At IU, how should my department dispose of old computer equipment?

Used computers that your Indiana University department no longer needs must be sent to IU Surplus Stores for redistribution if possible.

All institutional data must be removed from used computers before they leave your department. The following text is adapted from the policy issued by the University Director of Purchasing.

Regardless of how computing equipment is disposed of, all IU personnel are liable for institutional data contained on any storage device. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the department and their personnel to see that all data residing on any type of storage device is removed from the computing technology prior to the equipment leaving their possession.

The actual method or process required for removing institutional data from storage devices shall be at the discretion of the individual University campus. Some campuses may have more stringent regulations with regard to the removal of institutional data before property may leave the University.

Only the original operating system software may remain and each system should be restored to original configuration and setup.

Compensation from the sale may be shared or given to the department releasing the property only if they have followed the procedures governing the disposal of computer equipment.

Instructions and information on how to remove data securely are available from the University Information Security Office at the Securely Removing Data page.