Overview
This guide reviews procedures for returning IT equipment/devices (e.g. phones, tablets, laptops/computers) to DTS. All Dornsife-managed devices must be returned to DTS without exception: as stated in the Dornsife IT procurement policy, "At the end of the asset's useful life, or upon the separation of the asset user from the University, all IT equipment must be returned to DTS, per USC’s asset management policy."
If you need assistance copying over files/data from the device prior to returning it to DTS, please let us know: you can submit a ticket to our Help Desk or start a chat with us (red droplet-shaped icon 
in the bottom right corner of this page).
Returning used equipment
Returning equipment for recycling (e-waste)
If you have an old device purchased by the University and which you are no longer using, or which has reached the end of its lifecycle, please return the device to DTS for recycling:
- Copy over all of your files/data from the device to a cloud storage account, another computer, or an external hard drive.
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Log out of your iCloud/Apple ID if you are returning an Apple device.
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Complete the Return/E-waste Equipment form.
DTS will contact you once we process your request. Upon receiving the device, we will erase all data from the device and will coordinate the e-waste process, following the University's technology policy, with our approved vendor.
Please do not contact an independent vendor for e-waste, as DTS cannot ensure the security of the device and hard drive with an independent vendor, and cannot ensure that the vendor follows the University's technology policy.
Returning equipment for repurposing within Dornsife
To return an old device for someone else to use within Dornsife:
- Copy over all of your files/data from the device to a cloud storage account, another computer, or an external hard drive.
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Log out of your iCloud/Apple ID if you are returning an Apple device.
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Submit your request as a ticket to the DTS Help Desk, specifying whether you are returning the device to be repurposed by another member within your department or for use by other departments.
DTS will contact you once we process your request.
Returning new equipment
Requests to return new IT equipment should be initiated as soon as possible. Return policies vary by vendor, but DTS will assist Dornsife departments and staff in assessing the options available if the return window has closed.
To return new equipment:
- Copy over all of your files/data from the device to a cloud storage account, another computer, or an external hard drive.
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Log out of your iCloud/Apple ID if you are returning an Apple device.
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Submit your request as a ticket to the DTS Help Desk.
Returning loaner equipment
Prior to returning loaner equipment borrowed through our Faculty and Staff Equipment Loaner program, please be sure to:
- Copy over all of your files/data from the device to a cloud storage account, another computer, or an external hard drive.
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Log out of your iCloud/Apple ID if you are returning an Apple device.
About our recycling (e-waste) vendor
For devices being recycled, DTS works with an approved vendor, Human-I-T. Human-I-T addresses the digital divide by providing low-income individuals and nonprofits with technology, internet, and digital training, and does this by repairing and repurposing technology rather than scrapping electronics for parts.
As of April 2021, the partnership between USC and Human-I-T has diverted over one million pounds of useful technology away from landfills and back into the communities, and has connected over 5,000 underserved families and individuals to technology and the Internet. For more information about the partnership and its social and environmental impact, you can read "E-waste isn't wasted at USC, thanks to partnership that helps the community."
For more information about Human-I-T, you can view their website: https://www.human-i-t.org/about/.