As consumers increasingly expect companies to take environmental and social responsibility, businesses are being judged on more than just profit. Stakeholders expect them to protect the environment, support people, and act with integrity. That’s where ESG commitments (Environmental, Social, and Governance) come in. A company’s IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) program touches all three of these areas, often more directly than leaders realize.
Environmental Impact
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams on the planet. Yet, only about 20% of global e-waste is recycled properly. The rest is often dumped, burned, or handled unsafely, putting the environment at risk (Springer, 2025). This leaves behind heavy metals like lead and mercury that poison water, soil, and air. The United Nations notes that e-waste is “surging,” with growth outpacing the ability of nations to recycle it safely (UNEP, 2025).
For companies, that means one of the most tangible ESG actions they can take is to ensure retired equipment is handled by certified ITAD providers who follow proper recycling standards. This helps measurably reduce the company’s footprint while preventing the harmful effects of unsafe disposal.
The Social Side of E-Waste
E-waste can harm the planet, but it also directly impacts people. The World Health Organization warns that unsafe e-waste recycling exposes workers and nearby communities to toxic chemicals, especially children. A wide range of health effects can occur, ranging from respiratory issues to developmental problems.
When companies take responsibility for their old technology, they protect vulnerable communities from these risks. Choosing an ITAD partner that documents safe recycling practices shows care for people in their surrounding community. A great way to evaluate the quality of an ITAD company is by checking for R2v3 certification.
Governance and Data Protection
Governance is about trust and accountability. Few areas are riskier than data security. If old hardware gets into the wrong hands without its data being properly destroyed, the results can be devastating. According to IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average breach in the US can cost a company around $10.22 million.
Certified ITAD providers help close this gap by ensuring data is securely destroyed. They provide verifiable certificates of data destruction and maintain a full chain of custody. That means companies can prove compliance with laws like HIPAA, GDPR, and more while protecting both brand reputation and customer trust. If an ITAD company can’t provide you with proper reporting and documentation, there’s no guarantee your assets or data are being handled properly.
How ITAD USA Fits In
At ITAD USA, we offer ESG reporting on every service we deliver. We recycle hardware responsibly with vetted partners to reduce e-waste, protect communities from the dangers of unsafe disposal, and securely wipe client data in compliance with NIST 800-88 standards, providing a certificate of data destruction. We are also proudly R2v3 Certified.
Another way we stand out as an ITAD provider is through ‘re-commerce’. For companies looking to replace their outdated equipment, we offer refurbished hardware that is wiped, tested, and works like new. Purchasing refurbished hardware is a great sustainable option that saves money while keeping quality devices in circulation a little longer.
Final Thought
ITAD should be an important part of any company’s operations. It reduces environmental harm, protects people, and safeguards sensitive data, while showing your clients and customers that you share their values and commitments. For companies that take ESG seriously, ITAD should never be an afterthought.