Balancing Sustainability and Security: ITAD’s Role in ESG Success

By: Levi Hentges, Vice President / Development, SEAM
As businesses strive to balance profitability with sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals have become a critical benchmark for accountability and long-term value. Managing IT equipment responsibly is a significant step toward achieving these goals, addressing both environmental impact and data security.
A well-developed IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) policy helps businesses meet ESG objectives by focusing on two key priorities: protecting sensitive data and reducing waste.
How ITAD Aligns with ESG Goals
An ITAD policy ensures that retired IT equipment—like computers, servers, and mobile devices—is managed in a way that supports sustainability and governance priorities. This involves securely handling outdated devices to minimize waste and strengthen compliance and risk management practices.
Two key strategies drive ITAD success:
- Remarketing: Refurbishing and reselling devices to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
- Recycling: Recovering materials and safely disposing of items with no residual value.
It’s not just about the actions your business takes but about how they’re implemented. Working with a certified ITAD provider ensures that these processes meet the highest standards for security, environmental stewardship, and ethical operations. Certifications like R2, e-Stewards, and NAID provide transparency, accountability, and peace of mind.
Why Certification Matters for ESG
Certified ITAD providers play a critical role in helping businesses meet ESG commitments. They:
- Ensure secure, traceable data destruction, eliminating risks of breaches.
- Promote sustainability by adhering to strict environmental standards for electronics recycling.
- Mitigate risks associated with improper disposal or non-compliance with regulations.
By partnering with certified providers, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to ESG values, ensuring both ethical operations and sustainable outcomes.
Extending the Life of IT Assets
One of the most effective ways to reduce waste is to extend the life of IT equipment through remarketing. Devices that are securely wiped and refurbished can re-enter the market, contributing to a circular economy. Certified providers ensure that all data is erased following strict NIST data security standards, minimizing risks while maximizing value.
Benefits of Remarketing:
- Waste Reduction: Devices stay out of landfills, reducing environmental impact.
- Enhanced Governance: Secure handling aligns with regulatory and ethical standards.
- Cost Recovery: Proceeds from reselling assets can offset IT upgrade expenses.
Recycling When Remarketing Isn’t Viable
Not all IT equipment is suitable for remarketing, but recycling ensures these items are handled responsibly. Electronics often contain valuable materials such as metals and plastics, as well as hazardous components requiring special processing.
Responsible Recycling Practices:
- Secure Disposal: Hard drives and sensitive components are shredded to protect data.
- Material Recovery: Metals and plastics are reclaimed for reuse, conserving natural resources.
- Regulatory Compliance: Hazardous materials, like batteries, are processed according to environmental standards.
Certified providers ensure traceability throughout the recycling process, giving businesses confidence that their ESG objectives are being met.
ITAD as a Pathway to ESG Success
Developing and implementing a thoughtful ITAD policy is a straightforward way to improve ESG performance. By focusing on remarketing and recycling strategies, businesses can reduce waste, protect sensitive information, and demonstrate accountability in their operations.
Ready to take the next step? SEAM offers certified ITAD services that align with your ESG goals, ensuring security, sustainability, and compliance every step of the way. Contact SEAM in Sioux Falls today to learn more about how we can help your organization meet its objectives.
Levi Hentges is the Vice President / Development at SEAM. He helps clients build and manage their IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) programs to comply with legal, corporate and environmental requirements surrounding their technology devices; including asset recovery and resale, data destruction and secure electronics recycling.
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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