How to Safely Dispose of Corporate Computers

The secure disposal of corporate computers is essential to ensure the protection of sensitive data and compliance with current environmental legislation. This article addresses the technical procedures for sanitization and proper disposal, according to Brazilian standards, minimizing risks of information leakage and environmental impacts.

Applicable Legislation on Computer Disposal

The disposal of electronic equipment must comply with the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010), which establishes responsibilities regarding the proper management of electronic waste. To ensure compliance, it is also necessary to follow the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR - mtr.sinir.gov.br) and the directions from CETESB (cetesb.sp.gov.br) regarding the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

Secure Sanitization of Storage Devices

Before disposal, it is essential to sanitize storage media, such as HDDs and SSDs, to prevent the leakage of confidential data. The recommended methodology involves cryptographic erasure techniques or physical destruction, as guided by the HDD Sanitization Service. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) also provides technical standards (NIST SP 800-88) for secure sanitization.

Procedures for Sustainable Disposal

After sanitization, the equipment must be forwarded for specialized collection flows, following recycling practices and environmentally appropriate final disposal. It is recommended to schedule collection with authorized services, such as the one available for Electronics Collection, ensuring correct segregation and treatment.

Risks and Consequences of Improper Disposal

Improper disposal can lead to the leakage of strategic data, as well as violations of environmental regulations. Leaks can result in financial losses and reputational damage. Environmentally, incorrect disposal of electronic components can cause soil and water contamination by heavy metals and toxic substances.

Final Technical Recommendations

- Document the disposal process, keeping records of the sanitization and destination stages.
- Use services that certify environmentally appropriate final disposal and the integrity of information.
- Update internal IT and compliance policies to include the secure disposal protocol.
- Train responsible teams to understand the risks and procedures, ensuring proper compliance with laws.