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Upcycle Upscales ITAD Operations to Maximize Client Value

Upcycle technician operating Blancco software on a workstation while processing devices.

Delivering end-to-end lifecycle services means adapting to every client—but that kind of flexibility can make ITAD operations messy. Every client brings a different mix of devices, from K-12 institutions managing Macs and tablets to growing enterprises upgrading server infrastructure for AI. Finding a data erasure solution that can handle all of it is no small task.

That challenge becomes even greater when you’re not sure what to ask for—a position Upcycle, a rapidly growing US-based ITAD, found itself in.

By working closely with Blancco to tailor a solution around their needs, Upcycle was able to strengthen their processes, upskill their team, and increase the value returned to clients at end of life.

Highlights

  • Bullet icon Scaling toward 100K+ devices annually, up from ~10K
  • Bullet icon Increased customer ROI through diagnostics and certified data erasure
  • Bullet icon Standardized workflows and SOPs to support near 10x scale and improve efficiency
  • Bullet icon Upskilled teams through hands-on guidance, strengthening execution and capability.
  • Bullet icon Fully supported client compliance with HIPAA, NIST, and NAID requirements

The Challenge

Upcycle is a rapidly growing ITAD working with clients across a wide range of highly regulated sectors. To deliver true white-glove IT asset disposition, no two engagements looked the same.

That complexity was driven by the diversity of their customer base. On one end, they were supporting government organizations that required certified data destruction aligned with standards like NIST 800-88. On the other, they were working with enterprises decommissioning data center infrastructure, alongside K-12 institutions managing large volumes of student devices.

Each environment came with its own requirements related to data destruction, disposal, and tracking expectations. Over time, this led to a highly segmented erasure process built on internal strategies and a mix of disconnected tools—making it difficult to maintain consistency, scale operations, and meet the growing demands of their clients.

One such demand was the need to drive greater ROI for their clients from end-of-life assets. Tightened post-COVID budgets, combined with rapid AI-driven upgrades, meant every asset carried more weight at disposition.

At the same time, every additional inefficient step in the process increased the cost per device—cutting into the value returned to clients. As complexity grew, so did the pressure to deliver consistent, efficient outcomes at scale.

As CEO Mark DeTroia put it: “At the time, we didn’t really know what we didn’t know—but we knew we needed help to figure it out.”

Upcycle technician using Blancco software to manage and process multiple laptops at a workstation in an IT asset disposition facility

The Solution

Upcycle needed a data erasure and mobile diagnostics solution that could match the complexity of its client workflows. Just as important, they needed to ensure their team could consistently deliver the right results across a wide range of devices and environments.

To achieve this, Blancco and Upcycle worked closely to implement a more streamlined approach to device processing and data erasure. This required building processes that were scalable and aligned with Upcycle’s focus on maximizing value for their clients.

Upcycle leveraged a range of Blancco solutions, including:

  • Blancco Drive Eraser
  • Blancco Mobile Diagnostics & Erasure
  • Blancco Apple Device Eraser
  • Blancco Management Portal
  • Intelligent Business Routing

Perhaps more important than the tools themselves was the support behind them. By working closely with Blancco’s team, Upcycle was able to apply industry expertise to their own operations and get more value from their investment. This helped bring their team up to speed quickly and strengthened their ability to scale.

“You want a partner who aligns with your values and is focused on solutions. That’s what we found with Blancco—they see the big picture, they understand where this can go, and when challenges come up, we tackle them together. That’s been a big part of what’s made this work.”

Mark DeTroia, CEO, Upcycle

The Results

Since implementing Blancco, Upcycle has strengthened both the value they deliver to customers and the efficiency of their internal operations.

By leveraging diagnostics and certified data erasure, Upcycle is able to maximize the value of end-of-life IT assets, helping customers recover more through resale and reuse. This has become especially important as organizations look to get more out of existing technology investments.

Operationally, the impact has been just as meaningful. With more structured workflows and standardized processes in place, Upcycle has improved consistency across device handling while reducing manual effort. These changes have enabled the team to scale from processing around 10,000 devices annually to a projected 100,000+, all while maintaining quality and security.

At the same time, Blancco’s hands-on support has helped upskill Upcycle’s team, strengthening their technical capabilities and giving them the confidence to manage a broader range of devices. This has improved day-to-day execution and opened the door to more complex projects.

Upcycle team members in their processing facility, supporting scalable ITAD operations

Together, these improvements have created a more scalable, value-driven operation that supports continued growth.

Looking ahead, Upcycle is well positioned to keep building on this foundation—expanding capacity, taking on more advanced services, and continuing to maximize value for their clients.

About Upcycle

Upcycle specializes in the proper disposal of all IT electronics— if it plugs in, we take care of it. Our services accommodate diverse items while maintaining a commitment to environmentally conscious practices and certified disposal methods. From legacy systems to modern electronics, our tailored services ensure every item is safely processed and recycled without adding to your workload.

About Blancco

Reduce Risk. Increase Efficiency. Be Sustainable. Blancco Technology Group provides organizations with secure, compliant, and automated solutions that accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Each year, tens of millions of Blancco erasures allow top-tier organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorized access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements. Our precise device diagnostics help move used IT assets confidently into the circular economy, enabling enterprises, IT asset disposition vendors and recyclers, and mobile industry stakeholders to operate more sustainably.

Erase Data. Prove Compliance. Protect Your Reputation.