Proposal on the Disposal of Old Computers by Recycling Essay Example for Free

Proposal on the Disposal of Old Computers by Recycling Essay Imagining if we have 500 computers to dispose of, including its monitors attached to it, we are leaving approximately 3,000 lbs. of lead in the ground contaminating our environment if we do not recycle them properly. First step is the creation of a Disposal Team consisting of at least three IT personnel of our company and be responsible in the proper disposal of all the old machines by forwarding it to a third-party recycling organization. The team shall first take inventory not only the computers but also the monitors attached, non-working printers, fax machines, and copiers. Everything should be accounted for and make sure nothing will be just sitting around or just piling up somewhere in the workplace and suggest that this assessment must be done regularly. The team will also be responsible in reformatting and removing the hard drives using applicable security software in cleaning all the information of the hard drives to prevent from other people from recovering any vital or sensitive information it may hold. It is also important to remove all company control tags to avoid identification to which company it came from. In the selection of the right recycling company, the disposal team shall make a thorough research and make recommendations for me as to the name of the company and why they had chosen such company. My primary requirement is that the company should not only be reputable but also certified, and a participant of the EPAs Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge program. The Challenge has three main goals, namely: 1. Ensure responsible recycling through the use of third-party certified recyclers, 2. Increase transparency and accountability through public posting of electronics collection and recycling data, and 3. Encourage outstanding performance through awards and recognition (EPA. gov, 2012, Electronics Challenge, p. 2). Participants under this program responsibly manage used electronics collected by maximizing recycling and possible reuse, minimize damage to humans and the environment and proper destruction of sensitive information on all recycled machines. Reputable recycling companies must provide written documentation of the disposal procedures, they should tell us where did the hard drive sent or how did they destroy it. We do not want the old machines to be sent to third-world countries dumping ground where it will harm their own people due to its hazardous waste. The company should state it clear how they handle data destruction. If they cannot provide such documentation then it is not a reputable one. Finally, the recycling company must submit to our company a report or written documentation on the procedure on how it handled its machine disposal with record of serial numbers, type of machine, description, and date of disposal. Recommendation In addition to the new recycling program being adopted in our company, I am also suggesting leasing of computers instead of buying them. Leasing in the financial aspect may save the company money by not spending too much on computers upfront. Usually, lease runs for about three years almost the same time as new technology has just set in. The companys computer then will always have the latest technology and even the latest operating system. The company will also be entitled for purchase credits from the vendor upon return of older units when lease is up and upgrade for newer ones. In that way our company will not assume ownership of the machines and the vendor itself will be the one responsible in recycling it, less burden, and lesser tasks from our IT department. References What are the benefits of the SMM Electronics Challenge? (2012, September). Electronics Challenge, page 1. Retrieved  from  http://www. pa. gov/smm/electronics/ec_q;amp;a. htm Meyer, M. J. , El Ella, W. A. , ;amp; Young, R. M. (2004, 2004). Disposal of Old Computer Equipment. The CPA Journal, page 1. Retrieved  from  http://www. nysscpa. org/cpajournal/2004/704/essentials/p70. htm