October recognizes both Circular Economy Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month, giving Canadian businesses an opportunity to think about how workplace technology is used, protected and eventually retired.
A circular economy focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. For workplace technology, this means considering whether laptops, computers, tablets, smartphones and other electronics can be reused or refurbished before being recycled.
Data security is equally important. Retired electronics can still contain confidential company, customer and employee information. Businesses should have a clear process for managing data-bearing equipment when it leaves their organization, including secure data wiping or physical destruction when appropriate.
Tips for Businesses This October
Review unused technology: Take inventory of old computers, laptops, phones and other electronics being stored around the workplace.
Create a clear IT retirement policy: Make sure employees know what to do with company devices when they are replaced or no longer required.
Don’t overlook stored data: Before donating, reusing or recycling equipment, ensure data is securely removed using an appropriate data destruction method.
Keep proper records: Maintain serial number records, data destruction documentation and other relevant reports. These records can support internal security policies, audits and sustainability or ESG reporting.
Get employees involved: Consider hosting an employee electronics collection event where staff can bring unwanted electronics from home. Pair the event with information about data security, electronics reuse and responsible recycling.
Prioritize reuse: Before automatically recycling working technology, determine whether it can be refurbished and given a second life.
The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) works with organizations across Canada to support technology reuse, responsible recycling and secure data destruction. ERA can also provide services and documentation such as secure data wiping, physical data destruction, serial number reporting and Certificates of Data Destruction.
This October, businesses can start by asking one simple question:
What happens to our technology—and its data—when we no longer need it?
Answering that question can lead to stronger data security, reduced electronic waste and more responsible technology management.