Recycling Computers in Cincinnati

Recycling Computers in Cincinnati does not have to be a worry. Sometimes when I visit clients,  I come across a room full of dinosaurs.

Not actual prehistoric animals, of course, but I do find plenty of obsolete computers, cell phones and other defunct electronic hardware. In some cases, companies hang on to this equipment for spare parts, cannibalizing them to keep other computer systems running. But, I also see clients sit on this “e-junk” because they just don’t know how to dispose of it in a safe and secure manner.

Recycling Computers in Cincinnati: Not for the Landfill 

The technology replacement cycle gets faster and faster each year, and new types of technology are constantly being introduced into our business and personal lives. As a result, “e-waste” is the fastest growing segment of the municipal waste stream in most communities across the United States.

But getting rid of old computers can be tricky. You don’t want to just toss them into the trash. Toxic materials can leach into landfills, and any sensitive information on cast-off devices can be picked up by dumpster divers or cyber criminals.

 A famous study by MIT students shows that old equipment that is not properly sanitized (wiped of sensitive data) can lead to big trouble for you and your business. Savvy cyber criminals understand that old devices are often chock full of valuable information they can sell or use to commit various types of fraud. You need to ensure that old electronic equipment is disposed of properly to protect your business, your employees, your customers and your vendors.

The best option for most people is to recycle. Recycling computers in Cincinnati is a good choice for the environment, too. The EPA notes the electronics are made from valuable materials that require energy to manufacture or mine. Recycling conserves those resources. 

Recycling Computers in Cincinnati Resources

Your first task is to identify a recycling vendor or IT service provider who can sanitize the device to ensure that all previous data is destroyed, and (this is very important) provide you with certificates of sanitization. That way, if you discover that data has been collected from discarded devices, the vendor is liable for damages. Recycling vendors that offer this service are sometimes called “e-cyclers.”

E-cycling vendors we trust and work with for securely recycling electronic devices in Cincinnati are: 

• Cohen Recycling
• Cincinnati Computer Cooperative (CCC)  

The added bonus with CCC: It’s a nonprofit organization that sorts and recycles equipment, but also refurbishes computers and sells them at minimal cost to underserved communities. 

You can also watch for e-cycling events held throughout Cincinnati communities during the year. Local governments set up collection days with authorized vendors who agree to haul away waste. It’s typically a free service for residents. Check here and your local city websites for upcoming events. 

Alert: Other Technologies May Hold Proprietary Info, Too

As you upgrade systems in your office and purge the old, be careful: It’s not just computers that you need to be wary about dumping. 

Smartphones, tablets, internet of things (IoT) devices, advanced phone systems, drives or multi-function printers… anything that can be connected to a network can and likely does store information. For example, some printers may store information from prints, faxes and more, which can be rich information for any cyber criminal to mine. These items all should be wiped clean by a professional as well. 

Getting Help

If you have questions about recycling computers in Cincinnati or e-cycling, feel free to contact us. When you work with Intrust IT, we provide guidance on updating your systems and disposing of those dinosaurs with peace of mind.