Beginning in August and initially serving all departments outside of the Medical Center, a secure disposal service for University-owned electronics is now available free of charge. Faculty and staff can submit a request to itequipmentrecovery@rochester.edu to schedule a pick-up time, and the recovery team will collect the old equipment within a few days of the request.

With increasing reliance on mobile devices, computers, and copiers to store important information—sometimes including personally identifying or confidential information—it is essential that these technologies be disposed of securely when they are no longer needed.

Any IT equipment that does not contain hazardous materials is eligible for disposal through this program, including desktop and laptop computers, inkjet and laser jet printers, servers, network equipment, keyboards, and mice.  After pickup, the equipment is moved to a secure location, sorted, and wiped. Eligible equipment is then recycled in bulk through a local company and repurposed in U.S. electronics.

Samuel Barongo ’14 helped develop and document the program’s processes this summer as an intern through the college internship program organized by University IT. Barongo met with possible recycling vendors, developed procedures, and provided recommendations for a more secure and efficient process.

“The IT Equipment Recovery is a point of pride, having watched it grow from an idea to reality,” Barongo said.

Glenn Berger, Computer Sales manager of logistics and inventory and director of the IT equipment recovery program, said that Barongo was “instrumental in the initial phase of this process, testing the new documented processes to ensure they addressed past concerns.”

Staff response has been supportive of the new program. Carol Core, an analyst/programmer who has used the program, said, “I was surprised by the amount of stuff that has been coming in.”  IT Administrator Bonnie Riorden echoed this reaction, saying, “I am surprised there is so much stuff, and I wonder how long it has been sitting around.”

Currently, the IT Equipment Recovery Program completes 3-4 pickups per day, and to date has collected about 35,000 pounds of equipment. “The most exciting thing about the program is the potential it has for growth,” Barongo said.