Careless E-waste Disposal Increases Likelihood of Identity Theft

At one point or another, we have all been guilty of carelessly disposing of our trash whether it be through littering or by dumping waste into a landfill. As pollution continues to become an environmental threat, it has become much more important to recycle items which can be reused and re-manufactured. Time and time again we have been reminded and encouraged to recycle cans, glass, plastic bottles, and scrap paper but what about electronics and digital gadgets? Office supplies stores like Staples and Office Depot have promoted the importance of recycling batteries and ink cartridges but what about computers, laptops, television, phones, cameras, and other electronics? Because of the increased threat posed when improperly disposing of e-waste, it is especially important that we, as a society recycle all old and obsolete electronics that we no longer need or use. Recycling electronics will prevent further harm and damage to the environment including pollution, contamination, and greenhouse emissions. Many people assume shredding files is a sufficient way of getting rid of old documents and confidential data. However, this is far beyond the truth when it comes to keeping your personal information safe and secure. A few companies still rely on paper shredders to get rid of all documents. This method can be hazardous and increase the risk of identity theft.

When you choose to dispose of your documents using a shredder you run the risk of someone accessing your data. For your safety, it is often encouraged that you seek the help of an e-waste recycling firm that is NAID certified and follows HIPAA guidelines. E-waste recycling companies will relieve any worry and uneasiness you may feel whenever you dispose of your company’s files and client’s documents. Companies should think twice about how they dispose of any documents and files. Recycling goes far beyond just paper documents. It also involves the destruction of hard drives and other storage media devices. With identity theft and data breaches on the rise, many businesses are not doing enough to protect their client’s privacy and confidential data. It seems as though many companies carelessly dispose of data without thinking twice about whose hands it would end up in. If you’re a business that handles a considerable amount of documents, it is essential that you find a reliable e-waste recycling company that provides secure data destruction services and e-waste recycling options. With all the recycling options available to you, why run the risk of having your identity stolen? So before you mindlessly throw your hard drive into a trash bin or shred your confidential data, think about where that information would end up and how secure that would be.