How to protect corporate data -- and the Earth -- when dumping IT gear. (cover story)

The article discusses various concerns on the disposal of obsolete computing equipment. Concerns on how to appropriately remove data from computing equipment rose since inaccurate data cleaning presents substantial threats to businesses. Joe Pucciarelli, research director at IDC Corp. states that someone could salvage and steal data from computing equipment that is improperly disposed. Aside from data security concerns, companies also face environmental issues. It is inferred that computing equipment can contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency imposes fines to businesses and computing equipment makers on the ground of improper disposal of computing equipment.