Not all ITAD is created equal: how to responsibly manage legacy tech

Legacy tech is a universal issue for all organisations. Believe it or not, 92% of the UK’s financial services companies still rely on legacy tech, but they’re not alone. This issue is becoming a top priority for every business, as rapid progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the decommissioning of MS Windows 10 are expected to spark the biggest refresh of corporate technology in a generation, with over 240 million PCs at risk of becoming e-waste as a result. 

Many companies are turning to IT asset disposition (ITAD) as a quick fix to responsibly manage legacy tech out of the business, but not all ITAD providers have the same credentials.  

Legacy tech as a value generating asset 

For most organisations legacy tech is an inconvenience and it’s not surprising that many organisations are willing to pay an ITAD provider to deal with it. But when you consider that an estimated USD$91billion of economic value was lost in the metal contained in global e-waste generated in 2022 alone, it’s clear decommissioned devices still hold significant value. 

Before choosing an ITAD provider, it’s important to check that they pay market value for used devices that can be reinvested into your digital transformation strategy. 

Due diligence across the lifecycle 

It’s also important your chosen ITAD provider can offer transparency on how end-of-life devices are handled and where they end up. It is estimated that, every year, more than 350,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste are illegally shipped from recycling facilities in the EU to developing countries, where it wreaks environmental havoc.  

With regulatory pressure increasing, organisations must ensure they can track and trace the impact of their enterprise technology across the entire IT device lifecycle, including once it has left the business and is in the hands of ITAD providers. 

Organisations should look for ISO-certified processes to guarantee compliance with international laws, regulations and standards, as well as best-practice handling of data and environmental procedures.  

Protecting company data 

Data security is another consideration for businesses, especially as failing to properly retire old assets containing sensitive data can have significant consequences for organisations and expose businesses to needless and costly security breaches, ransomware attacks, and regulatory sanctions. 

To avoid these risks organisations should only consider IT asset disposition services that guarantee a strict chain of custody, complete audit trail for every device, digital tracking of IT assets, secure data destruction, and environmentally responsible repair and refurbishment.   

A sustainable alternative 

Reputable ITAD providers will offer a secure and sustainable refurbishment programme that prevents used devices ending up as e-waste. 

At BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, we securely transport your legacy tech to our refurbishment centres¹ where we securely erase and refurbish as many devices as possible. These devices are then re-sold through a network of trusted partners and may go on to have a second life with a new user. If devices can’t be completely wiped or are damaged beyond repair, we shred them and recycle the material with our certified recycling partners. 

An end-to-end approach 

Today, corporate responsibility extends across the entire IT device lifecycle and IT asset disposition is a critical consideration as part of every sustainable IT strategy. Leading organisations are embedding end-of-life device management services at the point of procurement as part of a circular technology management solution, ensuring that responsible repair, refurbishment, and re-sale used corporate devices doesn’t become an afterthought. 

At BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, we’re committed to helping organisations no matter where they are in their sustainability journey. For some that’s transitioning to a future-fit solution that embeds a more secure and sustainable approach across the IT device lifecycle, for others it’s about safely and securely managing legacy tech out of the business while maximising its value.  

Need help with your IT asset disposition? Contact us today. 

¹ In some countries assets might be transported and processed by accredited partners