Staying current with the latest technology often means regularly upgrading mobile devices. This results in a significant accumulation of old mobile phones and tablets. Disposing of these devices responsibly is crucial for both environmental sustainability and data security.

Here’s our blog that explores how to manage the disposal of a fleet of mobile devices.

The Importance of Proper Disposal

Businesses handle a large volume of sensitive data and improper disposal of mobile devices can lead to data breaches and environmental damage. Mobile phones and tablets contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly. Furthermore, these devices contain valuable materials like gold and silver that can be recovered and reused.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you protect the environment but also ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards regarding data security and e-waste management.

Options for Disposing of Business Mobile Devices

1. Professional E-Waste Recycling Services:
   • Certified E-Waste Recyclers: Engage with certified e-waste recycling companies (like Charterhouse Muller) that adhere to environmental, data security standards and e-Waste.
   • Data Destruction Services: Many e-waste recyclers provide data destruction services, ensuring that all sensitive information is irretrievably erased from devices. This can include physical destruction or data wiping using certified methods.
2. Buyback Programs: Providers such as Charterhouse Muller offer buyback programmes where you can trade in their old devices for credit towards new purchases, in most cases we offer working and non working trade in pricing, providing non working devices can be securely data erased.
3. Specialised Providers: Specialist Providers like Charterhouse Muller offer asset recovery services where they assess, refurbish and resell, refurbish or donate your old devices. This can help businesses recoup some of their investment while ensuring environmentally responsible disposal.
4. Data Certification. When selecting your provider, please ensure that they can provide a certificate that shows that your devices have been erased in accordance with the regulations. We would advise you look for an ADISA approved supplier with the correct accreditations, such as Charterhouse Muller.
5. CO2 Reporting. A great specialist provider (like Academia) will also provide a CO2 emissions report that demonstrates how much savings you have made by recycling your devices responsibly. This is a real value add towards your CSR.

Preparing Devices for Disposal

Before disposing of any mobile device, it’s crucial to ensure that all data is securely erased to prevent data breaches.

Here are the steps businesses should take:

1. Backup Important Data: Ensure all necessary data is backed up and transferred to new devices or secure storage.
2. Factory Reset: We advise you perform a factory reset on each device to erase all data however we at Charterhouse Muller use approved erasure software for all smartphones and data erasure certificates are issued back to you stating all sensitive data has been destroyed.
3. Remove SIM and Memory Cards: Ensure that all SIM and memory cards are removed from the devices.
4. Sign Out of Accounts: Sign out of all accounts and disconnect devices from any associated cloud services.

Conclusion

Properly disposing of mobile devices is essential for protecting sensitive data, complying with regulations and promoting environmental sustainability. By utilising professional e-waste recyclers and asset recovery services, firms can ensure responsible and sustainable disposal of their old devices and hopefully earn some cash back in the process.

Through these responsible practices, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while safeguarding their data.

Our in-house Lifecycle solutions team assists business and institutions with their end of life devices. Please visit https://academia.co.uk/lifecycle-solutions/