What is ITAD? SK tes guide to IT asset disposition and management

IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Transitioning ICT Hardware Toward the Circular Economy

The third industrial revolution (the digital revolution) facilitated rapid technological advances, changing how and where we work.

Editor’s Note: Updated February 2024 to include progress on SK Tes’s Decade of Difference Goal.

However, such periods of accelerated innovation come with challenges that need addressing.

What can our past tell us about our future?
What is ITAD?
IT Disposition, not IT disposal
Doing more with less
Closing the gap
Responsible recycling
How ITAD works with SK Tes
What are we doing at SK Tes?

What Can Our Past Tell Us About Our Future of IT?

The conception of the first computer is attributed to Charles Babbage, who proposed his difference engine to the Royal Astronomical Society in 1822.

In the early 20th century, Horace Rackham, president of the Michigan Savings Bank, famously advised Henry Ford’s lawyer that “the horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty.”

Fast forward to today, and over 435 million computer device shipments are expected worldwide by 2027.

These shifts underscore the importance of ITAD in delivering a circular economy for ICT equipment.

What Is ITAD?

IT asset disposition (ITAD) involves managing end-of-life technology assets like laptops, desktops, tablets, and data center equipment. It mitigates risks related to compliance, data security, and environmental responsibility.

ITAD vendors employ secure logistics, refurbish assets for remarketing, and recycle components when reuse is not possible.

IT Disposition, Not IT Disposal

ITAD is often misunderstood as IT asset disposal. Disposition aligns with waste hierarchy principles, emphasizing reuse and extending the life of IT assets.

Doing More With Your IT Assets

Extending the lifecycle of IT assets reduces waste and aligns with environmental sustainability principles. ITAD providers help review asset refresh timelines, maximizing their value.

Closing the Gap With IT Equipment Recycling

Organizations can donate remarketed assets to charitable causes, ensuring prolonged use and equitable technology access.

Responsible E-Waste Recycling

Recycling addresses the growing issue of e-waste. Certified facilities use advanced techniques to extract valuable materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources.

How ITAD Works With SK Tes

ITAD spans the entire IT asset lifecycle. SK Tes ensures secure, sustainable, and efficient processes for managing IT assets from start to finish. Form more information on the process and steps, visit our ITAD service page.