ITAD &amp; Electronics Recycling Glossary

Asset Recovery

Asset recovery finds useful value in retired IT equipment. Testing, repair, and resale can help lower the total cost of disposal.

Asset Tagging

Asset tagging gives each IT device a unique tracking label. Common labels include barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags.

B

Blade Server

A blade server is a compact server that fits into a shared chassis. Several blades can share power, cooling, and network connections.

C

Data Security

Certificate of Destruction

A certificate of destruction records how specific IT assets were destroyed. It confirms that the listed data was made unavailable.

Chain of Custody

Chain of custody is a record of who handled an IT asset and where it went. The record runs from pickup through final disposition.

D

Data Center Decommissioning

Data center decommissioning is the safe shutdown and removal of IT systems. The work may include servers, storage devices, network gear, and cables.

Data Sanitization

Data sanitization permanently removes or destroys data on a storage device. The goal is to prevent anyone from recovering the information.

Data Wiping

Data wiping uses software to overwrite information on a storage device. A successful wipe makes the old data unavailable while keeping the drive usable.

Degaussing

Degaussing uses a strong magnetic field to erase magnetic media. It can make data on hard drives and tapes permanently unreadable.

Downstream Vendor

A downstream vendor receives materials or parts from a recycler. It handles the next step, such as processing, smelting, or further recycling.

E

Read full definition →General

e-Stewards

e-Stewards is a certification program from the Basel Action Network (BAN). It bars certified recyclers from exporting hazardous e-waste to developing countries.

E-Waste

Electronic waste (e-waste) is any unwanted electronic device or accessory. Examples include computers, monitors, phones, printers, and cables.

F

Compliance

FACTA

FACTA requires businesses to dispose of consumer information with care. This includes electronic records stored on retired equipment.

Functional Testing

Functional testing checks whether retired equipment still works. The result helps decide whether to resell the device or recycle it.

Read full definition →Equipment

H

Data Security

Hard Drive Shredding

Hard drive shredding uses an industrial machine to break drives into small pieces. This physical damage makes the stored data unusable.

HDD

A hard disk drive (HDD) stores data on spinning magnetic platters. It should be sanitized or destroyed before disposal.

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HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA requires covered healthcare organizations to protect patient health information. That duty includes the secure disposal of devices that contain protected health information (PHI).

I

ITAD

IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) is a planned way to retire old business technology. It covers data destruction, resale, and recycling.

M

Processes

Material Recovery

Material recovery separates useful raw materials from recycled electronics. These materials can include gold, silver, palladium, copper, aluminum, and plastic.

N

Read full definition →Equipment

NAS

A network-attached storage (NAS) device is a file server connected to a network. Each drive inside it should be sanitized before disposal.

Network Switch

A network switch connects devices on a computer network. It may store settings, routing tables, or access details that should be wiped before disposal.

NIST 800-88

NIST Special Publication 800-88 gives guidance for media sanitization. Organizations use it to choose a secure way to erase data before reuse or disposal.

P

Compliance

PCI-DSS

PCI-DSS is a security standard for businesses that handle payment card data. It calls for secure disposal when storage media contains cardholder information.

R

R2 Certification

R2 stands for Responsible Recycling. This global standard covers environmental care, worker safety, data security, and the handling of used electronics.

Reverse Logistics

Reverse logistics moves equipment from its user back to a recycler or manufacturer. It can include scheduling, packing, pickup, and transport.

S

Read full definition →Compliance

Server

A server processes requests and sends data to other computers. Because it may contain several drives, each storage device must be checked before disposal.

SOX Compliance

SOX requires public companies to maintain controls over financial reporting. Those controls may cover the secure disposal of IT systems that hold financial data.

Read full definition →Equipment

SSD

A solid-state drive (SSD) stores data on flash memory chips. It may require a different sanitization method than a magnetic hard drive.

T

Compliance

TCEQ Reporting

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) oversees electronic waste management in Texas. Registered recyclers may have to report volumes and final destinations.

U

UPS

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) gives equipment temporary power during an outage. Its lead-acid or lithium battery needs specialized recycling.