PC Disposal Costs Can Be High

Stamford, Conn. (Nov. 11, 2003) Enterprises selling personal computers after three years of ownership receive 3 percent to 5 percent of the original equipment price, but will still incur net disposal costs of between $85 and $136 per personal computer, depending on the disposal method, according to a report from technology industry watchers Gartner Inc.

"Sale proceeds vary based on the quantity, method, vintage and condition of the equipment being sold. However, an important consideration is that PCs sold after four years have little economic value and still incur disposal costs," said Gartner research director Frances O'Brien.

Per-PC costs include disconnecting computers from networks, backing up and sanitizing the hard drives, reloading the operating system, and testing the equipment and administrative functions, such as paperwork, packing, shipping and handling.

Costs can be even higher when factoring in fines paid for improper disposal and the costs for failing to eliminate important, confidential data residing on drives, Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner further said.

-- WebCPA staff

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