’s and Don'ts of Computer Disposal

Consumer personal data can be mismanaged and sent to criminal parties if you are not prudent with your computer disposal. It is common for cyber sleuths to hack into an old computer system that was disposed of incorrectly. You should take the proper precautions when dealing with highly classified and sensitive data at the office. Here, we will discuss why recycling computers is important, as well as the do’s and don’ts of computer disposal.

Why It’s Important to Recycle

First, save all of the documents and files that you want to keep and conduct an external back-up as well. Transfer the files to another computer, via an external hard drive, or to a secure back-up in the cloud.

You can help promote environmental sustainability and reusability initiatives by recycling as many computers as you can. As an added benefit, you can help improve the reputation of your company with its customers by demonstrating that you are an environmentally conscious and friendly business. This may increase sales and customer retention numbers in the process.

Recycling your old computers has many benefits. From reducing your waste costs to possibly getting grants from government agencies or non-profits if you are a small start-up business with a recycling program. There are a plethora of economic and environmental reasons to recycle your computers instead of throwing them in the trash.

The Do’s of Computer Disposal

Now you know why recycling your old computers is of the utmost importance, let’s discuss the ‘Do’s’ of computer disposal.

First, save all of the documents and files that you want to keep and conduct an external backup as well. Transfer the files to another computer, via an external hard drive, or to a secure back-up in the cloud.

You can also save your files via a cloud storage system or a simple USB drive. You should also overwrite your hard drives several times. Once will not suffice, as sophisticated hackers may still be able to retrieve some or all of your classified data. Next, remove your hard drives and then destroy them physically, so there is no chance that your data will fall into the wrong hands.

As for the disposal of those computer drives, ask professional computer disposal and data security company. They can take care of the matter for you, as they will eliminate any possibility of corporate liability. You can have peace of mind knowing that the job was completed as it should be the first time.

While you can and should recycle as much as possible, another option is to donate your old computers to a charitable organization. Many people cannot afford a computer, so you can help give your computer a new home by donating them. Computers should still be operational. If you can afford to do so, you can have them refurbished so that they will look and function almost as well as when you first bought them.

Make sure that you only work with a certified and well-reviewed computer recycling business. This will ensure that they will dispose of your e-waste with integrity and in an ethical and honest manner.

The Don'ts of Computer Disposal

You mustn’t throw your computers in the trash when they become obsolete. First of all, it is an unethical way to dispose of computers. It may also be illegal in some jurisdictions, which means you may be subject to hefty fines if you are caught.

The recycling company that you plan on working with must be insured, bonded, and reputable. Many enterprises masquerade as reputable companies but actually, steal company data and sell their stolen electronics to the highest bidder. Ensure that the prospective company has a stalwart and proven track record of success before working with them. As previously mentioned, they must be a certified recycling company to ensure that there will be no liability issues in the future.

If you decide that you would like to donate your old computers, assuming that they are still functional, then remember to remove the hard drives from each computer before you donate them. Pertinent company data may end up in the wrong hands if you are not careful.

There are many reasons to be very careful when disposing of old computer systems and other IT assets. For starters, you will need to dispose of them properly to reduce the risk of a potential data breach. You will also want to avoid any fines and litigation issues that may result from improper e-waste disposal.

Finally, as the business world is fiercely competitive, you should do everything in your power to stay ahead of your myriad competitors in your respective niche. To learn more about the right way to dispose of and recycle your old computers, call Micheal’s Global Trading at 888-471-5066 or contact us here.

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