The importance of data security in advancing e-waste activism

Every year, millions of metric tons of e-waste finds its way into landfills around the globe. The WHO forecasts that e-waste produced annually will surpass an astonishing 70 million metric tonnes by 2030. This statistical curve sends a clear message to those organizations who rely on communication and IoT devices: focus on this issue. 

The concentrations of substances such as mercury, lead, and chromium pose significant risks to human health anywhere this e-waste piles up. A disproportionate amount of this e-waste ends up concentrated in poorer nations that lack the appropriate infrastructure to handle the waste in a way that is healthy for the environment and citizens of those regions. 

While the primary focus of e-waste activism has rightfully been the environmental and social impacts, the question of security is a paramount and often under looked consideration. As more and more confidential information is accessed outside of the office, an equal rise in attention must be paid to information security and data management.

When the average person disposes of their laptop, phone, or smart device, they are not considering the long-term implications of the data that can remain absent secure data erasure protocols. The final resting place of your laptop, phone or work-from-home device can have a significant effect on your life or the success of your organization. Education around proper disposal of personal and workplace devices can go a long way to ensuring you and your organization are protected against significant security breaches. 

As the world drives ever closer towards a technological singularity, the sheer volume of electronic devices used by average citizens in their homes and at work continues to rise. Along with the increased environmental concerns of this e-waste, the rise of the hybrid workplace brings the issue of data security to a head. 

Used devices can contain sensitive corporate information that, if not properly disposed of, can lead to data breaches and harm to a company’s reputation. The threat of data-leakage contributes significantly to hesitancy around the end-of-life care for these devices. That’s why end-of-lifecycle management must include not only eco-friendly repurposing but also secure data destruction. 

THE ELECTRONIC RECYCLING ASSOCIATION

The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) (www.era.ca) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to address the growing problem of e-waste and the increasing ‘digital divide’. As a non-profit organization, ERA works with businesses and organizations to repurpose used electronics and IT equipment. The ERA’s data destruction process is 100% secure and can be done either off-site or on-site. This ensures that sensitive information is not compromised and that companies can protect against data breaches in a way that works best for their unique needs. 

We possess robust data wiping and physical destruction capabilities, including hard drive shredding, off-site and on-site destruction, self-service rental, and software-based erasure. This process is done by our team of experts who are trained in the latest data destruction techniques and are committed to providing the highest level of security. Proper e-waste management is a responsible decision for any business or organization looking to protect their assets and customer relationships. 

By entrusting a reputable organization like the ERA to handle e-waste management, businesses and organizations can rest easy knowing their data is secure. Not only do our services protect against data breaches, but they also safeguard a company’s reputation and brand. Our data destruction process is 100% secure, and we have partnered with Canadian Law Enforcement agencies to raise awareness of the dangers associated with inadequate diligence around personal computing devices. 

Crucially, we provide official certifications for all services completed. By properly disposing of old devices, companies can not only reduce e-waste but also protect against data breaches and protect their brand. Contact us to learn more about our secure and effective data destruction services. By properly disposing of old devices through the ERA’s 100% secure data destruction process, companies not only reduce e-waste but also protect against data breaches and protect their brand. 

The benefits of proper e-waste management are clear – both for the environment and for the security of sensitive information. Visit the ERA website at (www.era.ca) to learn more about our comprehensive e-waste management services.