IT Asset Disposal

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IT Asset Disposal

All you need to know..

Failure to dispose of used IT correctly is not only damaging to the environment but not commercially savvy. Much of the IT equipment which ends up in a landfill has a rebate value and can be sold on, with the second-hand IT market estimated at more than £300 billion. So, why when disposing of unwanted electronic equipment, which would allow companies to free up valuable space, provide an opportunity to make some money, and protect the environment are companies still refusing to recycle their old computer equipment? The main reason, according to Mark Hall, Commerical Director of BusinessWaste.co.uk is because of concerns over data security. “Nervous bosses are worried that their data could fall into the wrong hands if it is sent for recycling,” said Hall. “Scares over identity theft and corporate crime mean that they’d rather completely destroy computer goods themselves than hand it to a third party to be disposed of correctly.”

Secure Data Destruction

complete data destruction service

When looking for companies to sell your unwanted IT to it would be wise to find companies who are able to provide a complete data destruction service with full certification. This will guarantee that all data and media devices have been completely wiped and physically destroyed thus ensuring that you are complying with GDPR regulations. By working with Steel City Consulting you can be confident that all of your data is completely inaccessible from the moment it is removed from site.

Data is destroyed by overwriting/erasing in accordance with national and international standards and we fully comply with all WEEE regulations. We operate a full custody audit trail using GPS tracked vehicles and security cleared logistics; and all of the data and media devices will be issued with a certificate to show the hardware has been securely destroyed.

fast and accurate pricing

Fast Payments

Steel City Consulting work with companies to ensure they get fast and accurate pricing for any used hardware which has a resale value. We frequently turn around quotes for any unwanted hardware the same day it is received, and we can offer prompt payments and flexible payment options. Our clients can choose how they want the value from remarketed equipment returned and can offset the costs involved in the removal process. If your staff wish to buy the equipment back, we can offer an end-to-end service for this.

moving office or closing down?

Office Moves/Closures

We can also assist clients when moving office or closing down a branch and offer a full site clearance. This includes the removal of all furniture, office equipment, and we can even undertake dilapidation work to restore the office to the same standard it was when the client first moved in. Furthermore, in preparation to moving into a new office our team of experts can ensure all the digital equipment work has been done so that any transition can happen instantaneously. Our team of experts can take care of the whole process, ensuring data cabling is ready and tested; equipment is purchased and installed; and the network is setup. This is a hassle-free service designed to take the stress out of moving offices for our clients, and environmental considerations and best practices are continually at the forefront of our mind with minimal packaging and waste produced.

To speak with any of our IT asset disposal experts about any of our services please email sales@steelcityconsulting.co.uk or call 0114 400 0038 and one of our advisors will be able to assist you.

OUR FAQ's FOR OUR IT ASSET DISPOSAL SERVICE

What is IT asset disposal?

IT asset disposal is the process of disposing of IT assets that are no longer required or have reached the end of their lifecycle.

What types of equipment can be disposed of?

The types of assets we usually help companies dispose of include: computers, servers, storage devices and networking equipment. Although in addition to typical IT equipment we can also assist clients when moving office or closing down a branch and can help with the removal of all furniture and office equipment.

What IT asset services can you provide?

Steel City Consulting offer a range of IT asset services, these include:

IT Asset Disposition: This service involves the secure disposal of IT assets at the end of their lifecycle. This includes data wiping, recycling, and disposal in compliance with environmental regulations.
IT Asset Tracking: This service helps track the location and status of all IT assets in an organization. It includes inventory management, asset tagging, and asset tracking software.
IT Asset Auditing: This service involves reviewing and auditing an organization’s IT assets to ensure that they are being used efficiently.
IT Asset Recovery: This service involves recovering lost or stolen IT assets, including laptops, mobile devices, and servers.
IT Asset Valuation: This service involves assessing the value of an organization’s IT assets for financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions.

What options do you provide for equipment that still has value?

Steel City Consulting work with companies to ensure they get fast and accurate pricing for any used hardware which has a resale value. We can offer prompt payments and flexible payment options. Our clients can choose how they want the value from remarketed equipment returned and can offset the costs involved in the removal process. Alternatively, we can use the value of the used equipment to offset costs of buying new hardware; or we can make a donations to a local charity on your behalf. Before donating the equipment to charity we make sure the equipment is free of sensitive data and that it is fit for reuse.

What are the costs associated with your ITAD services, and are there any hidden fees we should be aware of?

The costs associated with ITAD services can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and quantity of IT assets being disposed of, the location of the assets, and the level of data security required. We provide a detailed quote of what services are likely to be chargeable to avoid any hidden fees. Our quote is transparent, and any changes to the final price will be communicated in advance to the customer.

What data destruction methods do you employ to ensure data security?

