The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, recently received a $15,000 donation thanks to the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services’ (OMES) IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) program.
The OMES ITAD program is a cost-saving and cybersecurity-enhancing initiative that ensures outdated state technology assets – such as laptops, desktops and phones – are securely refurbished or responsibly disposed of. OMES works with mender – a global IT asset disposition company – on the program.
The OMES ITAD program adheres to the strict guidelines that protects sensitive state data while reducing electronic waste.
“Working closely with the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, we are very appreciative of this investment in Oklahoma’s conservation efforts,” said Wade Free, director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Our mission is to protect Oklahoma’s wildlife and habitats, and that stewardship relies on partnerships. We appreciate the joint efforts of OMES and mender to turn technology disposal into something that supports our mission and benefits Oklahoma’s natural resources.”
Since launching in February 2024, the ITAD program has generated $381,000 in savings, properly disposed of 700 kilograms of hazardous materials, and processed multiple semitrucks of surplus IT assets monthly. OMES said that by prioritizing refurbishment, securely dismantling outdated devices, and recovering valuable materials, the program prevents toxic waste from polluting Oklahoma’s natural resources.
“This effort demonstrates how responsible IT disposal can create meaningful, lasting impact beyond the technology sector,” said Nathan Wald, OMES Capital Assets Management administrator. “Our ITAD program is more than just end-of-life IT management – it’s a statewide initiative that improves efficiency, generates savings and gives back to Oklahoma communities.”
