Choosing the right IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider is critical for your business. This head-to-head comparison breaks down OEM Source vs Iron Mountain across key factors that matter most to decision-makers.
When evaluating ITAD providers, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between your options. Here’s how OEM Source and Iron Mountain stack up across the most important business factors.
Quick Comparison Overview
This side-by-side comparison highlights the key differences that matter most to decision-makers evaluating ITAD services.
| Factor | OEM Source | Iron Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 | 1951 |
| ITAD Focus | Primary business | One of many services |
| Certifications | R2v3, ISO 9001/14001/45001, NAID AAA | R2v3, ISO 27001 |
| Facility Size | 43,421+ sq ft dedicated ITAD | Multiple facilities, mixed use |
| Monthly Processing | 19,539+ devices | Not disclosed |
| Geographic Focus | Nationwide with NJ headquarters | Global with US presence |
The quality and scope of services offered can make or break your ITAD experience. Let’s examine how each provider handles the most critical service areas.
Service Comparison
Both providers offer ITAD services, but their approach, specialization, and execution differ significantly across key service areas.
Data Destruction Services
OEM Source:
- NAID AAA-certified physical and digital destruction
- DoD 5220.22-M compliant data wiping
- On-site and off-site destruction options
- Certificate of destruction provided
- Specialized SSD and mobile device destruction
Iron Mountain:
- Basic data destruction services
- Limited on-site capabilities
- Focus more on document destruction
- Certificate of destruction available
- Less specialized in IT-specific destruction
Data Center Decommissioning
OEM Source:
- Dedicated data center decommissioning team
- Complete project management from planning to completion
- Secure equipment removal and transportation
- Real-time tracking and reporting
- Environmental compliance guaranteed
Iron Mountain:
- Data center services available
- Part of a broader information management offering
- Less specialized project management
- Standard transportation and logistics
- Compliance through third-party partners
E-Waste Recycling
OEM Source:
- R2v3 certified recycling processes
- Zero landfill guarantee
- Detailed material recovery reporting
- Precious metals recovery and revenue sharing
- Environmental impact reporting
Iron Mountain:
- Basic e-waste recycling
- Limited environmental reporting
- Standard recycling processes
- No revenue-sharing programs
- Compliance-focused approach
Understanding pricing models is crucial for budgeting and avoiding unexpected costs. Here’s how each provider structures their pricing and what you can expect.
Pricing Structure
Pricing transparency and structure vary significantly between these providers, impacting your total cost of ownership.
OEM Source Pricing:
- Transparent pricing model
- Free consultations and assessments
- Volume discounts available
- Revenue sharing on valuable materials
- No hidden fees or surcharges
- Competitive rates for all service levels
Iron Mountain Pricing:
- Complex pricing structure
- Enterprise-focused pricing
- Higher minimum volumes required
- Limited revenue sharing
- Additional fees for specialized services
- Premium pricing for brand recognition
The level of customer service and support can significantly impact your project’s success and overall experience. Here’s how each provider approaches client relationships.
Customer Service & Support
Customer service philosophy and execution differ dramatically between these two providers, affecting your day-to-day experience.
OEM Source:
- Dedicated account managers
- Direct access to technical experts
- 24/7 customer support
- Personalized service approach
- Quick response times
- Local market knowledge
Iron Mountain:
- Large corporate structure
- Multiple service representatives
- Standard business hours support
- Process-driven approach
- Longer response times
- Global but less personal service
Certifications and compliance standards are non-negotiable for most organizations. Here’s how each provider measures up in terms of industry certifications and regulatory compliance.
Certifications & Compliance
Both providers maintain industry certifications, but the breadth and depth of their compliance programs vary considerably.
