But many agencies cannot simply send devices, often containing sensitive information, off to 3rd parties without a specific contract and vetted protocol governing the exchange. Part of the reason that a government agency has to handle disposal themselves is so that they can ensure the legally-mandated destruction of private data.

Failing to meet EPEAT guidelines is not merely symbolic; it means that performing secure and environmentally-friendly disposal is rendered much more difficult. It also means the cost of ownership is higher since either the lifespan of the device will be shorter or experts will have to be paid to perform repairs.