There are three primary methods of data sanitization that we employ at Techno Rescue – Erasure, Degaussing, and Shredding. 

Erasure: We only utilize NIST 800-88 approved software to perform complete data erasure on various types of drives including SAS, SATA, and SSDs. The NIST 800-88 standard replaced the earlier DoD 5220.22-M method for data erasure. This method of data sanitization is ideal for clients who store data on recently manufactured high-capacity drives which carry strong residual value. Techno Rescue can generate and provide serialized certification logs for all drives at the conclusion of the erasure process. These logs are typically saved as .pdf files. We can provide this solution onsite at your offices or data centers anywhere in the world. We also have the ability to erase mass quantities of drives at our facilities.    

Degaussing: Degaussing eliminates data physically (not via software as erasure does) from the hard drive platters or tape film by producing a magnetic field sufficient to neutralize the magnetic particles. As such, this is an excellent method of data sanitization for traditional magnetic HDDs, but will not be workable for SSDs which use flash memory. Degaussing is widely considered to be the most efficient means of physically destroying magnetic media. Techno Rescue has both plant-based and mobile degaussers to help you achieve data sanitization anywhere in the world. 

Shredding: Physical shredding is typically the cheapest method of secure data destruction. This method utilizes an industrial strength shredder with sharp, rotating blades to tear hard drive casing and platters into extremely small, irregular pieces which are impossible to reconstruct. Techno Rescue is proud to use both plant-based shredders as well as mobile shred trucks which can be deployed to your offices nationwide. 

If you’re unsure of which method will work best within your budget and requirements, please call a Techno Rescue sales representative at 800-230-5280 to review these options and make an informed decision. 

Case Study: A medium-sized defense contractor with offices in Reston, VA needed to use an ITAD company to securely remove data storage assets (being replaced with updated models), and to destroy their sensitive data hosted on servers at a local data center, in order to comply with their internal data security protocols. 

Due to our combination of certifications, including NAID AAA and e-Stewards, Techno Rescue was chosen to complete this project. Our data destruction technicians were dispatched from our facility in Frederick, MD to the client’s data center to perform the task through the following steps: 

• Onsite audit of server and hard drive serial numbers with barcode scanners, matching them against the client provided list of assets for destruction, flagging any mismatches or additional serial numbers. 
• Physical removal of both servers and hard drives from the data center racks and transfer to one of Techno Rescue’s 26’ shred trucks in the parking lot outside the data center. The HDDs were transported in securely locked bins.
• Representatives from the defense company watched as our technicians unlocked the hard drive bins, and physically shredded all 864 hard drives onsite. 
• The clients signed off on a Chain of Custody document that Techno Rescue had securely removed all assets in scope. The document was promptly scanned and emailed to the company’s main HQ. 
• Techno Rescue transported the shredded hard drives and servers in a GPS-monitored truck back to our Frederick, MD facility for final processing. 
• Techno Rescue completed the project by providing the client with a final audit report, revenue share report including recoverable value from the servers, and certificates of destruction and recycling. 

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For myself I have been involved in the ITAD world for over 2 decades now. In the early days of my exposure to the industry there were no certifications, there were no rules around the collection of material and what you did with it afterwards. There was a lot of money to be made as the primary goal of the end users was to get rid of the material, very few people knew what the potential equipment was valued at. There were of course some large end user clients that had significant value remaining on their books for the equipment and therefore a bidding process was usually adopted.

Fast forward to 2008 and the 60 minutes show 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/following-the-trail-of-toxic-e-waste/

For me this drew a spotlight on what was happening, but in a good way. It seemed that everyone had seen the show and was taking notice. Companies, individuals and even government agencies wanted to know how their equipment was handled. Further to the airing of the show, the focus and attention was drawn to the exposure of data breaches, where your laptop of server hard drive containing social security, bank, health records or just pictures of your dog.  

The industry needed to respond and show that there were differentiators between the ‘guy with a truck’ and those that understood the right way of handling IT Asset Disposition.

