Tech Tip: Don’t Just Throw Out That Old Computer
By • August 24, 2020 One Comment 872
Getting rid of old computers or servers? Did you know that the components used in technology equipment are not landfill-safe? On top of the environmental hazards, unprotected e-waste typically contains a lot of confidential and private information in the form of saved passwords, internet history and files left on the retired computer or server.
As a first prevention step, find a local recycling facility where e-waste can be safely disposed of. And make sure to take the following number-one security precaution before you haul it off: remove and destroy the hard drives. A drill and a hammer usually do the trick just fine. Alternatively, many companies that shred paper documents will also destroy your hard drives.
Companies such as Computerware offer free e-waste recycling services to clients, picking up old hardware and making sure it’s properly recycled.
Don’t forget other e-waste, such as mobile phones, copy machines and any other devices that ever touched company data. Give serious thought to what data is on any device before you recycle it.
Alan Edwards, CISM, is chief information officer at Computerware, Inc., in Vienna, Virginia.
Wow, I never knew before that there are facilities dedicated specifically for computer recycling. I’m thinking about getting rid of some old units that I don’t use anymore whenever I buy some upgrades for my rig. Getting recycled will clear up a lot of space at home.