Giving Old Devices a New Purpose
How One Government Organization Reimagined Tech Retirement
A government organization was preparing for a scheduled equipment refresh—something they do regularly as part of a structured evergreen cycle. Yet while they knew how to roll out the new technology with PC Corp's support, one question loomed large:
“What should we do with the aging, decommissioned devices we’re replacing—especially if they still work?”
As a public sector organization, their devices must meet strict standards. Every endpoint needs to be consistent across departments, otherwise, their employees may face technical and compatibility issues, struggle with productivity and encounter risks. But throwing still-functional hardware into recycling bins didn’t sit right with them—especially when sustainability is an important value.
They needed a solution, and they asked our PC Corp team for help.
At the time, our standard asset disposition services included secure data wiping and support with recycling. But we saw the potential in their idea: a program where retired hardware could be refurbished and given to staff. We got to work honing a secure, repeatable process that aligned with compliance standards. Today, three years later, this simple shift has made a lasting impact for this government organization.
So far, nearly 200 devices have been repurposed—95% of what they provided us was salvageable, thanks to our skilled technicians.
Each unit goes through a thorough, multi-step restoration process:
- Data security is the organization's first priority, so we perform full internal wipes of all hard drives, reformatting them, and reinstalling the appropriate operating system.
- Tag and identity removal follows, ensuring all asset tags and any labels linking the device to the organization are completely removed.
- Deep cleaning is done on every unit—keyboards, screens, exteriors, and monitors—to make sure they’re clean, presentable, and ready for personal use.
- Diagnostics are run to check for any failing components like fans, batteries, or power supplies.
- Repair is done if needed in situations when the cost is reasonable. If not, we salvage and harvest any usable parts and responsibly recycle the remainder.
Once a batch of devices is received—typically 40 to 60 units—our team can process them within about a week. While the time does vary depending on each device, they have developed an efficient process that takes about forty minutes to an hour for each device, often doing multiple devices at a time to keep costs down for the organization.
That quick turnaround means their team can put the refurbished devices to good use right away. The organization can extend the life of its technology and benefit its team in a secure, sustainable way.
Measurable Impact, Meaningful Change
Since launching the program, the organization has seen impactful results—not just in how many devices have been repurposed, but in how the program supports their broader goals. Here’s what that impact looks like:
Securing Data Beyond the Workplace
Data security was a top priority for the organization when it came to retiring and repurposing its technology. Even though the refurbished devices were going to employees, they would no longer be managed within the organization’s secure IT environment. That shift—from corporate asset to personal use—meant there could be no room for error when it came to data protection, especially a time when cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication.
The organization wanted full confidence that no proprietary, sensitive, or identifying information could be recovered or accessed by unauthorized users. With PC Corp's rigorous process and diligence, the organization maintains its high security standards. Their employees get a secure device handoff, without worrying about bringing security risks home with them.
Providing Access to Commercial-Grade Devices
Through the organization's repurposing program, staff and their families are able to receive gently used, commercial-grade laptops at little or no cost.
Once PC Corp finishes refurbishing the devices, the organization distributes them to employees through a lottery system to keep things fair, since demand often exceeds supply. Buying new equipment can be expensive, so this helps ease the financial burden. Their staff also get to use high-quality business-class devices that are inherently more robust than consumer grade laptops.
Commercial laptops outclass regular consumer models as they are built tougher and packed with features focused on durability, security, and long-term use. They’re put through rugged testing, come with advanced security tools, and are designed to handle heavy workloads without slowing down. Because commercial laptops typically stay current for about 24 to 36 months, and this organization repurposes them after three or four years, these devices still have plenty of life left. Employees gain access to high-quality, commercial-grade technology for their homes without needing to purchase new equipment for two to three years.
Saving Resources and Reducing Waste
In their day-to-day work, this government organization prioritizes being more sustainable and finding smarter ways to care for the environment. With this repurposing program, they’re making a real impact by getting the most out of the technology they already have.
A cracked screen or a missing key doesn’t mean a device has to be tossed out. The organization’s team worked with PC Corp’s hardware experts to diagnose and fix issues or creatively reuse parts so that as many devices as possible could remain functional. So far, only one laptop has needed extra repairs after refurbishment!
Instead of simply sending old devices to an e-waste station or completely retiring them, this organization is giving them a second life and participating in the circular economy: keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, rather than piling up in landfills where they may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollute vital ecosystems for wildlife and humans. The organization is also reducing the carbon footprint associated with procuring a new device, whether during raw material extraction, assembly, or shipping.
Getting More Mileage Out of Existing Devices
While PC Corp was working closely with the organization’s devices, the team spotted an opportunity to do more than refurbish hardware. They helped the organization get more out of what they already had.
After spending time with the devices and understanding how staff used them on a day-to-day basis, PC Corp was able to offer practical tips to extend the life of the equipment. One common issue they noticed was that many employees kept their laptops plugged in at all times while docked. Over time, this can decrease the lifespan of a battery. PC Corp flagged this and showed staff how a few minor changes—such as unplugging periodically—could prevent damage and keep devices in better condition.
They also helped the organization replace the batteries, so that rather than retiring devices, they could keep otherwise healthy laptops in circulation, stretch resources further, and reduce unnecessary waste.
The Power of Purpose-Driven IT
Thinking sustainably about what it means to retire technology, this government organization turned a routine refresh into a secure, sustainable, and people-focused program that extends the value of their IT investments.
With PC Corp as their guide, they found a way to protect sensitive data, reduce waste, support their team, and keep valuable equipment in use longer. What started as a simple question—“What should we do with our old devices?”—led to a practical solution with lasting impact.
Together, we created a repeatable, secure, and efficient process that aligns the organization's goals and values with how they use technology. And as the program enters its third year, we're looking forward to continuing building a future where technology keeps creating value, long after its first assignment ends.