The 7 Criteria for Selecting an ITAD Partner
Retired electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing environmental and human health threats we face today. In 2019, the world generated 53.6 million
As businesses anticipate Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, securely disposing of outdated IT equipment becomes crucial to avoid data breaches and compliance issues. Cobalt offers expert IT asset disposal services for safe removal and recycling of obsolete devices. Choose Cobalt to protect sensitive data and support environmental sustainability through responsible disposal.
With Cobalt’s comprehensive IT asset disposal service, you can trust that your sensitive data is secure and your outdated desktop and laptop computers are recycled responsibly, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Cobalt provides complete ITAD services. From electronics recycling to data destruction, we are the premier ITAD partner. Regardless if the electronics are recycled or refurbished and resold, we make sure all of your sensitive data is unrecoverable.
We provide secure transportation to our state-of-the-art processing facility. We even prepare and package the electronics for you.
Electronic assets will be recycled or refurbished, but in either case, all sensitive data is securely eliminated through clearing, purging, or physical destruction. At Cobalt, we employ all three of these NIST-certified methods.
Cobalt's detailed documentation and reporting confirms that the ITAD process was carried out properly. Adequate documentation is necessary for auditing and compliance.
Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft.
Continuing to use Windows 10 post-support increases vulnerabilities to security risks and malware, as you’ll no longer receive critical security patches.
Yes, eligible Windows 10 devices meeting the minimum system requirements can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz and 2 cores or more, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, DirectX 12-compatible graphics, a TPM version 2.0 chip, and Secure Boot capable firmware.
You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to determine if your device meets the Windows 11 system requirements.
When dealing with outdated computers that are incompatible with Windows 11, partnering with a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) company that specializes in electronics recycling and data destruction is an effective solution. Here’s how to manage your old equipment responsibly:
1. Partner with a Certified ITAD Company: Engage a certified ITAD company that focuses on both electronics recycling and secure data destruction. These experts are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle obsolete computers responsibly, ensuring that all processes meet industry standards.
2. Data Backup and Secure Erasure: Before handing over your equipment, ensure that all important data is backed up. The ITAD company will then use certified data destruction methodologies to securely erase all sensitive information from the hard drives, protecting your privacy and preventing any potential data breaches.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: The ITAD provider will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your outdated computers to determine the best course of action—whether it’s recycling or refurbishing select components for reuse.
4. Environmentally Responsible Recycling: These companies adhere to strict environmental regulations, ensuring that hazardous materials in your old computers are disposed of safely, and valuable materials like metals and plastics are efficiently recovered and recycled.
5. Documentation and Reporting: You will receive detailed reports and certifications from the ITAD company, documenting the entire process of data destruction and recycling, providing transparency and compliance with environmental and data protection regulations.
By collaborating with a certified ITAD company, you can effectively manage your outdated IT equipment while ensuring environmental responsibility and safeguarding your data security.
When devices reach the end of their lifecycle, they often contain sensitive information—client records, financial data, and proprietary details—that can be exploited if not properly destroyed. Improper handling of these devices could lead to breaches, compliance violations, and damage to your reputation.
Cobalt specializes in the secure and responsible disposal of retired technology. We offer certified data destruction, secure chain of custody, and environmentally responsible recycling services. Our services include certified wiping for devices intended for reuse or resale, as well as secure hard drive shredding to ensure data is completely unrecoverable. We can perform destruction on-site or off-site based on your specific needs.
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When it’s time to upgrade, it’s important to select the safest & most beneficial retirement plan for your outdated IT assets. Every organization has different