As a responsible and ethical company, we knew we had been doing everything correctly so could proudly state this to the world, most easily we chose to adopt the most recognized of standards, R2  which was developed by SERI –

https://sustainableelectronics.org/about-story-and-mission/

and for data protection NAID =

https://isigmaonline.org/certifications/naid-aaa-certification/

Techno Rescue is a proud holder of both of these, we understand the needs of our customers and can be relied upon to ethically process you material.

For further details of my story, please contact me

Matt Ryan 

303-482-2207

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How Electronic Recycling Works

Electronics Collection

Electronic recycling begins with the collection of unwanted or obsolete devices. This can be done through drop-off centers, mail-in programs, or even curbside pickup services. Once collected, the devices are sorted based on their material composition and potential for refurbishment.

Disassembly and Sorting

The next step in electronic recycling involves disassembling the devices to separate valuable components such as circuit boards, metals, and plastics. These materials are then sorted into different categories to be processed accordingly.

Recycling and Repurposing

After sorting, the materials are sent to specialized facilities where they undergo various processes such as shredding, melting, and refining to extract valuable resources. These resources can then be used to manufacture new electronic products or other consumer goods, closing the loop on sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint.

What Electronics Recycling means for business

Benefits for Businesses

1. Increased Environmental Responsibility: Electronics recycling helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management.
2. Cost Savings: Properly recycling electronics can help companies save money on disposal fees, as well as potentially earn revenue through the resale of refurbished devices.
3. Data Security: Recycling electronic devices ensures that sensitive data is securely erased, protecting businesses from potential security breaches and data leaks.

Compliance with Regulations

1. Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding the disposal of electronic waste, making proper recycling essential to avoid hefty fines and legal consequences.
2. By adhering to these regulations, businesses can also enhance their reputation among customers, investors, and other stakeholders who value corporate social responsibility practices.
3. Implementing an electronics recycling program not only ensures compliance but also positions companies as leaders in sustainable business practices within their industry.

In conclusion, embracing electronics recycling offers numerous benefits for businesses including cost savings, enhanced environmental stewardship, improved data security, regulatory compliance, and a positive brand image. By prioritizing e-waste management strategies within their operations, organizations can contribute towards creating a more sustainable future while promoting trust and loyalty among key stakeholders.

Commonly Recycled Electronic Devices

• Cell Phones: Cell phones are one of the most commonly recycled electronic devices. They contain valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper that can be extracted and reused in new products.
• Computers: Computers are another electronic device that is frequently recycled. Components like hard drives, motherboards, and power supplies can be salvaged and repurposed.
• Televisions: With the rapid advancement of television technology, many older TVs end up being disposed of each year. Recycling televisions helps recover materials like glass and metal while preventing harmful chemicals from polluting the environment.

Benefits of Electronic Recycling

• Environmental Protection: Electronic recycling helps prevent harmful chemicals and materials from ending up in landfills, where they can contaminate soil and water sources. By responsibly recycling electronics, we can reduce the amount of electronic waste that contributes to pollution.
• Conservation of Resources: Electronics contain valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper that can be extracted and reused in manufacturing new products. Through electronic recycling, these resources can be conserved, reducing the need for mining and extraction processes.
• Energy Savings: Recycling electronics requires less energy than producing new ones from raw materials. By reusing components from recycled electronics, we can save energy that would have been used in extraction, refining, and manufacturing processes.

Tips for Responsible E-Waste Disposal

• Research Local Recycling Centers: Look up nearby facilities that accept electronic waste and find out the services they offer for disposal.
• Remove Personal Data: Before recycling your device, make sure to wipe all personal information from it to protect your privacy.
• Follow Environmental Guidelines: Dispose of e-waste in accordance with environmental regulations to minimize negative impacts on the environment.

When disposing of electronic devices, it is crucial to handle them responsibly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your e-waste is properly recycled and does not harm the environment. Remember that electronic recycling plays a significant role in reducing pollution and conserving resources for future generations.

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