Outsourcing your IT asset disposal (ITAD) isn’t just a convenience – it’s a risk management decision. The wrong provider can expose your business to data breaches, environmental fines, or reputational damage. And once that damage is done, it’s rarely reversible.
So how do you know if your ITAD provider is up to the task? Here are five red flags to watch for – and what to look for instead.
Red Flag #1: No Recognised Certifications
If your provider doesn’t hold industry-recognised certifications – such as ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or Cyber Essentials – that’s your first warning sign. These accreditations aren’t just badges on a website. They reflect audited, proven processes that keep your data and brand safe.
What to look for instead:
A provider who is fully certified to ISO 9001, 14001, and 27001 standards, with processes aligned to NIST 800-88 and GDPR.
Red Flag #2: Subcontracted Services
When your provider outsources key services like logistics or destruction, you lose visibility and accountability. Who’s handling your equipment? Where is it going? Can they prove it?
What to look for instead:
In-house logistics and destruction with full chain-of-custody tracking – not subcontracted third parties.
Red Flag #3: No Item-Level Reporting
Some ITAD providers offer generic “job completed” certificates – but can’t give you a detailed breakdown of what was processed, when, and how. That’s a huge compliance gap.
What to look for instead:
Asset-level reporting and certificates of destruction or erasure for every device, tied to your asset register.
Red Flag #4: Lack of ESG Alignment
Does your provider just “scrap” assets or recycle everything without considering reuse, redeployment, or resale? That’s a missed opportunity – both for your ESG goals and financial return.
What to look for instead:
A tiered approach that prioritises reuse, supports sustainability, and maximises value recovery from end-of-life equipment.
Red Flag #5: Poor Communication or Transparency
If your provider is slow to respond, vague in their answers, or unwilling to show you their processes – walk away. Secure ITAD is built on trust, traceability, and open dialogue.
What to look for instead:
Clear SLAs, access to a named account manager, and full visibility across each stage of the disposal process.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Red Flags
IT asset disposal is a compliance issue, a data protection issue, and increasingly, a sustainability issue. Choosing the wrong partner can put all three at risk.
At Astralis, we go beyond ticking boxes.
We provide:
- Certified, standards-aligned services
- Our own secure fleet and purpose-built facility
- Full reporting and audit trails
- ESG-focused processes and maximum value recovery
Want to know what good looks like? Read our guide to choosing the right ITAD partner
