Anytime you start a business, technology assets are one of the common investments. Even a home-based business likely needs a computer and Wifi router. Like many assets, though, technology eventually reaches its end of life.
The generally accepted wisdom is that you can expect anywhere from 3 to 5 years of service before you must replace a computer or similar technology asset. When that asset retirement rolls around, though, what do you do with the hardware?
While you might think you should just throw it away, recycling has become the default answer. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about tech recycling for asset retirement.
E Waste
All of the computer towers, laptops, WiFi routers, phones, and similar tech make up a category known as e waste.
Dealing with this e waste safely through recycling has become something of a pressing concern in recent years. These pieces of technology often contain numerous toxic components like lead and mercury that leach into the ground in a landfill.
Once those contaminants get into the ground, they can pollute nearby soil and water supplies. That can create a public health hazard that most communities prefer to avoid.
Technology Recycling
While you might drop off your electronics at the local recycling location, those locations typically are not equipped with the right recycling technologies. They normally gather the devices and then hand them off to technology recyclers. You can also look for dedicated advanced technology recycling facilities by doing a search for “technology recycling near me” online.
Tech recyclers break down the electronics into component parts so they can harvest reusable materials like plastic and metals. They also pull out things like circuit boards and pass them off to a specialist company that deals exclusively with circuit board recycling. Most facilities used specially designed equipment to contain potentially toxic dust for proper disposal.
Data Protection
Data protection is a key issue for businesses and private citizens when disposing of electronics. Even with hard drive wiping programs, there is often recoverable data left accessible on hard drives. That means you should always do a little research about where your tech goes when you take it in for recycling.
Look into the disposal company and see what their disposal policies for e waste look like. Do they shred the hard drives they get? If not, look for a company that shreds hard drives as it’s the only surefire way to prevent data recovery.
Tech Asset Retirement and You
Tech asset retirement is simply one of the realities of owning a business in the modern world. You can’t really get by without the tech, but you must do something with it when it reaches its end of life. Tempting as it might be, don’t just toss it in the trash.
Look for a tech recycling center or check with your local landfill for tech recycling days. That will ensure the proper disposal of your old tech assets.
Looking for more tech info or tips? Check out the posts in our Computer section.