R2, e-Stewards analyzed in new report

R2, e-Stewards analyzed in new report

By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling

A new report from IT asset disposition firm U.S. Micro analyzes both the R2 and e-Stewards certifications from an IT asset manager's perspective.

The report finds, while both certifications accomplish the goal of encouraging more recycling and reuse of old IT assets, each present similar data security issues that asset managers should be aware of. For example, while the report encourages the use of certified electronics processors, it says that managers should be aware of the entire chain of custody for data-containing equipment. If a certified processor lacks data security capabilities, equipment will likely be sent, unsanitized, to a third party for further processing. The report recommends using certified processors that also offer data security services, and have obtained additional certifications.

"The ITAD industry needs certifications to keep progressing toward more effective data security and environmental practices, but they are not sufficient tests of a company's processes," said U.S. Micro president Jim Kegley in a corresponding statement. "The bottom line is that there is no substitute for thorough due diligence that tests whether an ITAD vendor has the right safeguards in place to protect both sensitive information and the environment."

The full report is available here [1].

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