Tips for Retiring, Recycling and Reselling School Computer Equipment

With North Dakota and South Dakota schools are back in session, do you have your plan ready to go when IT equipment needs to be recycled or resold? Schools of all sizes must find a responsible and secure solution when it’s time to replace outdated computers or IT equipment. But this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on getting money back from your used equipment.

When liquidators and brokers come calling, it’s hard to tell the difference. For the most part, they provide the same services – or at least that’s how it looks. Certifications, experience, responsiveness, knowledge, reputation and flexibility are all key areas to consider when selecting an electronics resale or recycling partner for your school’s electronics.

How to Spot “Risky” Vendors:

• When companies are certified to e-Stewards or R2, you can trust they are truly handling equipment securely and responsibly. Make sure they are listed on the organization’s website they claim to be certified by though,  if not… RUN!
• Ask for a tour of their facility to witness the data destruction for recycling and wiping or erasure process for reuse. This is a great way to see if they can prove to you, without hesitation, what they say they are doing behind the scenes is true.
• If your equipment still holds value, as most school equipment does, you could and should be making money back on your IT equipment. Ask how they determine what value you’ll get back from your valuable devices.
• Look out for companies who are just looking to pay for your electronics without telling you what they’ll do with the “junk” they can’t resell. As the generator, you are on the hook for ALL equipment, regardless if it’s sold, dumped or exported illegally. Look for a company who will take the bad with the good, and properly dispose anything they can’t sell.

Finding the Right Solution

To find the right service partner for your used school computers and devices, follow these tips:

1. Ask for customer references- Are there other similar customers to your school who would recommend them?
2. Ask for contacts within their company – Will you be helped by a real person or always be waiting for the next generic customer rep to assist you?
3. Check out their certifications – Look for R2 and e-Stewards certifications, and then double check the official websites to make sure they are current.
4. Ask about remarketing and resale – Will they resell your equipment? If so, will you get value back? And how do they make sure the data is completely erased?
5. Ask about compliance – How they will help you comply with your own requirements (FERPA)- Make sure they will help you stay in compliance with any legal requirements you may have.
6. Ask about Reporting– Will they provide you with detailed reports for your equipment to fulfill any auditing requirements you may have?

SEAM is pleased to offer quick, convenient and secure data destruction and electronics recycling and resale services to South Dakota, North Dakota and surrounding area schools seeking to protect their students. We ensure convenience, money back on any sold devices, and peace of mind . Contact us today at 605-274-SEAM (7326) or get a quote online to find out what we can do for your school.