We all need to upgrade our old tech from time to time, but those routine upgrades have a grim cost in the form of e-waste. About 50 million tons of the stuff are produced each year, increasing the chances of dangerous heavy metals contaminating the environment and our communities.
All the same, we have to dispose of old computers and devices from time to time. Letting them pile up in our homes isn’t a feasible solution. Not only does the constant clutter reduce our quality of life, but unsecured electronics can be tempting targets for data thieves.
So to solve this dilemma, let’s take a look at how we can safely dispose of old computer systems and devices in a way that protects the environment, and our digital security.
Recycle Old Computer Systems
There was a time when electronics like computers would be thrown out with everyday trash. But with amounts of lead, mercury, and other toxic materials in electronics, many jurisdictions have made it illegal to dispose of them like common garbage.
So what becomes of those old devices?
The most straightforward way to deal with them is to take them to an electronics recycler. Recyclers can often salvage valuable materials or even whole parts, reducing the amount of waste.
Repurposing an old computer can also be a viable option. Why dispose of old laptop computers if you have young relatives who could use a simple setup for dealing with their schoolwork?
Some community organizations can also put your old tech to good use. The only caveat to any of these solutions is ensuring that any data on those systems is completely deleted.
Security Concerns When You Dispose of Old Computers
We all need to do our part to reduce our impact on the environment. But we need to make our security a priority, too. As data thieves can mine old computers for recoverable data, any personal information on that computer could be at risk.
Smashing an old computer to smithereens might make it harder for thieves to access your data. But it will also reduce its value as recyclable material.
The solution is to have a certified erasure performed. These procedures erase old computer data that may be on a device.
The process should be handled by a trusted firm like Certus. They offer a range of products that can meet the needs of everyday users and major companies alike. And all of their tools come with a certified guarantee that user data is safely deleted.
Get Rid of an Old Computer While Protecting Sensitive Data
You’ll inevitably need to dispose of old computers or devices sometime soon. As technology advances, we tend to make more upgrades more often, increasing the amount of e-waste that needs to be dealt with.
Putting your old tech in the hands of a quality recycler and ensuring the deletion of your data is the only way to reduce your environmental impact and ensure your digital security.
But old tech is only one way that data thieves can access sensitive material. To make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest cyber threats, be sure to follow our latest tech news.
