We’ve said this before, and we’ll keep saying it: just because used technology gets unplugged and leaves your building, that doesn’t mean the data on it dies. While ensuring that your data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands is reason enough to make sure you dispose of technology properly, it’s far from the only reason.

Look around your office. If it’s like most, it probably looks a lot different than it did five years ago. Computers, phones, copiers and just about everything else associated with office work has changed dramatically. And, they’re going to keep changing.

Technology is advancing faster than just about anybody can manage. With everyone constantly upgrading to the latest, “next best thing,” it begs the question, “what’s happening to all of the old stuff?”

There are Several Good Reasons to Dispose of Technology

Here are six reasons to do so, and all of them can affect your company’s bottom line and reputation.

1. Criminal Penalties

As the world around us continues to demand faster and more complete access to information (better technology), there is now a more robust policing of used technology disposal.

Depending on your industry, the laws that govern how you dispose of technology can fall under one or more of the following: HIPPA (healthcare), EPA (environmental), FDA (pharmaceuticals and medical devices), FCC (broadcast and phone providers), PCI regulations (credit card data), Sarbanes-Oxley (financial services), Gramm-Leach-Bliley (banking) , PII (personally identifiable information) and FACTA (credit reports).

The repercussions of criminal penalties go without saying and can impact each of the remaining reasons we list.

2. Executive Fines and Incarceration

With information being such a high value commodity in this technological age, punishments are now catching up to the heft of the crime. Companies are now tasked with responsibly disposing of their used technology. Cavalier behavior with information can now lead to huge fines and even jail time depending on the case.

3. Civil Penalties

Civil penalties are fines imposed by government agencies as restitution for wrongdoing. Check any business page or television news broadcast and it won’t take you long to realize that both State and Federal agencies are recognizing the growing exposure related to information security. Fines can add up quickly and not only damage your company’s bottom line, but your reputation as well. 

4. Litigation Costs

One of the misconceptions with technology disposal is that all liability for data is transferred once technology exits. Too often that’s not the reality, and it’s the reason many companies are blindsided by cases even when they believed that things had been done correctly. Nobody wants litigation because that can get expensive very quickly.

5. Diminished Stock Prices

Perception is almost as powerful as reality when it comes to the value of stocks. Any of the above can lead to a negative perception of your company, whether it’s founded or not. If the perception of your company is diminished, your company’s stock will be as well.

6. Public Relations Fallout

The old adage that any publicity is good publicity doesn’t hold true here. Your company’s reputation is damaged if any of the above events occur. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily business and private lives, data security is more important than it’s ever been. Understand your responsibility and ensure that old technology is disposed of properly. Your reputation depends on it.