Disposal of Obsolete Printers and Copiers for Companies in São Paulo

Applicable Legislation for the Disposal of Printing and Copying Equipment

The proper disposal of obsolete electronic equipment, such as printers and copiers, must follow the guidelines established by the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), Law No. 12,305/2010, as available at planalto.gov.br. Article 33 of this law imposes shared responsibility for the product life cycle, including the implementation of reverse logistics, whose objective is to ensure the return of such equipment to the production system for reuse, recycling, or environmentally appropriate final disposal.

Environmental Impacts and the Need for Conscious Disposal

Equipment such as printers and copiers contain electronic components, plastic materials, and heavy metals which, if improperly disposed of, can cause soil and water contamination, affecting the ecosystem and public health. According to CETESB (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo), improper disposal of these wastes contributes to environmental pollution and the spread of urban solid waste, recommending practices that promote selective collection and environmentally correct handling (cetesb.sp.gov.br).

Procedures for the Disposal of Electronic Equipment

The disposal process should begin with the evaluation of the equipment's condition. If reuse or donation is possible, these options should be prioritized, aligned with the principles of the circular economy established in public policies. For equipment destined for final disposal, it is crucial to forward them through specialized companies that ensure the decontamination of components and the reuse of recyclable materials.

It is recommended to hire services that carry out certified scheduling for electronic waste collection to ensure that devices are not irregularly discarded in landfills.

Information Security in the Disposal of Stored Media

Devices containing storage units such as hard drives (HDs), found in digital and multifunction copiers, must have their data sanitized to protect sensitive information and comply with data protection regulations. HD sanitization consists of technical processes for the destruction or permanent cleaning of information, recommended by official bodies to prevent data leaks and misuse.

Final Considerations and Recommendations

Companies located in the state of São Paulo must observe environmental and data protection legislation during the disposal of obsolete printers and copiers. Compliance with PNRS standards, supported by specialized companies in collection and sanitization, is essential to ensure legal compliance and to minimize environmental and information security impacts.