Companies invest a lot of time in selecting the right hardware. They compare models, negotiate prices, and consider sustainability, performance, and compatibility. But once devices are written off, that same level of care often disappears. Yet it’s in this final phase where risks, costs, and opportunities converge.
The blind spot after purchase
Most organisations have a well-defined IT procurement policy. There are procedures, supplier lists, and budget workflows. But what happens to old laptops, servers, or smartphones once they’re decommissioned is often left unaddressed. Retired devices end up in drawers, closets, or storage rooms. Some disappear informally, others are removed without any registration or control.
That’s not only inefficient, it’s risky. Old hardware often still contains sensitive data. Devices that sit idle too long quickly lose their resale value. And companies miss out on circular impact.
End-of-life requires just as much strategy
A professional offboarding process starts with inventory: what’s present, what’s outdated, and what still holds value? Then you determine the right route for each device. Devices in good condition can be reused or refurbished. Damaged or heavily outdated equipment should be dismantled securely and recycled. Certified data destruction is essential for all data carriers. Companies that approach this structurally benefit on multiple fronts:
• Financial: recover residual value and avoid losses from forgotten stock.
• Security: significantly reduce data breach risks.
• Impact: extend product lifecycles and reduce material waste.
Circular thinking doesn’t end at purchase
A procurement policy that focuses on performance and sustainability is important. But it only becomes truly future-proof when it also considers what happens afterwards. The circular economy doesn’t end with the product, it begins when the product loses its function.
By applying a clear strategy for decommissioned IT equipment, offboarding becomes a lever for value, for security, and for impact.
Want to get the most out of your old IT devices in value, safety and sustainability?