hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: During a network upgrade, a technician finds a…
During a network upgrade, a technician finds a box of old NICs, cables, and small electronic components that are no longer needed. The company has no formal e-waste policy. What should the technician do?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the trap that 'no policy means no rules,' leading candidates to choose Option A or B, but the correct approach is to proactively research and propose a compliant disposal plan rather than ignoring the issue or taking unilateral action.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Research local e-waste recycling facilities and present a disposal plan to the manager for approval.
In the absence of a formal e-waste policy, the technician must act responsibly by researching local e-waste recycling facilities and presenting a disposal plan to the manager for approval. This aligns with environmental best practices and regulatory compliance, as improper disposal of electronic components can violate local laws and harm the environment. The technician should not unilaterally dispose of or sell the items without management authorization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Throw the items in the dumpster since they are small and the company has no policy.
Why it's wrong here
Disposing of electronic waste (e-waste) in a standard dumpster is environmentally irresponsible and potentially illegal, regardless of item size or company policy. Electronic components often contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, which can leach into soil and groundwater when landfilled. A professional technician has an ethical and often legal obligation to ensure proper e-waste disposal to prevent environmental contamination.
- ✗
Store the items indefinitely in a closet until a policy is created.
Why it's wrong here
Indefinitely storing electronic items in a closet is an irresponsible and inefficient approach that creates several risks. Accumulated e-waste can pose a fire hazard, especially if batteries are present or damaged, and may contain components that could leak corrosive or toxic substances over time. Furthermore, it represents poor asset management, potentially occupying valuable space and failing to address any data security concerns if storage devices are included.
- ✓
Research local e-waste recycling facilities and present a disposal plan to the manager for approval.
Why this is correct
This option demonstrates proactive problem-solving, professional responsibility, and environmental stewardship. By researching local e-waste recycling facilities, the technician identifies compliant and environmentally sound disposal methods for electronic waste. Presenting a formal disposal plan to management ensures proper authorization, facilitates the establishment of company-wide e-waste policies, and mitigates legal and environmental risks associated with improper disposal.
- ✗
Sell the items online as a lot to a recycler.
Why it's wrong here
Selling company assets, even as e-waste, without explicit management approval is a breach of professional conduct and potentially company policy. This action could also inadvertently lead to data security breaches if storage devices are present and not properly sanitized before sale. Furthermore, the technician might not be aware of specific company contracts or preferred vendors for asset disposition, making unauthorized sales non-compliant and risky.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Destruction and Disposal
Key term
Authorization
Authorization determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do within a system, such as accessing files, running programs, or changing settings.
Key term
Compliance
Compliance is the process of ensuring that an organization follows laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies that apply to its operations and data handling.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.