How Often Should Your Business Purge Old Electronics?

Is your business holding on to more IT gear than it actually needs?

Many companies forget about aging laptops, outdated switches, and “just in case” servers until it’s too late—and by then, they’ve missed resale windows, created security risks, or both.

So how often should you dispose of old IT equipment?

Let’s look at how to build a smart ITAD schedule that keeps your business efficient, secure, and compliant.

The Average IT Lifespan

While every business is different, here’s a general timeline for IT hardware:

  • Laptops / Desktops: 3–4 years
  • Servers / Storage Arrays: 4–6 years
  • Networking Gear: 5–7 years
  • Mobile Devices: 2–3 years

Waiting beyond these timeframes often means rising support costs, reduced resale value, and increased failure risk.

Key Triggers for IT Disposal

You don’t have to wait for a system failure. Instead, schedule ITAD when:

  • Hardware reaches end-of-warranty or support
  • Devices can’t run current security patches
  • You’re moving or consolidating office space
  • Staff turnover creates surplus gear
  • A major tech refresh is planned

That’s a great time to review asset recovery opportunities or schedule recycling.

Create a Routine Disposal Policy

Proactive companies treat ITAD like clockwork. Consider:

  • Quarterly reviews of unused or aging devices
  • Annual refreshes of endpoint equipment
  • Asset tagging to track age and ownership

This keeps your tech lean, secure, and always working for you—not against you.

Let IITS Help You Stay on Schedule

We make it easy to plan, track, and execute your ITAD process—whether it’s a one-time purge or an ongoing service agreement.

👉 Schedule an ITAD consultation and build your equipment retirement roadmap.

Scroll to Top