IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

FAQ: IT Asset Disposition

• What is the difference between IT asset recovery and IT asset disposition?

  IT asset recovery (ITAR) and IT asset disposition (ITAD) are two closely related terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.

  IT Asset Recovery

  IT asset recovery encompasses the entire process of managing the end-of-life lifecycle of IT assets, from identifying and securing them to data destruction, recycling or repurposing, and finally, disposal. It’s a comprehensive approach that aims to maximize the value of IT assets while ensuring data security and environmental sustainability.

  IT Asset Disposition

  IT asset disposition (ITAD) specifically refers to the disposal of IT assets, including physical destruction, shredding, or recycling. It’s a crucial step in the ITAR process, ensuring that sensitive data is permanently erased and that the assets are handled responsibly to minimize environmental impact.

• How to dispose of old IT assets?

  Disposing of old IT assets (ITAD) responsibly and efficiently is crucial for both environmental sustainability and data security. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Data Sanitization: Ensure all sensitive data is completely erased. Use certified data destruction methods like software wiping, degaussing, or physical destruction.
  2. Assessment for Reuse: Evaluate if the IT assets can be refurbished or repurposed. Reusing helps reduce e-waste and supports a circular IT model.
  3. Recycling: If reuse isn’t viable, recycle the assets. Partner with certified e-waste recyclers who adhere to environmental regulations and ethical recycling practices.
  4. Documentation: Maintain a record of the disposal process for compliance and auditing purposes. This includes data destruction certificates and recycling receipts.
  5. Stay Informed: Regulations and best practices for IT asset disposal evolve. Stay updated to ensure compliance with the latest standards.

   

  For professional assistance, contact the ITAD experts of Circular IT group. They can manage the end-to-end process of IT asset disposal for you.

• What happens to the data on my IT equipment when I sell it to you?

  We understand that the data on your IT equipment is crucial, and you want to be certain that it’s securely wiped when you sell it to us. That’s why we follow a strict process to ensure that all your data is permanently deleted before we proceed with the equipment.

  Every piece of equipment is carefully logged first, giving you continuous insight into the status of your IT equipment’s processing. You’ll receive clear reports and the necessary deletion certificates at the end.

  Here’s how it works:

  • Secure data wiping: As soon as we receive your IT equipment or start working on-site, the data is always erased first, following high industry standards. We use advanced software from Blancco to ensure that all data is permanently erased and cannot be recovered.
  • Data deletion certificate: We always provide you with a data deletion certificate. This document confirms that all data on your devices has been successfully and securely wiped.
  • Physical destruction (if necessary): In some cases, such as when dealing with highly sensitive information, physical destruction of the storage media may be preferred. This means the hard drive or SSD is completely destroyed, ensuring the data is absolutely irretrievable.

  Please note: This will, of course, negatively impact the residual value of your equipment.

  Compliance with legislation: Our data wiping process complies with relevant laws and regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe, ensuring that your privacy and security are fully protected.

  We collect the hardware using our own transport, and our service centres, where the equipment is stored, are heavily secured. This entire process ensures that you can sell your IT equipment to us with peace of mind, knowing that your data is in safe hands and will never fall into the wrong hands.