How to Properly Discard Devices

The average American household contains at least four connected devices including desktops, laptops, tablets and, the most beloved of all, the smartphone. Pew Research indicates that this number may be much higher as young adults have access to smartphones, tablets, and laptops for school use. With new releases of phones and tablets happening regularly, many wonder about what to do with the gadgets that they want to replace. Let’s take a look at two of the main issues when it comes to properly discarding devices.

Secure Your Data

Think about how much information is stored on your laptop, or even your phone. Do you have your credit card number or personal information on saved on your devices? Or perhaps you have client data that needs to be secured before you dispose of the technology? Secure the data by wiping the device before disposal.

To get rid of all the sensitive data and applications on each device, complete a full reset of the operating system. Before doing this, be sure to backup all of your pictures, data, videos, or client information either to a hard drive or the cloud. Whether you have an Android, Windows, or Mac system, follow the directions in the settings section.

If you are still concerned about someone restoring your data and maliciously using it, you may want to consider further action. For example, use software like Microsoft Surface Data Eraser to securely wipe the data from computers, phones, tablets, and other electronics. Other users prefer software that can write over the existing data so that it becomes unreadable. In addition, there are several freeware that will let you delete files permanently.

Impact on the Environment

Other than your concerns about the data that was once stored on your gadget, you should be mindful of what to do with the physical device now that you no longer need it. In 2017, a United Nations study reported that, of the 44.7 million tons of e-waste were disposed of, only 20% of it was done properly.

There are several steps that users can take in order to minimize the impact on the environment. First thing to consider is passing on the device to someone who could use it. Many schools and nonprofits take devices as donations to pass along to students or families with no access to technology. Not only is this a great way to extend the use of the device and help others, but it is usually a tax donation as well!

For those who are not donating, check with your manufacturer to see if they have a comprehensive recycling program. Apple, Google, and Samsung all have programs that allow for a trade-in-deal when you recycle with them. Click the links to see how you can recycle your gadget through the manufacturer. Consumer Reports online also has a great resource that can help you identify a location where you can recycle, donate, or sell your older devices.

What do you do with your old gadgets? Do you recycle? Donate? Pass it down to other family members? Tell us in the comments below how you sanitize your data and reduce the impact on the environment. At M&H Consulting, we encourage responsible disposal of all electronics. If you have questions,  call M&H Consulting at 1-866-964-8324 or visit our website.

Categorised in: back up, computer lifespan, Devices, email, equipment, IT Consulting Services