Building a Circular Future: The Importance of Sustainable IT Asset Management

Dec 29, 2024

By Clint Parsons, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM

The tech industry moves at lightning speed. New devices, software upgrades, and cloud innovations seem to hit the market daily. But as businesses embrace these advancements, there’s a critical question we all need to ask: What happens to the old technology we leave behind?

At SEAM, we see the hidden side of innovation—the retired servers, outdated laptops, and decommissioned data storage devices that many businesses no longer need. While these devices might seem obsolete, their impact on our environment and data security is far from over. That’s why sustainable IT asset management is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.

Sustainability Meets Security

Amazon’s recent announcement about its circular economy efforts serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when businesses prioritize sustainability. At SEAM, we share a similar mission: to ensure every retired IT asset is handled responsibly, securely, and in ways that support a sustainable future.

Our approach starts with data security. When businesses upgrade their technology, data-bearing devices don’t just disappear. They carry sensitive information that could harm your business if it falls into the wrong hands. That’s why SEAM’s processes are designed to securely sanitize or destroy data before recycling or repurposing the device. By choosing a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider like SEAM, businesses can protect their data while contributing to a more sustainable world.

Reducing Waste, Recovering Value

One of the most exciting aspects of IT asset management is the potential for value recovery. Like Amazon, we prioritize reusing and reselling functional equipment wherever possible. Why throw away perfectly good technology when it can be refurbished, resold, or donated to organizations in need?

By recovering value from your retired assets, SEAM not only helps your bottom line but also ensures that fewer materials end up in landfills. This circular approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainability while giving businesses a tangible return on their investment.

The Bigger Picture: Circularity in the Midwest

Here in Sioux Falls and across the Upper Midwest, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Recycling rates in the region have room for improvement, and businesses can play a pivotal role in changing that. By working together, we can adopt circular economy practices that reduce waste and support local communities.

At SEAM, we’re proud to help businesses meet their sustainability goals through certified recycling, secure data destruction, and transparent reporting. These services don’t just benefit the environment—they also help our customers meet compliance requirements and demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility.

Why It Matters

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. As Amazon’s efforts show, taking a “reuse, recycle, reduce” approach can lead to meaningful change for both businesses and the planet. But it’s not just the tech giants that can make a difference—every business, large or small, has a role to play.

When you choose SEAM, you’re not just disposing of old equipment—you’re partnering with a team that’s committed to making a positive impact. Together, we can ensure your retired assets are handled responsibly, securely, and sustainably.

It’s time to challenge the traditional “take, make, waste” model and embrace a circular future. Whether you’re upgrading your data center, decommissioning old devices, or simply looking to recycle responsibly, SEAM is here to help.

Let’s build a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Reach out today to learn how SEAM can support your IT asset management needs.

Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM, specializing in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes. He ensures clients effectively navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximize the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations. 

SEAM provides IT recycling and data destruction services including onsite shredding and hard drive wiping to South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

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