Did you know that there were more than 1 billion computers in use in 2008 and more than 2 billion PCs in 2015? The computer market increases at a rapid pace and there could be at least 3 billion computers in use at the moment of this writing.
Obviously, many of these computers are obsolete today and that’s what makes people think of computer disposal. You cannot simply throw your computer into the trash bin, you need to properly dispose of old computers. Keep reading this article to learn how to do that correctly and protect the environment at the same time.
Decide What to Throw and What to Keep
Although you might have a 4-year old laptop on your desk, it could still be useful for certain people. On the other hand, a 10-year old desktop computer that accumulated layers after layers of dust should probably be disposed of. Whether you have a large or small business, make sure that you take a broad inventory of your computer equipment. Create a list of what should be preserved and what should be disposed of.
When creating this list, remember to take into account all the IT devices and gadgets you might have in your company. This includes handheld devices such as smartphones or old mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, and more.
Back-Up Your Data
Before disposing of old computer equipment, make sure that you back up any important data they might have on their hard drives. This involves manually going through each computer with a list of priorities in hand and backing up the contact list, messages, documents, videos, audio files, and personal data.
It’s important to back up your data because once you have taken your electronics to an e-shredding company, this information is wiped out forever and you cannot retrieve it. Numerous file storage websites can store thousands of GB of data at an affordable price. You can also use physical hard drives to back up your data for more peace of mind.
Erase Your Data and Wipe Out the Hard Drives
Once you have backed up your data, it’s paramount to erase it from your old computers and gadgets. This ensures that the private information of your customers, business partners, and employees is not shared with anyone. Once you have deleted your files, use a special program to completely wipe out the drives. This prevents data retrieval later on.
It’s recommended to do the wipe-out process several times on each computer or handheld device, just to be sure. For old mobile phones or smartphones, you can reset them to factory settings a few times to erase all the data stored in them.
Collaborate With Reputable Companies for Electronic Disposal
Some types of data stored on business laptops or computers are simply too valuable and need to be treated with the utmost care. That’s where e-shredding companies come into the picture. If you have a lot of old computers and want to dispose of them properly, collaborating with reputable companies specialized in handling electronic waste is the right thing to do.
Such companies use state-of-the-art technologies to erase data stored on your business computers, laptops, and mobile phones. The shredding process is efficient, quick, and compliant with environmental laws. Working with such a company gives you more peace of mind and saves you tons of hassle and money.
On top of that, keep in mind that there are certain regulations when it comes to electronic waste disposal. You cannot simply discard old computers in certain states or regions. A professional company specialized in e-shredding knows about these rules and regulations, so you don’t have to learn them by yourself. Working with such a company saves you a lot of trouble, but also makes your disposal process legal.
Things to Avoid When It Comes to Electronic Disposal
It’s important to know what to do when it comes to e-shredding, but also what not to do. Keep reading to find out what mistakes to avoid when disposing of old computers and laptops.
Do Not Throw Computers in the Trash Bin
Remember that your business computers and laptops contain a lot of precious metals. Throwing them in the trash bin can be a waste of resources. Some of the metals incorporated into computers and laptops include gold, silver, and platinum. By collaborating with an e-shredding company, you make sure that your computers are properly disposed of and the metals inside them are saved.
At the same time, laptops and computers also contain toxic substances. The lithium-ion battery found in laptops and smartphones is a great example in this case. These batteries can become very dangerous if exposed to high temperatures and they can explode, causing fires and damages. Instruct your employees to never throw old electronics into trash bins to avoid fines and penalties.
Do Not Work With Just Any E-Shredding Company
Some e-shredding companies are better than others. It’s important to do your homework and research the company you’re about to work with. For example, check their website for customer reviews and testimonials. Look on the Better Business Bureau website for negative feedback or complaints.
If you have stumbled upon a company that doesn’t have a stellar reputation, it’s better to simply avoid it. Keep in mind that you’re entrusting your valuable data to this company. If they have questionable business practices, you risk having your business information stolen or sold to third parties.
Now You Know How to Approach Computer Disposal for Your Business
Proper computer disposal is all about saving resources and reducing planet pollution. Each computer that doesn’t end up in a landfill saves tons of money and space. Therefore, as long as you work with professional e-shredding specialists, you do your part in protecting the planet and avoid business data theft.
If you need a one-stop solution to all your computer disposal problems then make sure that you contact us today! We have years of experience in handling different types of desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Our experts can completely destroy old hard drives, protecting your business, and giving you more peace of mind!
