At Temple University, we take our obligation to safeguard the personal information of students, faculty, and staff very seriously. As part of this effort, Computer Services would like to remind all Temple employees about the proper procedures for disposing of university-owned computers/electronic equipment. It is vitally important to follow these procedures to protect sensitive information as well as to minimize any negative environmental impact associated with equipment disposal.

If you need to dispose of computer and/or other electronic devices (functioning or not) that contain Temple University data, it is your responsibility to first remove all Temple data. If you need assistance removing the data, please submit a request to the Help Desk through the TUhelp.temple.edu web site.

Once the equipment is ready for surplus, contact the CRC (Computer Recycling Center) for pickup via the Computer and Electronic Surplus Form located on the CRC website. The CRC has specialized tools to thoroughly erase and destroy all Temple information that remains. When you are waiting for the equipment to be picked up, please do not leave it in hallways unattended or in other unsecure locations. These valuable university assets can be easily stolen, exposing private data and opening the university up to serious liability and risk.

In addition, all electronic storage devices and media (functioning or not) should be handled by the CRC for proper erasure and disposal. This includes, but is not limited to, all CDs, DVDs, USB storage devices, camera cards, cell phones, PDAs, zip drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, hard drives, carbon fax rolls etc.

In support of the university’s sustainability initiatives, it is also important to surplus all other electronics and related parts, working or not, through the CRC. This includes, but is not limited to, monitors, keyboards, mice, cables, wires, speakers, power packs, batteries, chargers, toner, ink and peripherals of any electronics etc. Many of these devices contain different amounts of hazardous and toxic waste that must be handled properly due to EPA and PA State DEP guidelines.

In many cases, equipment sent to the CRC can be refurbished for reuse in the community. If you have any questions about disposing of university-owned equipment, please contact the Computer Recycling Center at (215) 204-4749 or crc@temple.edu.

Thank you for your support in this matter. Your participation will help to ensure that Temple’s sensitive data remains secure and that Temple meets its goals for environmental sustainability.