SUSTAINABLE TECH

How to be Safe and Sustainable at the Same Time

The Intersection of Electronics Recycling, Cybersecurity, and ESG Responsibility

by Meagan E. Reed

February 24, 2025

If you’ve never thought about what happens to your computer, cell phone, or other electronics after you discard them, now is the time to start. eRecycling plays a crucial role in cybersecurity protection. End-of-life destruction of electronic devices containing personal information, intellectual property, browser history, login credentials, and more must be meticulously managed to prevent exposure of private data.

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Companies must proactively safeguard sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Improper disposal of IT assets can expose organizations to data breaches and identity theft for end-of-life IT assets. Simply deleting files or performing factory resets does not ensure complete data destruction. IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services are essential in securely managing end-of-life electronic equipment.

Fortunately, a Pittsburgh company provides businesses, counties, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions with a full range of IT asset disposition (ITAD) and remarketing solutions. eLoop LLC in Export, PA, just east of Pittsburgh, offers tailored solutions for clients to effectively reduce risk and maximize asset remarketing value.

eLoop: A Leader in Secure eRecycling

Founded in January 2008, eLoop was created to address the growing need for responsible electronic recycling, data destruction, and IT Asset Disposition. Initially operating in a 3,000-square-foot facility, eLoop rapidly expanded as awareness of eWaste dangers grew. By 2016, the company had moved into a 40,000-square-foot space, and in 2021, they upgraded to their current 54,000-square-foot facility.

In response to regulatory changes such as the 2013 landfill ban and Covered Device Recycling Program, Ned Eldridge, President / CEO and founder of eLoop, expanded into ITAD services, helping organizations securely process electronics through refurbishing, reselling, or destruction. The company ensures compliance with all state, local, and federal regulations while adhering to strict data security and environmental protection standards.

Eldridge said, “Our standard processes for IT asset disposal are fully transparent and are consistent with the highest quality standards set in place by the Nation Association for Information Destruction (NAID). This ensures that all data-bearing devices are properly handled from your door to our secure facility which is monitored 24/7/365. All IT assets are processed by qualified personnel.”

Certified ITAD Services Essential for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits often manage donor financial data and sensitive records, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Improper disposal of IT equipment can expose organizations to significant data breaches. Two case studies that show the cost of poor IT Asset Management include Goodwill Industries (2014), who had a data leak that compromised 870,000 individuals due to improperly discarded point-of-sale systems. As well as Salvation Army (2018), when a server mishandling incident exposed over 100,000 individuals’ personal data.

Benefits for all constituents from managed service providers, hospital systems, and even non-profits are significant for for everything from personal security to regulatory compliance:

1. Data Security: Certified ITAD vendors ensure proper data destruction, reducing risk.
2. Financial Savings: Refurbished IT assets reduce operational costs while contributing to sustainability goals.
3. Social Responsibility: Ethical disposal prevents worker exploitation and environmental harm.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to e-Stewards certification for responsible eWaste management.

In addition to maintaining high data security standards, eLoop maximizes reduction of waste and carbon footprints through refurbishment and resale.

ESG Commitments and Business Practices

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become fundamental to eLoop’s operations. The European Union has led the charge in ESG compliance, influencing major corporations like Bayer and Covestro to adopt environmentally conscious strategies. eLoop assists organizations in:

• Identifying waste streams
• Tracking pollution metrics
• Generating detailed sustainability reports

“ESG is a hot topic right now that is sweeping all types of industry. This is a major focus for consumers, especially younger generations. They have been a driving force for more businesses to pay attention to sustainability. People are more aware of the environmental impact of purchase decisions and disposal options than they have been in the past.” - Jeremy Gaston, dLoop Director of Sales.

The Role of eTrack in IT Asset Disposition

eLoop utilizes eTrack, a state-of-the-art IT Asset Disposition software, to provide clients with real-time inventory management and secure chain-of-custody tracking. eTrack offers:

• Mobile App Integration: Drivers can scan barcodes, log jobsite details, and obtain digital signatures.
• Secure Reporting: Clients can access detailed audit reports, asset disposition reports, and certificates of destruction.
• Sustainability Measurements: Reports include toxic metal diversion, CO2 savings, and material recovery statistics.

The benefits of using this software include compliance assurance, data protection, and operation efficiency. eTrack ensures that all electronic disposal adheres to security and environmental regulations. This software tracks devices through secure erasure, destruction, or resale processes. And most importantly, provides real-time updates, reducing administrative burden and increasing transparency.

The Future of ITAD, Cybersecurity, and ESG

“ESG reflects how an organization presents itself to the world and a critical factor in corporate decision-making. Investors now consider ESG ratings when evaluating stocks, making sustainability an economic imperative. CEOs are incorporating sustainability strategies that generate profits while benefiting the environment,” Eldridge said.

Sustainability is a strategic business approach that benefits employees, customers, and corporate culture. Companies should educate their teams on proper disposal practices and implement secure eWaste management programs. Investing in responsible recycling fosters a positive workplace culture and strengthens corporate reputations.

As digital transformation accelerates, responsible IT asset management is critical for data protection and sustainability. Businesses, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies must implement secure eRecycling practices to protect their data, meet ESG goals, and reduce their environmental impact.

eLoop remains at the forefront of secure and sustainable IT asset disposition, ensuring that electronic waste is managed responsibly while safeguarding sensitive information. By integrating ESG principles into business operations, organizations can protect their interests, enhance corporate responsibility, and drive long-term sustainability.

For more information on secure IT asset disposition, contact eLoop at www.eloopllc.com

How eLoop Supports ESG Goals

• Environmental (E)

  1. Waste Reduction: eLoop prevents electronics from ending up in landfills by refurbishing and reselling devices.
  2. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Reusing devices results in a five-to-one improvement in carbon emissions compared to traditional recycling.
  3. Responsible Recycling: eLoop ensures no hazardous materials are sent overseas to unregulated landfills.

   

  Social (S)

  1. Data Security: Protecting sensitive business and employee data by ensuring complete data destruction.
  2. Ethical Recycling: Adhering to the highest standards to prevent environmental harm and human exploitation.
  3. Brand Protection: Removing company tags and identifiers from refurbished equipment to maintain brand integrity.

   

  Governance (G)

  1. Risk Mitigation: eLoop provides detailed compliance reports, ensuring organizations meet all security and environmental regulations.
  2. Transparency: Clients receive full visibility into the asset disposition process via the eTrack system.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with NIST standards and other federal data security requirements.

   

  From small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, reliance on ITAD vendors like eLoop helps integrate sustainability into their operations. ITAD vendors align with corporate ESG goals by tailoring IT asset management strategies to meet environmental and ethical standards. They also enhance social impact by ensuring ethical labor practices and data security measures that protect employees and clients.

   

  Lastly, eLoop provides detailed ESG reports that offer transparency in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible disposal practices.