Depending on the level of security required and the type of data being destroyed there are different data destruction methods which we can employ to ensure data security, these include:

Data wiping: This includes overwriting the data with random data.
Data erasure: We use software to ensure the data is unrecoverable.
Encryption: We encrypt the data so that it cannot be accessed without an encryption key.
Degaussing: This involves exposing the data to a strong magnetic field to erase the data.
Physical destruction: We can physically destroy the storage media.

In addition to these methods, we can also combine some of these methods to provide a higher level of security.

What is the process for asset disposal?

Each IT asset disposal project is different but the process can typically be broken down into 4 hassle-free steps, this involves the following:

Assessment: We assesses the IT assets to be disposed of to determine the most appropriate disposal method.
Logistics: We will arrange the transportation and logistics of the IT assets. This may include decommissioning, packaging and labelling, as well as tracking and monitoring throughout the transportation process.
Data Destruction: All data stored on the IT assets is securely and irreversibly erased using data wiping methods approved by the European WEEE directive.
Disposal: The IT assets are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. On disposal we provide a detailed report of the asset disposal process, including a certificate of data destruction.

What are the risks of improper asset disposal?

It is important for organizations to implement proper IT asset disposal procedures to mitigate risks which can arise from improper IT asset disposal, these include:

Data breaches: IT assets contain sensitive information, and not disposing of them correctly can lead to this information being accessed by an unauthorized person. This can lead to the loss of intellectual property such as patents or trade secrets, or cybersecurity risks.
Environmental damage: Electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. These materials can leach into the soil and water; and contaminate the environment.
Legal and financial consequences: Companies that fail to dispose of their IT assets properly may be subject to legal and financial consequences. They may face fines and penalties for violating data protection laws and regulations.

Can you provide documentation of the disposal process, including certificates of destruction and recycling?

Yes, we provide documentation of the disposal process, including certificates of destruction and recycling. Having documentation of the disposal process helps organizations demonstrate their compliance with data protection laws and regulations and provides assurance to stakeholders that they are committed to responsible environmental practices.

What environmental regulations do you comply with when disposing of equipment?

When disposing of equipment Steel City Consulting do so in accordance with the WEEE directive. WEEE stands for “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment,” and it refers to the EU directive on the disposal of electronic waste. The WEEE directive has been transposed into UK law through the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, and companies that fail to comply with the WEEE regulations may face fines.

What steps do you take to minimize the environmental impact of asset disposal?

We take several steps to ensure that we minimize the environmental impacts of IT asset disposal, these include:

Assessing the assets: We evaluate the condition of the assets to determine which ones can be reused and recycled.
Reuse or refurbishing the assets: If the assets are still functional, we will look to refurbish them and sell them into secondary markets or donate them to charities. If a machine is no longer functional we can look to see whether we can use any of the parts or components.
Securely destroy the assets: We ensure that all data on the assets is securely destroyed by using certified software and industry standards.
Educating our clients: We endeavour to educate our clients on the importance of responsible IT asset disposal and can provide information on how to recycle effectively.

What is your process for logistics, including transportation, storage, and tracking of equipment?

Steel City Consulting take the handling of your used electrical equipment seriously, and through our data-controlled processes we can provide our clients with a 100% offline secure data destruction operation. Below are our processes for transportation, storage, and tracking:

Collection: Through the use of our own vans and security checked staff we can arrive onsite ready to decommission equipment. We will arrive with full packing materials required for secure transportation and all equipment will be logged prior to removal from site.
Transportation: A complete audit trail is in place while the goods are in transit with GPS tracked vehicles and drivers who remain in communication at all times. We have special alarms fitted to the cargo bay so that if anything is removed from the van we can know exactly when it is being removed.
Storage: Once the goods arrive on site they are taken to our state-of-the-art destruction facility and are locked in secure vault for testing and refurbishment. Anyone entering the facility must sign in and out and we have cameras monitoring the facility operating 24 hours a day.

How do you ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA?

At Steel City Consulting we ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA is critical to protect our clients sensitive data. Below are some of the measures we take to ensure compliance.

Secure Data Destruction: We use industry-standard methods to securely wipe data from all devices.
Chain of Custody: We maintain a detailed chain of custody for all devices received, ensuring that they are transported, stored, and processed securely and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Employee Training: We provide regular training to our employees to ensure that they understand the importance of data privacy and how to handle sensitive data appropriately.
Proper Documentation: We maintain proper documentation for all devices received and processed, including data destruction certificates and chain of custody logs.

Do you have experience working with businesses in our industry, and can you provide references?

We have extensive experience in providing IT asset disposal services to businesses of all sizes. We have worked with small businesses to enterprise-level customers and we understand the challenges each business face around disposing of unused hardware. We can provide case studies of our work and references on request.

IT Asset Disposal