IT Equipment Disposal for Companies in São Paulo

Legal Standards for the Disposal of IT Equipment in São Paulo

The proper disposal of information technology (IT) equipment in the city of São Paulo is governed by current environmental legislation, especially the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010). This law establishes shared responsibilities among manufacturers, importers, retailers, consumers, and the public authorities, aiming to reduce waste and encourage recycling.

State and Municipal Regulations

In addition to the federal regulation, the State of São Paulo has specific regulations such as SMA Resolution No. 48/2016, which defines criteria for the integrated management of electronic waste. Improper disposal can result in penalties according to the São Paulo Environmental Code (Law No. 13,798/2009).

Technical Procedures for IT Waste Management

Safe final destination involves specialized collection, transportation, and processing of deactivated equipment. It is recommended to hire certified companies for electronic waste collection, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and avoiding impacts on public health.

Sanitization of Electronic Media

For media containing sensitive information, such as hard drives (HDs), the procedure of secure disposal of IT equipment through sanitization is mandatory, which ensures the permanent destruction of data according to the best information security practices recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as documented at nvlpubs.nist.gov and csrc.nist.gov.

Environmental Impacts and Benefits of Recycling

Incorrect disposal of electronic equipment contributes to soil and groundwater contamination due to heavy metals present in electronic components. Proper recycling processes reduce the extraction of natural resources and prevent environmental damage, as established by the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), available at sinir.gov.br and by the SINIR Technical Manual (mtr.sinir.gov.br).

Responsibilities and Recommendations for Organizations

Entities operating in the IT sector in São Paulo should adopt internal policies for proper disposal management, implement contracts with licensed environmental service providers, and maintain records of destinations, as provided by the National Solid Waste Policy. Additionally, they should raise awareness among employees about the risks and appropriate procedures.