"How to select an IT recycling partner: objective checklist"

Introduction

Selecting a reliable partner for recycling Information Technology (IT) equipment is key to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and the protection of sensitive data. This checklist aims to provide essential technical and legal criteria to support B2B decision-makers in the ESG, EHS, Procurement, IT and Legal sectors in choosing the right partner.

1. Legal and Environmental Compliance

Verify that the partner complies with current legislation relating to e-waste management. The National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010) determines shared responsibility for the life cycle of products, including electronic devices. Also, consult specific standards obtained through the Waste Treatment and Disposal Map to confirm that recycling processes are duly licensed and aligned with municipal and state plans.

2. Certifications and authorizations

Ensure that the partner has official authorizations for handling and disposing of electronic equipment waste, issued by environmental agencies such as CETESB. International and national certifications related to information security, such as the guidelines of the NIST Special Publication 800-88, are indicative of strict control in data sanitization.

3. Electronics collection process

Confirm that the partner operates a secure and traceable system for collecting electronic waste, guaranteeing the integrity of the transport and reverse logistics as provided for in specialized scheduling. The use of methods that prevent loss or contamination is crucial to the organization's environmental and legal compliance.

4. Secure data sanitization

IT equipment often stores sensitive information. The partner must sanitize hard drives and media using certified processes, guaranteeing the irreversibility of the data according to the recommendations in specialized scheduling. This step is critical in order to meet the privacy and security requirements set out in the Brazilian Civil Rights Framework for the Internet and the General Data Protection Law (Law No. 13,709/2018).

5. Transparency and Reporting

Demand detailed documentation on the final destination of electronic waste and the methods used in the recycling chain. Periodic reports with proof of compliance help with control and internal environmental governance, in line with good practices recommended by official bodies.

6. Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Consider partners that promote social reintegration and the reuse of materials, in line with ESG objectives. The recycling chain should prioritize practices that minimize environmental impact and help meet organizations' sustainable goals.

Conclusion

Choosing an efficient IT recycling partner requires careful technical and legal analysis. Observance of legal compliance aspects, appropriate certifications, strict collection and sanitization processes, as well as operational transparency, ensure the safe and sustainable management of electronic waste.