Please view the video version of this text in the curriculum section to the right. Welcome to the ITAD.Academy’s ITAD Analyst course load. My name is David Daoud, President and Principal Analyst at advisory firm Compliance Standards. This course is for professionals who are involved in managing their company’s electronic recycling and IT asset disposition program referred to as ITAD. Whether you are in the IT department, IT asset management, procurement, security and compliance or in any other corporate function with oversight on or involvement in ITAD, this course is for you.
This course is meant to augment your knowledge with the latest on enterprise ITAD and recycling so as to keep your company compliant and safe and to help your organization enhance its ESG strategy. The course comprises of six sections aimed at providing baseline information and knowledge that an ITAD Analyst must have. Lesson 4 is the densest and most impactful of all since it lists and describes the components of an enterprise ITAD program.
This course comprises of six sections aimed at providing baseline information and knowledge that an ITAD Analyst must have. Lesson 4 is the densest and most impactful of all since it lists and describes the components of an enterprise ITAD program.
Some sections point to links to a KB (Knowledge-Based platform) and downloadable materials that can be used as reference such as step-by-step guides and howtos. And during the learning process, you will find references and links to further discussions and interviews of experts so as to augment your knowledge with senior experts on various important topics.
Lessons 1 begins with an introduction of defining ITAD, what it does and why it is important. Lessons 2 and 3 introduce the critical issues of regulatory compliance, which has been a critical driver in the development of ITAD and its future. The 5th lesson is a brief overview of data center decommissioning in an effort to identify the differences between it and the classical ITAD segments. The 6th lesson introduces the concept of an ITAD ANALYST, the expert who will be responsible for two functions: the first is to build, manage and monitor an ITAD program, using the latest techniques, and the second is to promote ITAD as an important function in the enterprise and build support among corporate leaders.
Upon completion of these six lessons, please take the 20-question quiz, which will assess your understanding and comprehension of ITAD. An 80% score is required to pass the test.
The Details:
In lesson 1, [Introduction: What is ITAD and How to Position it Within ITAM and the ESG Domains], we look at how the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) function is an essential aspect of IT Asset Management (ITAM), responsible for the secure and environmentally responsible disposal of technology assets at the end of their primary lifecycle. It encompasses a range of activities including data destruction, recycling, repurposing, and reselling of IT equipment such as laptops, servers, and medical devices. ITAD’s significance is highlighted by its impact on data security, environmental stewardship, and overall corporate ESG profiles. The evolution of ITAD has paralleled the growth of the IT industry, influenced by technological advancements and environmental awareness. Despite its critical role, ITAD often faces challenges such as being under-resourced and misunderstood within organizations, necessitating better integration and emphasis to align with ESG goals and ensure sustainable practices.
In lesson 2, titled [Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Data Security], we argue that data security compliance and regulatory requirements are crucial for organizations, especially during the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) phase, where risks of data breaches increase due to heightened human interaction. Regulations require companies to prevent data loss and manage environmental impacts, ensuring proper disposal of IT assets to avoid legal repercussions. High-profile cases, such as Morgan Stanley’s data breach due to inadequate vendor management, highlight the importance of rigorous risk assessment, vendor selection, and compliance with laws like HIPAA, GLBA, SOX, CCPA, PCI DSS, FISMA, and GDPR. Effective data security procedures necessitate collaboration among internal stakeholders and ITAD vendors to safeguard sensitive information throughout the entire ITAD process.
In lesson 3, titled [Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Environmental Controls], we note that the environmental controls, though less stringent than privacy and data security regulations, are essential for preventing pollution from poorly disposed e-waste as companies move towards sustainability. Many US retailers face legal jeopardy for improper disposal of electronics, highlighting the need to avoid environmental breaches when retiring technology assets. Major cases, such as Home Depot’s $28 million settlement over hazardous waste disposal, underscore the financial and reputational risks of non-compliance. Retailers struggle with e-waste management due to decentralized operations and cost sensitivities, despite recognizing the problem and often outsourcing IT asset disposition (ITAD) functions. Improvements are needed in structuring ITAD programs and allocating budgets to address these issues comprehensively.
