Choosing the right IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider is a critical decision for any business. The right provider can help you maximize value, ensure data security, and support your sustainability goals.
To save you time and money, we thoroughly researched the services provided by 8 different major ITAD providers and hardware manufacturers offering ITAD services. We read through their ITAD policies, scoured their publicly available documentation, and read all the fine print we could find. This information was completely accurate when our research was completed in April 2024. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at our research into Lenovo's Asset Recovery Services (ARS).
Lenovo's ITAD Services: An Overview
Lenovo is a manufacturer of high-quality computers and other technology. In addition to their manufacturing, they offer an ITAD service called Asset Recovery Services (ARS), which promises a comprehensive solution for IT asset disposition. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that details were lacking. The information provided in their brochure, white paper, and datasheet was repetitive and vague, focusing heavily on the concept of a circular economy without delving into the specifics of how they achieved this.
Attempts to gather additional information were met with challenges. Contacting Lenovo through their online chat resulted in incorrect email addresses, and phone calls were misdirected to the wrong departments. None of the employees we spoke with seemed to know anything about their ARS program. This lack of clarity and accessibility suggests that ITAD might simply be to bolster its sustainability reporting.
Range of Assets Accepted
Lenovo's ARS states they accept a wide range of IT hardware, including servers, storage, networking equipment, PCs, cell phones, and more. This is a more comprehensive list than many other manufacturers offer in their ITAD services. Unlike many other manufacturers, Lenovo does not offer online valuation tools for uploading asset lists or determining their potential value. You must contact them for more information using a contact form, which wasn’t working when we were doing our research.
ITAD Collection Services
Lenovo states that it will securely transport assets from the client's location. However, there is no information on how this is done, whether any tracking information is provided, or how it can be accessed.
Data Destruction Services
Lenovo offers both on and off-site data wiping and shredding operations. They adhere to data destruction standards such as NIST SP 800-88, Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/424, NSA, and other governmental data destruction requirements.
Reporting Procedures
Lenovo states that they provide all documentation and certificates associated with proper data destruction and environmental processing for each device through a secure online portal. This portal allows customers to access reports, track progress, and view details. However, no demonstrations of this service were offered, and there was no information on audit trail assistance.
Recycling and E-Waste Policies
In their sustainability reports, Lenovo stated they plan to repair and reuse 76% of parts by 2025/2026. However, their 2021 data shows that only 5.5% of assets were reused, with 88.2% being recycled as materials and the rest incinerated or landfilled.
Lenovo's documentation also contains contradictory information regarding recycling certification requirements for its vendors. While some documents state that suppliers "must have" certain certifications, others merely "strongly encourage" them, an inconsistency that creates uncertainty about their standards.
Regarding shipping e-waste overseas, Lenovo prohibits its suppliers or subcontractors from transporting e-waste to non-OECD/EU countries without approval. This fine print about prior approval has created a loophole that many other e-waste handlers have exploited in contravention of the Basel Convention, presenting a potential security risk.
Chain of Custody Tracking
No specific information on the chain of custody was found in Lenovo’s documentation. They state that all downstream suppliers must adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct and go through an audit or evaluation process. However, this process relies heavily on the honesty of suppliers and does not appear to be accessible to customers.
Cash Value
Lenovo claims to return cash value to the customer for re-marketable assets, but there is no clarification on how this is done. It is unclear if customers receive residual value directly or if it must be used to purchase Lenovo equipment or services. Additionally, it is not specified whether service fees must be paid upfront, billed later, or deducted from recovered asset value.
The Fine Print
Lenovo’s lean documentation was sparse on fine print. However, we did find a couple of key details:
- Service Availability: “Lenovo Services are not available for every model and are subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time, without notice.” This means they have the discretion to decide what services to offer and for which assets.
- Value Return: Lenovo states that “in some situations, Lenovo can facilitate the donation of old computers or help customers offset costs and receive value back for re-marketable assets.” However, the vague language offered no additional details on how value is calculated and returned.
Assessment of Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services
Lenovo’s comprehensive list of accepted assets and adherence to stringent data destruction standards were positive, especially compared to other manufacturers. However, the lack of clarity in their processes, vague language, inconsistencies in their documentation, and poor-quality customer service with employees who did not even know about their ITAD process are significant drawbacks.
Find Out How We Can Help
If you are an enterprise, government, or institution looking for ITAD solutions or if you have additional questions, please contact us at ICT. You can also take a look at our white paper on Lenovo’s ITAD services for more information on our research.
Summary Chart of Lenovo’s Services
Selected References
Basel Convention. (2011). Www.basel.int. https://www.basel.int/TheConvention/Overview/tabid/1271/Default.aspx
ICT Mission Reuse (n.d.) ICT Mission Reuse. https://mission-reuse.com/
Lenovo EOL STD- 00031 (2023). Lenovo Electronics End Of Life Standards for Suppliers STD- 00031, SEPT 20,2023 https://www.lenovo.com/content/dam/lenovo/site-design/esg-document-library/global/corp-policies/recycling/STD-00031_Lenovo_Electronics_EOL_Standard_for_Suppliers.pdf
Lenovo ESG Report 2022. (2022). https://investor.lenovo.com/en/sustainability/sustainability_reports.php
Lenovo Sustainability Solutions (2023). Minimize waste and Maximize circularity with Asset Recovery. A sustainable approach to managing your end-of-life IT assets. From https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/content/Lenovoassetsprod/asset-recovery-services_brochure_ww_enpdf?refId=1eab09b0-5673-4c15-8f78-792d7bce694c
Kissel, R., Regenscheid, A., Scholl, M., & Stine, K. (2014, December 17). Guidelines for Media Sanitization. Csrc.nist.gov. https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/88/r1/final
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