A shocking waste of sensitive data
So you’ve upgraded your PCs or technology products and are happily enjoying the enhanced performance and features, but do you know what’s become of their worn out and obsolete predecessors? The shocking truth is one that not many of us are aware of, and perhaps it’s time we opened our eyes.
Countries like India, China and Africa have become a dumping ground for the electronic waste of the West, with the toxic aftereffects of improper disposal becoming a major problem. Old electronic products are full of toxic materials like arsenic, lead and cadmium, that when left in landfills can potentially leak into the ecosystem, damaging plant and animal life and potentially impacting on food supplies.
Reports from the Manufacturers Association of Information Technology (MAIT) and Clean India Journal, suggest that e-waste in India is expected to reach 1.72 million metric tons by 2020. In some disturbing cases children are being used in the process of trying to extract valuable materials from discarded technology products, carrying out acid washes, risking physical injury and poisoning. Ethical recycling is the clear solution, and one we should all commit to.
Security risks amidst the electronic waste dump
With reportedly less than 2 per cent of India’s total electronic waste being recycled due to the absence of proper infrastructure, legislation and framework, there are clearly security implications aside from the environmental impact of this terrible failure to responsibly dispose of our electronic waste. Sensitive data is inevitably left exposed when computers and technology products are not properly recycled.
Environmental considerations are as pressing as data security issues
“If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.” President Lyndon B. Johnson
The constant and unrelenting advancement of technology means there is an increased need to commit to computer recycling to protect both the environment and ensure the safety of critical business data. Proper computer recycling ensures peace of mind for the responsible management and retirement of redundant IT and technology products.
Protect data with secure and environmentally friendly computer recycling
The importance of responsible computer recycling has never been so vital. So if your company is one that is committed to the ethical recycling of its obsolete computers and technology products, make sure secure and environmentally friendly computer recycling that adheres to proper recycling regulations is part of your consideration, to ensure ultimate data security.
It’s also important to be aware that companies are now legally obliged to safely dispose of potentially sensitive information in accordance with current security laws and the Data Protection Act of 1998.
Be sure only to use a computer recycling company that operates in accordance with, and preferably exceeds all government guidelines such as the WEEE Directive and the Data Protection Act.