The Importance of Recycling and Disconnecting Old Hardware in Office Spaces

20 August 2024, 15:20

In today’s office environments, it’s easy to overlook the legacy hardware silently consuming power and internet bandwidth. These old, forgotten devices not only drain energy but also pose significant environmental and security risks. At FlatTurtle, we emphasize the importance of recycling and disconnecting unused hardware to create a more efficient and secure workspace.

Recycling old switches and WiFi access points

We decommissioned old hardware and WiFi access point from a bankrupt provider and replaced all hardware with modern networking equipment from FlatTurtle.

Hidden energy vampires

Old hardware is often less power-optimized than modern devices, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. This not only inflates utility bills but also increases your office’s carbon footprint. By identifying and removing obsolete equipment, we help businesses cut down on wasted energy and move towards more sustainable practices.

Security risks of forgotten devices

One of the most critical issues with neglected hardware is the security threat it poses. Many of these devices no longer receive software updates, are end-of-life (EoL), and yet remain connected to the internet. This creates a potential entry point for hackers, posing a significant risk to your network’s integrity. Keeping such devices online is a risk you cannot afford to take.

Old fiber routers that are no longer in use

Old fiber routers left behind by previous tenants and remote management hardware from the previous property manager, all still connected and consuming power.

Reporting and consolidating old connections

We also report back if we find old modems and routers that are connected to the internet and still working. We’ve had a client where they could disconnect 5 existing Proximus lines (some of which had zero devices connected to them) and consolidate everything on a single FlatTurtle network. This not only simplifies network management but also saved significantly on expensive monthly business internet lines.

Our approach at FlatTurtle

When installing new hardware, FlatTurtle takes proactive steps to address these issues. With your permission, we:

Identify and Assess: We use network tools to ping devices and identify the vendor of hardware, helping us distinguish between active and obsolete equipment.
Remove or Recycle: If we confirm a device is unused, we either remove it and place it aside for disposal or recycle it ourselves. In cases where we are unsure of a device’s purpose, we can disconnect it temporarily to see if it impacts any operations.
Monitor and Maintain: All FlatTurtle-installed software receives regular updates and maintenance. Our managed service ensures everything remains up-to-date and functioning correctly. If hardware becomes obsolete, we create a transition plan to upgrade and replace it, ensuring a smooth transition and proper recycling of the old equipment.

The less glamorous part of the job

While recycling and disconnecting old hardware might not be the most glamorous part of our job, it’s a crucial task that contributes significantly to both security and efficiency. By addressing the issue of legacy hardware, we not only help businesses become more environmentally friendly but also significantly enhance their security posture. At FlatTurtle, our goal is to provide a seamless, managed service that includes the proactive management of all connected devices, ensuring your office operates efficiently and securely.

Embrace the future with FlatTurtle. Let’s work together to create a greener, safer, and more efficient office environment by responsibly managing and recycling old hardware.

Old switches and BBoxes

A forgotten rack with 3 connected BBoxes and a switch. By identifying these BBoxes, the client was able to cancel the subscriptions and save on monthly Proximus fees.