Disposal

When an asset is replaced or has reached the end of its useful life, it must be decommissioned, recycled, or disposed of. Decommissioned assets are generally abandoned in place, meaning they are left in their original location but no longer used. Some assets, particularly metallic ones, might be recyclable and able to be salvaged. It is possible an entity will pay for the recycled item. It is also possible to sell or give an asset to another entity that might need it if the asset has additional life. This situation might occur if the asset is being removed because it failed for capacity reasons. While a pump might be too small for one utility’s use, it might be fine for another’s. In cases where the asset is going to be disposed of, it is important to consider any special handling requirements and to take precautions with any materials regulated at the federal or state level.

Asset disposal is the end of the life cycle. Now is time to use all the information collected throughout the asset’s life cycle to make informed decisions when procuring the asset’s replacement.