What is ITAD? | IT Asset Disposition

What is IT (ITAD)?

ITAD stands for “Information Technology Asset Disposition” and it is a specialized service that helps businesses dispose of end-of-life technology and other unused IT assets, such as networking equipment, mobile devices, desktops and laptops, VoIP equipment, and more. This dedicated service helps businesses and organizations accomplish three core objectives:

Maintain data security
Minimize environmental impact
Maximize ROI

ITAD enables businesses to reach these objectives because a reputable provider follows all current federal, state, and local mandates for the environmentally responsible recycling and disposal of equipment that no longer has resale value on the secondary market. For those pieces that do have residual value, the service provider will often serve as a broker between the client and buyers so the client can obtain the highest return on their investment possible. A reputable provider will also ensure all recorded data on such devices is rendered unrecoverable using state-of-the-art DOD-compliant data wiping software.

In an effort to give you a more complete understanding of what IT asset disposition is and what IT best practices you should be looking for in a provider, we have compiled the following list of FAQs.

Is ITAD Expensive?

The cost of ITAD services varies by provider, so it’s important to find out exactly what’s included in your provider’s service quote. In most cases the resale value of the equipment will offset any service fees resulting in a net surplus for your company. But, regardless of cost, partnering with a reputable provider can help your business avoid potentially devastating fines and penalties should it be caught improperly disposing of IT assets. Here’s an example: In December of 2015 telecommunications giant Comcast was hit with a $26 million fine for improper data destruction and illegal e-waste disposal. Such fines are commonplace for businesses that fail to adhere to data security and e-waste guidelines.

How to Choose an ITAD Partner?

Even more important than having an ITAD strategy is aligning your business with a reputable provider of said services. The reason is because even when using an ITAD service, the responsibility ultimately falls upon the owner of the equipment to ensure that their equipment is being disposed of legally.

When choosing a provider, it is important to pick a reputable and certified e-waste recycler with transparent reporting for true end-of-life asset management. The ITAD service should not only be e-Stewards-certified, but NAID AAA Certified as well, to ensure both the environment and your data is protected. Other certifications to look for in a responsible recycler include R2 certification, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 14001 certification.

What is Included in ITAD Service?

A provider of IT asset disposition services actually provides a range of services that are designed to help streamline a client’s IT asset management. In most cases this includes:

Physical inspection and valuation of assets
Removal of assets from premises (w/ Chain of Custody Documentation)
Data destruction services (i.e., shredding, degaussing, auditable data wiping)
E-waste recycling and disposal
IT asset brokerage services for equipment with re-sale value

What are the Primary Considerations of any ITAD Project?

In order for any ITAD project to be successful, the following considerations need to be addressed:

Assets need to be accurately identified for categorizing and tracking
Assets need to be valued based on equipment type, condition, and quantity, and according to current market pricing
Identification of which assets contain data and how that data is to be destroyed or secured
Utilize the appropriate systems, equipment, and procedures to properly handle and destroy any data contained on equipment re-entering the market
Develop and utilize the appropriate networks of buyers to maximize the return on the investment
Take into account environmental considerations regarding the next step for handling and processing of the specific item and its inherent materials
ITAD service provider needs to provide accurate, transparent, and appropriate recording and reporting
ITAD service provider’s handlers, technicians, drivers, and any and all other personnel of the ITAD provider’s downstream partners need to be experienced in the industry’s best practices and security considerations

For Compliant ITAD Services, Choose Liquid Technology

Whether your company is merging, moving, downsizing, or updating its IT infrastructure, Liquid Technology’s IT asset disposition services can help you manage the resulting excess of unused equipment. We’re proudly certified by e-Stewards, R2, and NAID.

If you’re looking for a certified ITAD partner to manage your organization’s inventory of unused assets, then call Liquid Technology today at 800-797-5478 or just complete our online quote request form and one of our Asset Management Specialists will be more than happy to help you. Liquid Technology offers all-inclusive ITAD services with the resources necessary for helping our clients obtain the highest return possible.