Five business cases for secure asset disposition

Your latest technology will be tomorrow's old news. When it's time to get rid of obsolete electronics—say, your 2007 laptop fleet and that toasted laser printer—you should do it by following a secure IT asset disposition plan.

Proper disposal and recycling of electronic equipment is certainly good for the environment. But there's a strong business case for the practice, too. That means it's even more important to do it right. Consider engaging the support of a third-party partner with expertise in destruction best practices.

Here's why secure IT asset destruction is a smart business proposition:

1. You'll be mitigating risks. Lawsuits. Fines. Penalties. A ruined reputation. Your company may suffer any or all of these after a significant data breach. It could be the biggest expense your business ever faces, which is why you must lock down your data—and destroy any data you no longer need. Data is lingering on virtually every piece of electronic equipment in your office, including hardware that's reached the end of its usable life. An asset disposition program gives you the confidence that your old technology and the information residing on it will be destroyed completely and securely when the time comes. 

2. A proper destruction program fosters compliance. To date, 25 states have created legislation that mandates e-waste recycling. Additionally, many government regulations (including federal rules such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) govern secure records disposal. You, with the help of your disposition partner, must determine how to comply with these mandates and regulations. This includes the appropriate destruction of applicable data and the equipment on which it resides.

3. A smart program lets you recover your costs. Don't underestimate the value of depreciating hardware. An expert partner will build your IT asset disposition program around equipment lifecycle schedules that spread out the costs over time, taking advantage of tax laws. With such a plan in place, you can make the most of your investment in equipment—first by intelligently deploying it and second by reaping the tax benefits.

4. You'll regain wasted space. Right-sizing your business doesn't just mean reducing personnel or limiting capital expenditures. It also means ensuring that you're getting the most out of your physical space. When you store too much obsolete gear onsite, you're wasting high-priced room that could be put to better use.

5. You'll score PR points. Go ahead and enhance your company's reputation by using your asset disposition as an example of your good corporate citizenship. Your neighbors will be happy that you're not adding toxic waste to local landfills or water supplies. Let them know that's how you operate.

Do you have questions about data management? Read additional Knowledge Center stories on this subject, or contact Iron Mountain's Data Management team. You'll be connected with a knowledgeable product and services specialist who can address your specific challenges.