Over the last few years, the rise of legal requirements surrounding data security and environmental concerns has placed increasing pressure on the importance of industry standards and certifications. If you’re not planning to select vendors who can guarantee risk mitigation associated with IT asset management and disposition, you might be headed towards a data security nightmare.

Industry certifications create a standard that sets apart the responsible vendors who are able to provide assurance to clients that their assets are being safely handled and all data is being protected. Here’s a rundown of important certifications and standards to check for when looking for an ITAD partner:

Responsible Recyclers Certification (R2)
R2 is a voluntary standard in the industry for the responsible recycling of electronics. It outlines the framework for the creation and implementation of an environmental management system (EMS), but also includes responsibility to worker health and safety, as well as true end of life tracking for materials to their final destinations in the recycling chain.

e-Stewards
The e-Stewards initiative is focused on the illegal export of hazardous electronic waste. e-Stewards certification formally incorporates ISO 14001 as the backbone of its standard. e-Stewards also has health & safety requirements comparable to OHSAS 18001.

ISO 9001 Certification
ISO 9001 is a voluntary international standard for quality management. It outlines the framework for the creation and implementation of a quality management system (QMS) that focuses on meeting customer requirements, providing quality products and services, and continuous improvement.

ISO 14001 Certification
ISO14001 is a another voluntary international standard for environmental management. It outlines the framework for the creation and implementation of an environmental management system (EMS). ISO 14001 requires that companies go “beyond compliance” and identify specific proactive ways that the environment can be protected.

OHSAS 18001 Certification
OHSAS 18001 is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) which similarly gives organizations a systematic approach for providing exceptional health and safety programs. It gives specific requirements to enable an organization to control its health and safety risks and improve its performance. OHSAS 18001 also follows the “plan–do–check–act” model, focusing on continual improvement as measured against objectives. This system may be combined into an integrated management system; however, health and safety requirements are also contained within R2, RIOS and e-Stewards standards.

NAID AAA Certification
The National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) is the international trade association for companies providing information destruction services. Being certified by NAID ensures that written policies and procedures are in place, employment verification is being enforced and quality control is being checked for complete security of processes, technicians and facilities.

Microsoft Registered Refurbisher
All Microsoft Registered Refurbishers go through a thorough application process with Microsoft. Before granting the status of Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, Microsoft reviews and confirms the validity of each application and requires that Microsoft Registered Refurbishers submit regular reports and undergo audits.

Industry certifications like those outlined above have created a standard that sets responsible vendors apart from the rest. Organizations beginning their IT Asset Disposition process should rely on certified ITAD partners who can guarantee risk mitigation associated with IT asset management and disposition.

Interested in more ways to avoid a data security breach? Download MPC-e’s free “Data Security Checklist” to make sure you are covering all your bases!