IT assets containing personal data
Confidential business information can be found on a wide range of digital and electronic media. We can securely destroy data on all media formats, including:
- Optical media (like CDs and CD-ROMs, DVDs and DVD-ROMs, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD).
- Magnetic backup tapes (any kind of DLT, mini cartridges and many more).
- Floppy Disks.
- Zip disks (100 MB, 250 MB, and larger).
- Memory cards.
- Smart cards and SIM cards.
Evaluate the need for data protection
Before recycling your company IT assets, think about the types of data stored on your devices. Financial records, login credentials, employee data and business-critical information could all be recorded and at risk of leaking. Here’s a few tips:
- Inventory your data: Make a list of devices and their contents, especially those holding critical or confidential information.
- Backup your data: Use secure cloud storage, external hard drives, or network-attached storage (NAS) to transfer important data. Double-check the backup to confirm all necessary files are intact and accessible.
- Arrange collection: Whilst waiting for your Zero Tech Waste collection, make sure you securely store media that may still contain sensitive data.
The process of data destruction
When getting rid of redundant IT assets, it’s important to make sure all sensitive data is properly erased. Each method has its own benefits, depending on your priorities for security and sustainability. Here’s a quick look at three methods we use at Zero Tech Waste: data wiping, degaussing, and shredding.
Data wiping: Eco-friendly & reusable
Securely erasing sensitive information by overwriting data, preventing data recovery. This enables media to be reused, reducing e-waste. A great way for your company to support its sustainability goals by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.
Degaussing: Magnetic data destruction
This method destroys data by eliminating the magnetic field on storage devices. Degaussing is extremely effective for high-security needs as it ensures complete data elimination, but it does render media unusable so it is less eco-friendly.
IT asset shredding: Complete physical destruction
Media is broken into fragments, destroying all internal components. This method guarantees the asset will never be used again, and the remaining material is processed for recovery.
Enhanced data destruction
£5 (ex. VAT) per disk or drive
For organisations requiring end-to-end asset tracking & certification, we offer an enhanced service that includes a full audit trail and a Enhanced Certificate of Destruction for each individual device/disk. Simply indicate the number of assets you need Enhanced certificates for on the form, when you schedule a collection.
It’s easy to recycle e-waste with us
Driven by a mission to raise the standards of IT recycling, we are committed to solutions that limit waste in the UK and avoid exporting waste, contributing to pollution in other countries.