ITAD Bridges the Digital Divide: IT Asset Disposition as a Catalyst for Social Impact

Published: 11/27/2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the shift towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives is reshaping IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) strategies. Insights from the 2023 IAITAM Member Organizations IT Asset Disposition Services Surveys reveal a significant trend—repurposing IT devices for a second life to address the digital divide.

This fundamental shift, transitioning from overseas sales and recycling to domestic reuse and resale for lower-income populations, underscores the importance of refurbishing older functional devices with a legal Microsoft Operating System. It serves as a solution for underserved communities, aligns with government initiatives, and highlights the crucial role of organizations in fostering digital equity in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, over 29 million Americans currently lack affordable connectivity, devices, and training services. Offering 100% refurbished devices at an affordable price, especially considering subsidies, becomes essential. If your 5+year-old laptops are headed for recycling, it’s time to find the right ITAD partner capable of benefiting your community and making your ITAD program not only socially impactful but also profitable.

Refurbishing for Circular Economy Impact, Not Good Enough, Must Be a MAR

Refurbishing emerges as a key strategy to sell in the US marketplace.  However, most ITAD’s are NOT a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR). The MAR program offers exclusive benefits for the largest device refurbishers globally. By partnering with Microsoft, refurbishers gain access to legal Microsoft licenses, allowing them to professionally refurbish and legally install Windows devices. This ensures a superior next user experience for businesses, consumers, schools, and non-profits.   But why is refurbishing for the next user challenging? It demands near-perfection. Over 99% of Microsoft authorized refurbished devices are retailed through major outlets, all demanding a 98% or higher customer satisfaction rating. While many ITADs and recyclers struggle to meet these stringent standards, PlanITROI excels in this capacity, averaging over 500,000 computing devices sold annually to second users in the USA. This not only ensures a cost-neutral impact on our clients’ ITAD budgets but often results in profitable returns due to our high-volume resale success.

Addressing the Needs of Low-Income Populations

In the pursuit of digital equity, organizations and their leaders recognize the importance of supporting lower-income communities. With PlanITROI as your ITAD partner, organizations can repurpose retired devices, offering refurbished, recertified technology at affordable prices. Digital equity means providing comprehensive tools—functional laptop, legal MAR Microsoft OS, legal Microsoft Office, fully equipped with 18 months of support, free repairs and spares, internet access, and training—all under $300 per device with government subsidies. A strategic partnership can make this vision a reality, benefiting both your organization and the community you serve.

Government programs, such as the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), play a crucial role by providing subsidies to bridge the digital gap.  For example, qualified lower income participants can receive $30 per month per household for internet access and connection as well as $100 one-time discount per device.  These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that technology is not a privilege but a tool for empowerment, leveling the playing field for all.

Technology as a Privilege: A Mission-Driven Approach

The words of Yuanqing Yang, Chairman and CEO of Lenovo, ring true: “If technology is a privilege, it comes with a mission.” This perspective underscores the responsibility that technology leaders have in ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are shared inclusively.

ESG Goals and Digital Equity: Trust, Credibility, and Brand Equity

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2016 outline a global agenda for a more sustainable and equitable future. Technology intersects with eight of these goals and organizations that prioritize the technology lifecycle in their ESG efforts drive a positive impact on society, earning trust, credibility, and enhanced brand equity with end users.  Over 70% of organizational executives are paid bonuses for achieving their ESG goals, ITAD’s impact extends beyond recycling; choose reuse and elevate your ESG achievements.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for a Smarter, More Inclusive Future

As ITAD emerges as a force for social impact, bridging the digital divide becomes a genuine win-win. Securely redirecting retired IT devices to the next user, and sometimes even a third, collectively propels the benefits of a circular economy. This underscores the inherent link between technology and social responsibility. IT Asset Disposition is more than an end-of-life technology program; it’s a powerful vehicle for positive change. As executives prioritize the ‘S’ in ESG—the focus on ‘Social’ good for communities will also have a positive impact on the bottom line. Embrace ITAD and Be What’s Next for a future where technology benefits everyone.

See how PlanITROI can help your organization with our secure, purpose driven ITAD services.  connect@planitroi.com