Whether you’re managing a small business or overseeing IT for an enterprise, creating a clear and compliant IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) plan is critical. Improper disposal of old devices can lead to data breaches, regulatory violations, and missed sustainability goals. Here’s how to build a smart, secure ITAD plan in just six steps.
Step 1: Take Inventory
Start by cataloging every IT asset in your organization: laptops, servers, phones, networking equipment, and more. Make note of:
- Serial numbers
- Purchase dates
- Assigned users or departments
- Current status (in use, in storage, ready for retirement)
A clear inventory makes it easier to plan ahead and track assets through their lifecycle.
Step 2: Define a Retirement Policy
Establish criteria for when and why devices should be retired. Consider:
- Age or warranty expiration
- Hardware failure or underperformance
- Security or software support end-of-life
- Departmental upgrade cycles
Having a defined policy ensures consistency across your organization.
Step 3: Partner with a Certified ITAD Vendor
This is where many businesses go wrong. Working with a certified provider like Electronic Asset Security (EAS) ensures your old tech is:
- Handled securely from pickup to final processing
- Wiped or destroyed per NIST 800-88 standards
- Tracked with a documented chain of custody
- Recycled responsibly under R2v3 certification
Step 4: Protect and Destroy Data
Data destruction is a core part of ITAD. Whether you’re decommissioning servers or retiring mobile devices, make sure:
- Drives are wiped using secure, auditable software
- Physical destruction is performed when needed
- Certificates of Destruction are issued and stored
Skipping this step leaves your organization exposed.
Step 5: Document Everything
From the initial asset inventory to the final Certificate of Destruction, documentation is non-negotiable. You’ll want:
- Proof of device handoff and processing
- Serial number logs
- Chain-of-custody records
- Audit trails for compliance reviews
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
Step 6: Report and Review
At the end of each cycle, review your ITAD process. Evaluate:
- How many assets were retired
- Whether goals were met (compliance, sustainability, cost)
- Any lessons learned or vendor feedback
Use this data to improve your next cycle.
Bonus Tip: Make ITAD Part of Your ESG Strategy
A good ITAD plan not only protects data, it supports your environmental, social, and governance goals. At EAS, we help businesses like yours implement secure, sustainable ITAD programs that reduce risk and create real impact.
Ready to build your plan? Learn more at electronicassetsecurity.com.