1. Establish the allowed end state
Ask the owner what is permitted: internal reuse, external reuse, material recovery, or destruction. Record any brand, data, contractual, or retention restrictions against the inventory. A physical item can be recyclable but still require destruction in its original form. The decision should survive a handoff between departments.
2. Treat data as its own workstream
A device's material value does not determine what happens to its information. Identify storage media and ask for an agreed sanitization or destruction method, verification, and records. NIST's media sanitization guidance describes a program based on information sensitivity and suitable controls; use the current publication when discussing requirements with your security team.
3. Check the material and receiving route
Condition, mixed materials, batteries, liquids, and contamination affect what a receiver can accept. Separate unusual items in the request. EPA's electronics guidance is a useful starting point for reuse and recycling options, but your project still needs acceptance confirmed for the actual inventory and location.
4. Close each decision with evidence
Request records that distinguish collection from completed treatment. Reconcile quantities and identifiers, explain exceptions, and keep pending outcomes visible. For example, a drive may need a destruction record while the laptop chassis follows a material-recovery route. One general pickup receipt cannot explain both outcomes.