Planning a Hardware Refresh? Turn Retired Devices into Community Impact—Securely

SII helps businesses retire, donate, and replace hardware securely—without added risk or complexity.

When businesses upgrade hardware, the focus is usually on what’s next: faster laptops, better monitors, and more efficient systems. But what happens to the devices you’re leaving behind? Too often, they end up collecting dust in storage or, worse, in a landfill.

There’s a smarter, more meaningful option. It’s donating retired equipment to local nonprofits. With the right process, those devices can power community programs, strengthen your brand’s reputation, and even offer tax advantages.

Why It Matters

Nonprofits depend on technology to serve their communities, yet many operate on limited budgets that make upgrades nearly impossible. A single donated laptop can help a food bank streamline operations or enable a youth program to offer virtual learning. Your old tech could be the key to someone else’s success.

The Barriers—and the Solution

Concerns about data security and logistics often stop businesses from donating. That’s where SII steps in. We make the process safe, simple, and strategic. Here’s what we do:

Assess hardware to determine what to retire and what to keep
Securely wipe data to protect your business
Coordinate with nonprofits that need your devices
Provide documentation for potential tax benefits
Deploy and configure your new equipment

What Technology is Applicable for Donation?

Not every device is a good candidate for donation. And while nonprofits appreciate support, they aren’t a dumping ground for outdated or broken tech. The goal is to provide equipment that still has meaningful life left and can reliably support the work they do.

Here’s what working equipment typically qualifies:

Laptops & Desktops (3-5 years old)
Monitors
Networking Equipment
- Switches, firewalls, Wi-Fi access points, etc.
Tablets
Phones & Headsets

Note: These machines must still power on, hold a charge, and run basic applications.

What NOT to Donate:

Devices that are broken with cracked screens, missing keys, or non-functional ports
Anything that is no longer supported with security updates
Equipment older than 7+ years
Devices with missing components (chargers, stands, cabling)
Any hardware that cannot be fully data-wiped

Plan for the New Year

If you’re planning upgrades in the new year, now is the perfect time to map out your new hardware needs and give your old devices a second life.