E-Waste Security
Keeping your data secure means more than just protecting the computer systems that are currently in use. Old, discarded technology is a security risk as well. Think of all the hardware you have around your office that could contain confidential information:
- Hard drives
- External drives
- Circuit boards
- Memory cards
QualityIP can safely and securely dispose of it all.
Whether you have a stash of old equipment piled around the office, or you’re ready to replace aging computer systems, it’s easy to close this often-ignored gap in your IT security with help from QualityIP.
What is E-Waste?
“E-waste” refers to electronic waste disposal. It’s the process of discarding electronic materials that are no longer needed.
Disposing of e-waste is more complex than just putting it out for pickup. These items require more delicate handling than normal garbage because of their electronic components, which often include heavy metals and other potentially toxic materials. So, you can’t just toss them in a landfill.
Just as importantly, e-waste is a treasure trove of secure information: passwords, data, proprietary information, customer account info, photos and documents. Just because your device has been unplugged, disconnected, or turned off doesn’t mean that your data suddenly disappears. Your sensitive information still exists as long as that hardware is still in one piece.
Examples of E-Waste:
- Old computers and laptops
- Printers
- Monitors
- Mobile phones
- Keyboards, mice, and peripheral devices
- Copiers and fax machines
- Tablets and iPads
Why Should You Recycle Your E-Waste?
There are two areas of concern with e-waste: environmental impact and data security.
Environmental Impact
Recycling your e-waste guarantees that the heavy metals they contain won’t leach into soil and contaminate groundwater. That is a major risk of disposing of e-waste through traditional measures.
Potentially toxic materials contained in e-waste include:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Nickel
- Beryllium
- Chromium
With an e-waste recycling program, these materials are captured and recycled or destroyed before they have a chance to be discarded.
Electronics these days also are likely to have some magnetic components, such as samarium cobalt batteries. These valuable minerals are increasingly being retrieved from waste programs so they can be recycled and reused. E-waste recycling reduces the need to mine these magnetic materials since they can be responsibly recycled instead, which has a beneficial effect on the environment.
Our recycling partner extracts all precious metals for appropriate re-use and properly disposes of the remaining contents in accordance with EPA standards.
IT Security
The final stage of your hardware’s life cycle is your last chance to prevent unauthorized access to your business’s sensitive data.
With our IT asset recycling service, we take extra care to securely shred your old data storage devices, such as hard drives, circuit boards, and memory cards, using our state-of-the-art hard drive shredder. This machine meets Department of Defense and HIPAA security standards for the destruction of sensitive material.
IT security depends on robust protection of sensitive information at every step in order to stay compliant with data-related rules and regulations. QualityIP can provide complete documentation of the process, so you can be assured of the chain of custody of your data-bearing devices. This can also serve as proof of the secure destruction of your data.
Electronic waste recycling with a trusted partner like QualityIP ensures that your security is protected throughout the recycling process.
Let’s Talk
E-Waste Disposal and Management
When your aging technology has reached the end of its useful life, contact us. We’ll help you find replacement hardware that suits the needs of your business so you can easily transition to the next generation of tools.
With secure IT asset disposal and management, you’ll be assured that your existing IT assets are disposed of properly while setting up new, compliant and properly configured assets to replace them.
QualityIP can:
- Give you options that best fit your needs and budget
- Order and install it for you
- Make sure it exceeds your expectations
- Take away the e-waste for shredding and recycling
Your E-Waste Recycling Partner
Your business’s IT security and sensitive information needs to be protected. That’s why you need a trusted security partner who can help. QualityIP is the reliable, experienced e-waste recycling partner you can count on to safely destroy your old e-waste and safeguard your security.