OEM Source Certifications:
- R2v3 (Responsible Recycling) – The gold standard for electronics recycling
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety)
- NAID AAA (Data Destruction)
- USFCR (Federal Contractor Registration)
Iron Mountain Certifications:
- R2v3 (Responsible Recycling)
- ISO 27001 (Information Security)
- Various regional certifications
- SOC 2 Type II compliance
- HIPAA compliance capabilities
Industry expertise can make the difference between a smooth project and compliance headaches. Here’s where each provider focuses their specialization efforts.
Industry Specialization
Understanding each provider’s industry focus helps determine which one best understands your specific sector’s requirements.
OEM Source Specializes In:
- Healthcare ITAD (HIPAA compliance)
- Financial services (regulatory compliance)
- Government and defense (security clearance)
- Education (budget-conscious solutions)
- Telecommunications (high-volume processing)
Iron Mountain Specializes In:
- Document management and storage
- Information governance
- Digital transformation services
- Cloud storage solutions
- ITAD as secondary service
Geographic reach and local presence can impact service quality, response times, and project costs. Here’s how each provider’s coverage compares.
Geographic Coverage
Service area coverage affects logistics, costs, and the ability to provide personalized, local service.
OEM Source:
- Nationwide coverage
- Headquarters in Roselle, New Jersey
- Regional service teams
- Local pickup and delivery
- Specialized transportation fleet
Iron Mountain:
- Global presence
- Multiple US facilities
- International capabilities
- Extensive logistics network
- Broader geographic reach
Real customer feedback provides valuable insights into actual service delivery and satisfaction levels. Here’s what customers are saying about each provider.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Customer satisfaction ratings and feedback reveal the real-world experience of working with each provider.
OEM Source Customer Feedback:
- 4.8/5 average rating
- “Exceptional customer service and technical expertise”
- “Transparent pricing with no surprises”
- “Fast turnaround times and detailed reporting”
- “Genuine partnership approach”
Iron Mountain Customer Feedback:
- 4.2/5 average rating
- “Reliable large-scale operations”
- “Good for enterprise-level needs”
- “Complex pricing can be challenging”
- “Less personal service experience”
Choosing the right provider depends on your specific needs, priorities, and organizational requirements. Here’s guidance on which provider might be the best fit for different scenarios.
Decision Factors
Your choice should align with your organization’s priorities, budget, and specific ITAD requirements.
Choose OEM Source If You Need:
- Specialized ITAD expertise and focus
- Personalized customer service
- Transparent, competitive pricing
- Quick turnaround times
- Revenue sharing opportunities
- Direct access to technical experts
- Comprehensive certifications
Choose Iron Mountain If You Need:
- Global service capabilities
- Integrated information management services
- Enterprise-scale operations
- Established brand recognition
- International compliance requirements
- Document storage integration
Ready to move forward with your ITAD project? Here’s how to get started with OEM Source and what you can expect from the initial engagement process.
Getting Started
Taking the next step with OEM Source is straightforward, with multiple touchpoints designed to understand your specific needs.
OEM Source Next Steps:
- Free consultation – Schedule within 24 hours
- On-site assessment – No obligation evaluation
- Custom quote – Transparent pricing breakdown
- Service agreement – Flexible terms available
- Project kickoff – Dedicated project manager assigned
Contact Information:
- Phone: +1 800 306-1364
- Website: oemsourceinc.com
- Email: Available on website contact form
- Address: 470 West 1st Ave, Roselle, NJ 07203
After comparing all factors, here’s our assessment of which provider offers the best value for different organizational needs.
The choice between OEM Source and Iron Mountain ultimately depends on your organization’s specific priorities and requirements.
OEM Source offers specialized ITAD expertise with personalized service and transparent pricing, making them ideal for organizations seeking dedicated IT asset disposition services. Iron Mountain provides broader information management capabilities with global reach, better suited for large enterprises needing integrated document and data services.
For most businesses focused specifically on IT asset disposition, OEM Source delivers superior specialization, customer service, and value. If you’re using ServiceNow for asset management, also consider reading our ServiceNow integration guide to understand how OEM Source can streamline your workflows.
