E-waste has become a huge problem, not only in the UK but also around the world. In this guide, we will provide some advice for businesses, as well as some tips on storing data.
E-waste disposal
When you consider how many new gadgets and electrical items are released onto the market every day, from smartphones and televisions to refrigerators and microwaves, you see that consumers are replacing their items on a regular basis. The problem is that a lot of consumers are not disposing of their e-waste in a safe and correct manner. To ensure you do not fall into this category, the best thing to do is hire a professional e-waste disposal company. Read on to discover some of the benefits that are associated with going for this option.
- Expert knowledge – One of the main reasons for hiring an expert e-waste disposal company is to take advantage of the expert knowledge they have. To recycle electrical and electronic waste in the most effective manner, you need to a have a thorough knowledge regarding how each product works. Each item is made up of different components, and each component can have a negative impact on the environment or pose a danger to the person that is handling it. This is why it is a necessity to leave this in the hands of professionals so that you do not end up hurt.
- Peace of mind – When you choose an e-waste disposal company, you can have the peace of mind that your electronics are being disposed of in a green manner. As mentioned in the introduction, this is one of the biggest threats to our environment at present. E-waste should not be dumped in a regular landfill, however, it so often is. You can play your part in reducing this issue, which endangers the lives of so many, by hiring a professional disposal company.
- Secure disposal – When it comes to storage materials, from CD-ROMs to hard drives, a major concern is security. If you simply throw your old laptop in the trash, for example, there is no telling who could get their hands on it and extract your personal information. Don’t be fooled into thinking that formatting the storage media and erasing the data is enough. Your data will still be traceable! E-waste professionals are experts in the safe and secure disposal of such items, and so they will make sure there is no way that your confidential data can be traced. You can also benefit from commercial bin hire for other types of waste too.
- Safety – Last but not least, you are putting your safety at risk if you attempt to dispose of e-waste yourself. This is because electronics contain a whole host of toxic metals, from cadmium, to mercury, to lead. If you do not handle e-waste correctly, it can have an adverse impact on your health. Not only do you require expert knowledge and training to carry out the disposal of e-waste, but the proper tools and equipment are needed too. A professional company will have this, allowing them to dispose of components correctly and pack away waste safely.
Data storage
Data storage is an important area of consideration for all businesses. From client files to purchasing history, there is a vast array of documents that are pivotal to all types of companies. They must be stored effectively, i.e. via a system that is secure and well managed. When considering what type of data storage is going to be the best for your business the first thing you need to do is pick between onsite and offsite data storage. This post assesses the advantages and disadvantages associated with both options in order to help you make the right decision. So, keep on reading to find out more…
First and foremost, let’s begin by taking a look at onsite data backup. This relates to storing your data within your business offices. There are lots of benefits to be gained by going for this option. One of the main advantages is the fact that this is a scalable solution, as you only add storage as and when you need it. In addition to this, you can reap the gains of a quick recovery from primary storage failure and a fast and easy backup to a networked device.
Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages associated with onsite data storage, and it is pivotal that you are aware of these. You are going to be limited to what your company can provide. This relates to everything from your budget to physical space in the office. Moreover, one or several of your employees will be responsible for data management. This is going to distract them from their main job and you won’t benefit from the same degree of service as you would if you went elsewhere. You are also more subject to the risk of theft or vandalism. If a disaster was to happen, i.e. a flood or a fire, you risk losing all of your data indefinitely.
So now you know the pros and cons associated with onsite data storage, but what about offsite data storage? Well, this is an option that is increasing in popularity at present. Unlike the onsite option, human error is eliminated because you gain from automated backup. Furthermore, you benefit from multiple backup copies of your data and it will be stored in multiple locations as well. This all works together to diminish risk. Whilst onsite data storage may be scalable, so too is offsite data storage, as data load increases.
The only real negative points associated with this solution is the fact that you will require internet access in order for it to work. Moreover, it is rather bandwidth intensive. The first backup, as well as the ones that follows, can end up being time-consuming. Yet this is largely dependent on the size.
Hopefully, you now know everything you need to in regards to onsite and offsite data storage. The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your company. It is all about selecting the one that is going to best fit into your business needs and situations. Nonetheless, the fact that most people are turning to offsite solutions should give you an indication of where this industry is heading.
