The importance of IT asset disposition

With the era of technology standing stronger than ever, evolving in innovative ways, the need for and use of hardware and other IT assets has also exponentially gone up in the past decade or more. Putting aside the IT field, any and every business from all other fields has had to adapt to the digital world to ensure best practices and maximum efficiency.

All kinds of electronic devices, ranging from laptops and computers to projectors, scanners, printers, and a variety of miscellaneous IT assets are put to use by businesses every day. Like any other product, when any of these devices reach the end of their useful life, they need to be properly disposed of. The increase of reliance on such electronic items has thus led to a colossal e-waste problem that's constantly growing.

Around 40 million tons of electronic waste is generated every year by people and businesses around the world. Bluntly put, that's throwing away around 800 laptops every second! Furthermore, the rate of proper e-waste management is low considering that only around 33 percent of all electronic waste generated in India was recycled in FY 2023 according to a Statista Report.

So what exactly does the term IT asset disposition mean? IT asset disposition refers to the process of properly disposing of an organisation's dead or non-working IT assets. In a general sense, it also includes re-use, recycling, repair, and other sustainable practices apart from just the disposal of IT assets.

Let's look into why it is important for businesses and for the environment.

Why IT asset disposition is important:

1) Sustainability:

As mentioned earlier in the article, the ever-growing production of e-waste is a massive concern to keep in mind. E-waste needs to be handled safely and properly as it can contain toxic and pollutive components. The harmful effects of improper e-waste management are proven to be destructive to our environment.

An article from a few years ago revealed that on studying soil and groundwater in East Delhi, there was an alarming amount of toxic metals seeping into them (source: DownToEarth.org)

Through proper IT asset disposition, an organisation can ensure that it is doing everything in its power to minimise the production of e-waste, and that the necessary precautions and practices are put in place when handling the disposal of its IT assets. It could be through the reuse, recycling, refurbishment, or repurposing of IT assets.

2) Data erasure:

Dead or end-of-life devices might still contain sensitive data. A proper IT asset disposition process will ensure that data is erased before it is disposed of. This provides a barrier of security and safety for businesses by cutting out the risk of data loss or leak when a device is decommissioned or retired.

IT managers have reported data security as the top priority when it comes to disposing of retired devices – Annual IT Asset Disposition Report by Cascade, 2024

3) Cost-saving:

Not only is it very helpful to the environment, but proper IT asset disposition can mean money saved for businesses. Potential repair of IT assets can extend their lifespans, repurposing one device for another use, buying and using refurbished devices at a fraction of the cost - these are all some ways in which companies can look to cut costs while aiding the planet.


In conclusion, IT asset disposition is a critical process that companies need to carry out to play their part in working against the e-waste problems of the world.

Assetze's IT disposal services can help streamline the disposition process for your company. Sell your outdated devices to us at attractive prices, and purchase refurbished devices with repaired and updated components.

Our IT asset disposition services are compliant with government-imposed norms and international standards, such as Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) guidelines set by the EU. Your company will also be issued a data destruction certificate, so you can rest assured that your e-waste has been handled properly. Contact us today to find out more.