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Disposing of Hardware and Software - Employees

The removal of older computer equipment is an issue of increasing importance.  There are several thousand computers, printers and peripheral devices distributed throughout the University campus.  Items that are no longer of service to a department or user will need to be disposed of properly.

The disposal of media, computer equipment and computer software can create information security risks.  These risks are related to the potential unauthorized release of sensitive or confidential information, violations of software license agreements, and unauthorized disclosure of intellectual property that might be stored in hard disks and other storage media.

Most electronic equipment contains circuit boards, mercury switches, relays, and other components which are manufactured with materials considered to be hazardous, and cannot be disposed of in the general trash.  If it is determined that computer equipment cannot be reused or recycled, then it should be disposed of in compliance with University, state and federal laws for environment responsible disposition and in accord with University computer disposal procedures.

Computer and electronic storage equipment identified for disposal or redistribution must be reviewed and then subsequently cleaned by an approved data erasing process.  Licensed software and institutional data deemed to be the property of the University must be removed prior to disposal or redistribution of equipment.

All such equipment and software media is to be sent to Information Technology Services (ITS) Inventory Services for evaluation to determine the status and best means of disposal or redistribution.  If it cannot be sent, an IT Solution Centerrep will visit the departmental location.

Based on the assessment of the equipment or software by the Information Technology Services department, the items will be classified as follows, and dealt with appropriately, irrespective of what budget originally purchased the item.

Asset Management

In order for ITS to keep accurate records in the university asset inventory management system, ITS should be contacted when the status of a computing asset changes so that the current status can updated.

 

Disposing of Hardware and Software - Students

Goodwill in Big Rapids has partnered with Dell to recycle computing and electronic equipment.

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In Fall 2023, there will be a drop box in the Eisler Center outside of Room 108, the IT Solution Center Walk-Up Desk, where you can drop off any unwanted items.