The rapid succession and general introduction of innovative technologies is having a dramatic impact on the information technology (IT) landscape and subsequent e-waste produced each year. To meet the increasing demand for new applications and services, companies are investing in innovation on a regular basis to meet growing market requirements and remain competitive.
Consequently, the amount of technology that has to be replaced or retired is also exponentially growing. In fact, the amount of e-waste resulting from the uptake of new technology is expected to reach 93.5 million tons in 2016, up 17.6% from 2011.
The e-waste dilemma is an issue for many organizations and knowing what to do with their old IT equipment can be a complex process that typically sends them down one of two paths, renew or recycle. While many will initially consider the renewal process, the myths associated with this process may sway their decision to recycle their equipment instead.
Renewal
Recycling can be a viable option that allows companies to reduce e-waste by retiring old IT equipment in accordance with environmental guidelines. However it could also prematurely retire equipment that has remaining value or create security risks if data isnt properly wiped before its processed.
As an alternative, companies should always think about implementing a renewal strategy as a first step before deciding to recycle end of life technology assets. Properly managing this process will ensure technology investments are maximised, undue security risks are limited and the overall e-waste generated from the retirement of legacy or end of life technology is reduced.
To help clear up some common misperceptions associated with the IT renewal process, well be exploring 3 key myths that will demonstrate why the decision to renew before recycle isnt as complex or difficult as you might think.
Myth 1: No one wants your old IT equipment so recycling is the best option.
According to IDC, the secondary market for US IT equipment spending was estimated to be approximately $289 billion in 2011 and growing. According to Gartner, there are more than 120 million PCs expected to be refurbished, remarketed and reused in the global secondary market alone over the next five years (2012 – 2016). Regardless if you have old desktops, laptops or high end server equipment, chances are there is a market for it, provided you have the access.
Leveraging a global partner who has experience with the secondary market will be key to ensuring you receive maximal value for your assets with minimal risks. The right partner should be able to provide a full suite of services that include the recovery, renewal, remarketing and a full chain of custody for your end-of-life IT equipment.
Myth 2: Selling my own assets is easy, comes with little risk and still effectively helps me reduce the amount of e-waste produced.
A word of caution to anybody who feels they can manage their own asset renewal process, its more complex then you might think. Simply deleting data and selling your assets on an on-line auction site could be a whole lot riskier than imagined and one wrong step could expose your business to a host of security and financial issues.
Organisations could be exposed to security risks if the data isnt properly wiped before its sold. Other fundamental requirements include ensuring your assets are functional and fit for use. Any asset sold as is can run the risk of being deemed not fit-for-use and could be considered potential e-waste. Consequently, you may be responsible for how any buyer treats that e-waste. Once you are part of the e-waste chain you can never really separate yourself from it. The best insurance is to fully test and validate your assets beforehand.
Working with a global IT asset management provider can take the complexity out of the equation. They can help guarantee your end-of-life assets are properly managed, ensuring you receive the best value for those assets that can be remarketed and that proper recycling regulations are met for those that cant.
Myth 3: Asset recovery and renewal services are only for PCs and Desktops.
There is an industry misperception that recovery and renewal services typically only cover lower end technology equipment such as laptops and desktops. However, there is a huge demand for higher end kit such as servers and networking gear on the secondary market. Handling this type of technology requires a different process and approach to how its renewed and eventually sold.
To access this demand, it will be important to partner with providers that can provide a full range of Asset Recovery Services spanning the entire technology spectrum from low end laptops and desktops to high end servers, networking and storage kit. Additionally, vendors should be wary of the increased data security risk and complexity associated with printing, networking and server technologies. Working with a trusted global partner that has experience renewing and remanufacturing this type of equipment will provide the assistance needed to better manage data security risks and ensure that the value of the asset is maximised.
Technology
The evolutionary rhythm and frequency of technology innovation will perpetually impact the IT market. Whats new today will quickly be considered obsolete tomorrow. To help reduce the amount of obsolete technology that ends up as e-waste; it will be important to have an IT asset management process that prioritises renewal before recycling.
Extending the life of technology assets through renewal and remanufacturing could put a little extra money in your pocket. It could also help reduce the amount of technology converted into e-waste. You shouldnt have to choose between renewal and recycling but should rather see it as a linear process in which renewal opportunities are presented as a first option. The only decision you should be faced with is which global provider youd want to partner with and how they can help demystify the renewal and remarketing process complexities you see as being a challenge.
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