Are you looking for a way to upgrade your technology systems? During the past few decades, there has been a massive transition of people moving from pencil and paper to the digital world. Now, there is a trend taking place in the digital world as well, with more people opting for virtual storage options, such as the cloud. If you want to save time, money, and space, you might be transitioning from old hardware to new devices as well. What are a few examples of types of old hardware you might be getting rid of, and how do you dispose of it?
Common Types of Hardware People Might Need To Get Rid Of
Depending on how long you have been in business, you may have multiple types of old hardware you need to get rid of. Some of the most common types of old hardware people are disposing of include:
- A CRT Monitor: This is a common type of monitor that people used during the middle and late 20th centuries. Many people have made the transition to flat-screen computers, with many people using monitors that connect to separate CPUs. If you have an old CRT monitor, it might be time to get rid of it.
- A VCR Player: You may even have an old VCR player in storage. If you have a VCR player, it may be time to donate this to a charitable organization.
- A Dial-Up Modem: Many people around during the early days of the internet know exactly what it sounds like when you use a dial-up connection. Now, wireless internet is more common, with many people making the transition to fiber. If you have a dial-up modem, it is time to dispose of it.
- A Dot Matrix Printer: Do you have an old printer? If so, it may be a dot-matrix printer. You may have this device sitting in storage, taking up space, and it is time to get rid of this and upgrade your printer.
- Floppy Disks: You might even have some old floppy disks lying around. There is a lot of valuable data on this disk, and you need to make sure you dispose of it accordingly.
- CD-ROMs: Even though these are a bit newer than floppy disks, they are still outdated. CD-ROMs are capable of holding a tremendous amount of data. Make sure you get rid of this data before you dispose of the CD.
These are just a few of the most common types of bold hardware that some people might need to get rid of. Why should you get rid of this hardware, and how can you get rid of it appropriately?
Reasons They Might Be Getting Rid of Old Hardware
There are a few common reasons why some people might be getting rid of their old hardware. Some of the most common reasons include:
A Transition To a Paperless Format
If you want to reduce your overhead expenses, one of the easiest ways is to switch your business to a paperless format. You may have a bunch of filing cabinets with old documents stored away. You need to make sure you think carefully about how you transition from a paper format to a paperless format. Make sure the most important data is preserved, and ensure you dispose of your papers appropriately.
A Need To Make More Space
Sometimes, companies hold on to their old hardware until they need to make more space. Maybe your business is moving to a new location. Perhaps you are hiring new people. If you need to make more space, you need to get rid of old stuff you have laying around. This could include hardware that you put in storage months or years ago.
Upgrading to a Cloud System
Finally, if you want to optimize your workplace, you need to adopt a digital format. In this case, you should take advantage of the cloud. With many companies looking to hire remote employees, you need to give your staff members the ability to access information remotely. One of the ways to do that is to shift your business to the cloud. If you make the move to the cloud, you no longer need to have old hardware. Therefore, you need to dispose of it accordingly.
There are countless reasons why companies may decide to get rid of their old hardware. What should you do with all of your information?
Before You Get Rid of Your Old Hardware, Back Up Your Data
Before you get rid of old hardware, you must make sure you back up your information. There is a lot of valuable data on your old hardware, and you need to protect your information. Take a look at your business continuity plan, and make sure you understand how to protect your data. Ideally, you should have three copies of your information stored in two different formats, with one copy being stored off-site. Then, make sure you have a data retention policy in place. There might be some situations where it is okay to destroy some of your information, but you don’t want to destroy anything too soon. Therefore, make sure you specify what data can be destroyed when it can be eliminated, and how it should be disposed of.
Furthermore, once you decide to get rid of your old hardware, make sure that data has been wiped. You don’t want anyone to steal confidential information from your company, and there might still be valuable information on the hardware even when you get rid of it.
You Can’t Just Throw Everything Away
Once you are ready to get rid of your old hardware, you need to figure out how to dispose of it safely. There are plenty of options available, but you need to look at the regulations in your local area. A lot of old electronic devices contain parts that could be hazardous, and some of them might contain dangerous liquid that could leak from the hardware if it begins to melt. Therefore, you cannot necessarily throw your hardware away.
If you want to figure out how to dispose of old hardware, the first thing you should do is take a look at the manufacturer’s website. They may have information you can use to figure out how to dispose of old hardware safely. Furthermore, they might allow you to trade in that equipment for credit at the store.
Then, you should take a look at regulations in the local area. For example, you should visit the local recycling website and see if they have any information on electronics. Even if the recycling plant doesn’t necessarily accept electronics, they may tell you what to do with them. That way, you can protect the environment and avoid potential fines or sanctions.
Consider Reselling or Donating Your Items
Before you simply toss your old hardware in the garbage can, make sure you think about all options available. There are plenty of opportunities for you to sell old devices as well. A few options to consider include:
- SellCell: This has become one of the most popular options for people who are looking to dispose of old cell phones; however, they purchase other types of electronics as well. Even though your item might be too old for the website, it is still worth taking a look.
- Amazon: It should come as no surprise that Amazon is on this list as well. If you have old electronics you want to sell, you may want to consider selling them on Amazon. You might be surprised at how much money someone is willing to pay for an old VCR player or tube TV.
- Decluttr: This is not a website dedicated to selling electronics, but it can be a way for you to offload some of your old hardware. If you have items you need to get rid of, list them for sale on Decluttr. The sale price is easy, and the program is compatible with multiple devices.
If you are having trouble selling your items online, you may want to visit a local thrift store in the area as well. There are some small businesses that specialize in purchasing and selling old or outdated electronics devices. You might be able to get some good money for your equipment at one of these establishments.
In addition to selling old hardware, you may want to donate it to a local organization. For example, there might be a school system that could use the technology. You may want to consider donating your items to a local Goodwill for the Salvation Army as well. There could be a local Boys & Girls Club that could benefit from old hardware. Finally, consider reaching out to a local job center to see if they could benefit from the technology.
Instead of simply throwing your items away, consider donating them. You might be able to get a tax write-off for the donation; however, this is always something you should talk about with a trained and certified accountant.
Think About Recycling Old Hardware
Finally, you may want to consider recycling some of your old hardware. Figure out who manufactured the device originally. If they are still in business, they may recycle the equipment for you. This is a great way to keep the item out of the landfill, and they may offer a trade-in credit you could use to save money on a newer piece of equipment. If another entity has purchased the company, the new parent company may still have a recycling program in place.
If you don’t see the item listed on the website, consider contacting the company directly. If you explain the situation, they may be willing to give you some money for the old device. This could make it easier for you to purchase new equipment.
Protect Your Information with the Team from SmartFile
If you are upgrading your technology, you may encounter a lot of old equipment. You may be wondering what to do with these old devices. Before you simply throw them away, you need to make sure you take all important data from the hardware and back it up in a modern format. Then, make sure you wipe all confidential information from the device before you dispose of it. That way, you can protect your company from harm.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you move to cloud storage, please contact us today to speak to a member of our team.