Why Hard Drive Destruction Is Necessary

A photo of a person wearing a black hoodie appearing to type or hack on a laptop computer.

Anytime something is saved on a computer, mobile phone, or other electronics, the data is stored in the hard drive of the device. Many people believe that doing a digital reset or deleting old files will remove their information and keep it safe, but that is not always the case. Simply “wiping” an old hard…

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Why You Cannot Throw Your Old TV Set in the Trash

A photo of a old tv with wood veneer paneling displaying a white static screen.

Nearly every American household uses a television for their daily entertainment purposes. As technology improves, cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs have been replaced by liquid crystal display (LCD) and light-emitting diode (LED) monitors. The result is a clearer, brighter image quality as well as the convenience and aesthetics of a flatter screen. After purchasing newer…

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HIPAA Guidelines for Shredding Medical Documents

Medical records stacked on a table with a stethoscope laying over the top of them.

The medical community has a legal and ethical responsibility to appropriately manage and destroy patient records to prevent dangerous data breaches. If patient documents go missing or are improperly disposed of, the risk of identity theft is quite high. Fortunately, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule is designed to ensure optimal…

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E-waste Recycling Gone Wrong

A trash bin tipped over overflowing with electronic boards and devices needed disposed of properly.

When our electronics break or we replace them with newer and more advanced items, it is imperative to go to a certified recycler. However, not all recycling companies follow proper recycling protocols when processing these goods. There are serious risks when consumers take their obsolete or broken electronics to an illegitimate recycler. For example, many…

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Cell Phone Disposal and the Environment

A photo of various cell phones in linear fashion showing the general evolution with the first cellular phone created to a recent iPhone device.

Over the last few decades, the cell phone evolved from a pricey upper-class commodity to a daily necessity now available to the general public. New models with even better features are released regularly, prompting consumers to jump at the chance to replace their old phones with the best products on the market. Because of rapid…

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Types of Metals Found in Electronics

A close-up photo of a computer circuit board.

Sooner or later, you are bound to replace your electronics due to damage, obsolescence, or changes in preference. Before you throw anything in the trash, however, consider the benefits of recycling your old or broken items. Electronics contain a variety of precious metals that can be used to create new products. Not only does recycling…

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What Happens to Your Old Computer?

A created image of an old computer facing the screen of a new computer, and a business man jumping out of the screen of the old computer and into the new computer.

It seems like the more advanced a computer gets the, thinner and lighter it becomes. Purchasing a streamlined and more conveniently sized computer likely means you will get rid of your older, bulkier model in the process. For many, this influx of fast and optimized devices comes as an exciting and refreshing opportunity to improve…

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Target Pays $7.4M for Illegal Dumping of Hazardous Materials

A 3D illustration of ecology balance with ecology icons in the background.

In December 2018, Target Corporation was a part of a $7.4 million settlement with the state of California after research concluded that they had been illegally dumping hazardous waste. This is not the first time the Minnesota-based company was caught throwing away toxic materials. In 2011, Target paid $22.5 million for non-compliance with state guidelines…

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Paper Shredding Do’s and Don’ts

A top-down photo of a heap of shredded paper with letter press letters spelling: ARE YOU PROTECTED?

Over 30 percent of Americans are exposed to and notified of data breaches that make them vulnerable to identity theft. Cybercrimes account for much of these cases, but technological advancements are working to make it harder for hackers to obtain information digitally. One of the easiest ways for identity thieves to access personal information is…

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