Cascade’s testing protocol for refurbished products

Consistent with the requirements of the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment (version 3.1), Cascade ensures any product leaving its control as a refurbished product is deemed “fully functional” and performs testing to ensure the device is capable of performing the essential functions for which it is designed. If equipment does not function, Cascade will properly recycle the device in accordance with the e-Stewards Standard and our Safe & Sound disposition process. If an item fails, please consult our warranty and returns program.

Electronic Equipment and/or components are “Fully Functional” when they are tested and demonstrated to meet or exceed the original functionality specifications for the product/component’s Essential Functions, or if upgraded, the intended new specifications; are safe for use & handling, without electrical, physical, or fire hazards; do not contain any Hazardous Electronic Equipment which is non-functional (such as non-working circuit boards, mercury-containing devices, or CRTs), and which perform the Essential Functions it needs to perform for the end consumer.

NOTE: Batteries exported for reuse must meet requirements for batteries destined for reuse in the e-Stewards Standard. Essential Functions: Product features which a user of an electronic product (equipment or component) can reasonably expect to be present based on the original or upgraded design and marketed description of the Electronic Equipment, and features without which safe or effective use would be unlikely.

Product Category

Tests Completed (if applicable)

Audio/Video Equipment
  • Power on device
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test device ports
  • Test baseline functionality
  • Reset to factory defaults/ Remove data
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
Computer/Display Combo Unit
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Enter BIOS/Firmware interface and check that all connected components are present.
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test baseline functionality
Computing Device
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Enter BIOS/Firmware interface and check that all connected components are present.
  • SMART test hard drive
  • Overwrite hard drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Test baseline functionality
Handheld Mobile Device
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test baseline functionality
  • Evaluate condition of battery
Hard Drive (includes SSDs)
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
Imaging Device
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test baseline functionality
Inventoried Electronics
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Enter BIOS/Firmware interface and check that all connected components are present.
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Test baseline functionality
  • Inspect display for defects
Laptop Computer
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Enter BIOS/Firmware interface and check that all connected components are present.
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Test baseline functionality
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Evaluate condition of internal batteries
Network Device
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Remove media
  • Test baseline functionality
Rack Mount Server
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Enter BIOS/Firmware interface and check that all connected components are present.
  • SMART test drive
  • Sanitize drive
  • Remove media
  • Test device ports
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test baseline functionality
Video Display Device
  • Power on device
  • Reset to factory defaults/Remove data
  • Test device ports
  • Inspect display for defects
  • Test buttons, keys, and accessory hardware
  • Test baseline functionality

* SMART test: Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology; used to analyze drive health

Cascade Controlled Document, 08.1.0 ii-002, Rev 3 ; 02/02/2023