You may use a number of electronics in the day-to-day operation of your small business, from printers to mobile devices. For business efficiency and productivity, you might update some of those devices, or replace old or malfunctioning ones with new replacements. Recycling is one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted devices; however, there are ways to properly recycle your electronic devices that protect sensitive data relevant to your company and customer information. Let’s look at some of the best practices for recycling your electronics that you no longer need for your small business.

Back-Up Important Data

In preparation for recycling your devices, you should backup data that is important to your business’ operation to maintain your security and prevent loss. Company computers or phones, for example, have memory storage that is likely to have sensitive data related to your business or clients’ personal information that could prove problematic if lost. Save the necessary information locally so that it is easily accessible. While it is smart for businesses to have their data backed-up routinely, in the event of taking recycling measures, portable hard drives could prove useful. Another option would be to utilize online data backup services that automatically copy data to another site via a secure connection, and allows you to later quickly and reliably retrieve and restore your data.

Wipe the Drive

After you have backed up your data, it is important to rid those devices of the data before recycling. It is not enough to simply press the delete button to remove sensitive data from the drive; instead, take precaution and electronically shred each piece of data, be it information on product development or employees’ social security number. This can be achieved by using data removal software that will ensure that all sensitive data is wiped from your hard drive, or you could physically remove the devices’ internal hard drives directly and destroy them by driving a nail through them with a hammer (a common practice). You also have the option of using a data destruction company that offers secure, on-site data destruction and recycling services.

Consider Eco-friendly Disposal

Electronic waste or e-waste can be an environmental hazard, and as such, great care should be taken to properly dispose of your electronic devices. This will help you and your small business to stay in compliance with state and local regulatory recycling laws while protecting the environment. Electronic devices cannot be recycled with your regular everyday recycling items like bottles because various parts of your electronics, like motherboards, contain hazardous materials that need to be extracted prior to recycling. There are specific companies that specialize in e-waste recycling that can properly dispose of your electronic devices.

If your small business is interested in recycling its electronic devices, you should consider a few important practices that are involved in the process. It is essential to backup sensitive data prior to recycling, as much as it is important to clean said data off those devices. Also, e-waste should be recycled in a way that does not have a negative impact on the environment. Corporate Destruction Solutions is a reliable data destruction company that can guarantee a total and irreversible destruction of your hard drives and magnetic data all around New England. Contact today for details!