Older electronics that get replaced with newer models can easily take up essential space in a workplace. Many entities that find themselves with an excess of older electronics have to make a decision between a direct donation of their electronics or asset disposition through an electronic recycling company.
Let’s examine why donations may not be the best option and how asset disposition can actually help resolve common donation problems while still reducing a brand’s environmental footprint.
Why Do Businesses Choose to Donate Old Electronics?
Every business wants to be known for its positive impact on the community. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to old electronics many businesses tend to donate them to local charities or community organizations that can potentially put them to good use.
Issues With Electronic Donations
Although donating outdated electronics can set an example for the competition and attract environmentally-conscious employees, there are several things that can send your business’s good deed into the messy territory.
Data Security
Unless an old hard drive is completely wiped or destroyed, there is always the possibility of a data breach if old electronics fall into the wrong hands.
Many brands that donate their older electronics believe that a manual delete or reformatting effectively wipes the hard drive. Unfortunately, modern criminals can easily recover essential data and cause a destructive breach that puts your business’s finances and reputation at risk.
Liability
Liability isn’t typically something people consider when performing a good deed. However, if, for some reason, the electronics you donate to an organization result in physical damage to the organization, your business is held liable and could face extensive repair fees or even a lawsuit.
They May Not Be Usable
Unless your old electronics have gone through a professional refurbishment, it’s likely that they won’t be able to properly perform for those you donate them to. Not only is this an inconvenience to the organizations that accept your donation, but it could tarnish your credibility as a donating entity in the future.
Transportation Risk
Finally, when you donate old electronics, they are still technically part of your inventory until they officially exchange hands. So, if something goes wrong as you transport electronics to their new owners, you’re still completely responsible for the condition of your old assets.
How Can Electronic Recycling Resolve These Issues?
While it may seem like your donation is making a positive impact, the truth is that recycling your old electronics is actually an easier process that does more for your local community.
By recycling electronics:
- You prevent the contamination of landfills and mitigate the spread of e-waste
- Recycled electronic parts help make new electronics more affordable
- Our recycling team can schedule a stress-free pickup
- Your data is completely destroyed through our shredders that can handle thousands of hard drives per day
- Even the most unusable electronics can find a new purpose
Experience Quality Asset Disposition With RetirePC
If you are an organization that needs to unload old electronic assets but knows they aren’t donation-friendly, let the experts of RetirePC help!
We are a team of R2 Certified electronics recyclers that can accept your electronics, perform efficient data destruction, and either recycle or refurbish your electronics for future use.
Remember, we can even offer cash for your electronics; however, their value significantly decreases as they age.
Contact the team at RetirePC to find out what your electronics are worth and schedule a recycling pickup today.