State IT disposal program donation supports local wildlife conservation efforts

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, recently received a $15,000 donation from global IT Asset Disposition company mender as a result of the state’s ITAD program, administered by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. OMES joined ODWC and mender at an Oklahoma Wildlife Commission meeting on March 3 to formally present the donation, which will directly support wetland development, as well as migratory bird and waterfowl conservation projects in regions across the state.

“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.”

The OMES ITAD program is a cost-saving and cybersecurity-enhancing initiative that ensures outdated state technology assets – such as laptops, desktops and phones – are securely refurbished or responsibly disposed of. Launched in partnership with mender, an R-2 certified company that adheres to the strict guidelines required of this disposal, the program protects sensitive state data while reducing electronic waste that would otherwise end up in Oklahoma landfills or waterways.

Since its launch 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. By prioritizing refurbishment, securely dismantling outdated devices and recovering valuable materials, the program prevents toxic waste from polluting Oklahoma’s natural resources.

"Mender helps organizations reduce waste, improve efficiency and reinvest proceeds into conservation," said Kent Taggart, co-founder and CEO of mender. "We're proud to partner with the State of Oklahoma to create value while supporting efforts like those of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to keep Oklahoma’s land thriving for generations to come.”

As part of its commitment, mender donates 5% of profits from the state’s processed IT assets to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, further amplifying the program’s positive impact on Oklahoma’s environment. With fewer than 10 states implementing similar programs, Oklahoma is leading the way in IT asset management by maximizing responsible disposal, enhancing data security and making the most of taxpayer investments.

“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.”

OMES remains committed to supporting customer agencies in achieving their missions while driving cost-savings and responsible stewardship of state assets.

State agencies, cities, counties and education entities across Oklahoma can participate in the OMES ITAD program. For more information or to get started, contact OMES IT Asset Manager William Habekott at william.habekott@omes.ok.gov.

Christa Helfrey
christa.helfrey@omes.ok.gov

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides financial, property, purchasing, human resources and information technology services to all state agencies, and assists the Governor’s Office with budgetary policy matters. Our mission: Provide excellent service, expert guidance and continuous improvement in support of our partners’ goals. For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/omes.