OIT now provides centralized IT support for the return and disposal of university-owned computing devices through this computing equipment return pilot program. This pilot program is intended to allow departments to dispose of computing equipment in a way that is easy, efficient and supports university guidelines.
When you return computing equipment through OIT, OIT will complete the Property Services forms and requests, tag and securely store the equipment while pending Property Services pick up. Please note, computing equipment can still be disposed of directly through Property Services if that is more convenient for you. Learn more about disposing of equipment with Property Services on the Property Services website under How to Surplus CU Owned Items.
When it comes time to purchase a new computer, you should dispose of your older computer rather than hanging on to it or downstreaming it to someone else. Retaining older devices presents hackers with more ways to access your data and creates a support burden that comes with maintaining older devices. In order to ensure that all data is properly removed from university-owned computing devices, it must be disposed of through one of the campus-approved options.
Three ways to return end-of-life computing equipment through OIT:
- Dedicated Desktop Support customers: Make an appointment through the DDS request portal.
- Main Campus: Drop off at the Buff Techs CASE building location.
- East Campus: Make an appointment to drop off at the Computing Center (COMP).
Acceptable Equipment
- Laptops*
- Desktops
- iPads/tablets*
- Phones*
- Hard drives
- Monitors
- Desktop printers
- Miscellaneous peripherals (keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams)
- Projectors
- Associated charger/provided cables
*For Apple devices, please sign out of iCloud before returning.
Equipment/Supplies that will NOT be accepted and should be disposed of separately through Property Services:
- Other E-waste (batteries or other items not associated with computing or AV equipment)
- Hazardous materials
- Lab equipment
- Furniture
- Office supplies
- Capital assets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue to follow my unit's process or go directly through Property Services to dispose of equipment?
Yes, please consult your unit's surplus manager and reference the Property Services website for more info.
What if I have a large amount of equipment that I would like to have picked up somewhere on campus?
Please work with Property Services, see more info under Moving & Hauling.
Will my department receive any of the funds from the sale of the equipment?
No, all funds will be returned to OIT to support a program aimed at providing laptops to lecturers with current appointments.
Can I drop off a non-university owned device?
No, please only return university-owned equipment.
Are computers purchased for sponsored projects required to be disposed of through university-approved processes?
Yes. Computing devices cannot be kept at the end of a sponsored project and their disposal must comply with university procedures regarding property. Learn more about the purchase of computing devices on sponsored projects.
Isn’t it better to extend the life of an older computer by passing it along to another employee or grad assistant?
The older a computer is, the less likely it can run currently supported software which can open up vulnerabilities to hackers. All employees who are handling university data should have computers purchased through CU Marketplace to ensure they have the appropriate tools to do their job—whether teaching, research, or administrative duties. Older computers are also more difficult to support, requiring more time and resources from campus IT professionals.
Can I get help saving my data from my devices before I turn them in for disposal?
- Dedicated Desktop support customers can request data saving help by creating a ticket through the DDS Service Request Portal.
- If you do not have DDS support, make an appointment with BuffTechs Desktop Support to save your data.
- Additionally, Research Computing offers consultations regarding archival of research data.
These groups can help you determine the best options for storing your data. Please reference the CU Boulder Records Retention Schedule and consider deleting data appropriately and not storing indefinitely.
What if a computer I need for my teaching or research uses legacy software which cannot be updated in support of an expensive piece of hardware?
As part of the exception process, OIT Security will work with the requestor to review the capability for compensating controls (e.g., network disablement/isolation) to minimize the risk of using legacy software. Exceptions will be granted on an individual request basis and, if a compelling business reason exists, must be approved by the Provost and Executive COO in consultation with the Sr. AVC/CIO. Visit the Computer Standard Exception Process page for a detailed description of the process as well as the necessary forms to fill out.
How do I know if my computer is end-of-life?
To understand if you need to transition to a newer computer and dispose of your old device appropriately, please visit OIT’s Software Lifecycle page.
Where do I go if I need a new computer?
Eligible faculty should go to the Faculty Computer Purchase Program page to learn how to purchase a new computer every fourth year. Other faculty and staff can learn more about purchasing a computer on the Secure Computing page.
