Tips for Disposing of Outdated Electronic Devices

According to estimates, the average lifespan of a new computer is no more than five years. As a result, companies are constantly updating their devices and are often left with stockpiles of old equipment. In this blog, we offer tips for disposing of your outdated electronic devices.

Follow Information Retention Guidelines

Be mindful of the data stored on your devices. Confidential customer records, financial statements and health information is not meant to be kept forever. You have a legal obligation to destroy this data when it expires. Keep abreast of your information retention policy. If you are unsure of your retention obligations, consult with your attorney.

Destroy All Outdated Devices

It is not just the data on your computers and laptops you must worry about. The following electronic devices store confidential personal, financial, and medical data:

• Backup Tapes
• CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
• Hard drives

Have a plan for destroying all end-of-life devices.

Comply with Regulations

The following laws require businesses and organizations to protect personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI):

• The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA)
• The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

Failing to adhere to the disposition statutes of these laws may result in non-compliance fines and penalties. Make sure your data disposal practices align with regulatory mandates. A qualified and trusted shredding provider will be able to provide you with a Certificate of Destruction after destroying your devices. This document notes the time and date of destruction and volume of information destroyed and offers proof of your compliance.

Partner with an e-Destruction Company

Erasing or reformatting your devices does not destroy your data. Criminals can extract sensitive data from erased and reformatted computer media. Physical destruction is the most reliable method for preventing digital data theft. An e-Destruction company brings a state-of-the-art mobile shredding truck to your business. A certified, security-screened technician takes your old equipment and destroys it on-site while you watch. After shredding your devices into tiny pieces, they recycle the shredded material.

As technology advances, updating your equipment is a must. Just make sure to dispose of your devices of in a secure, thorough, and environmentally-friendly manner.

Wiggins Shredding serves Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Area of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey with secure shredding and destruction services. We are your trusted, locally-owned paper shredding resource!

For more information on our shredding services, please call us at 610-692-TEAR(8327) or complete the form on this page.