5 Things to Do with Old Computers or Hard Drives (The Secure Way)
When it’s time to upgrade your office equipment, your old computers and hard drives shouldn’t just be stored in a closet—or worse, thrown in the trash. These devices can contain sensitive business data, including financial records, client information, login credentials, and more. Without proper disposal, you risk data breaches, non-compliance, and identity theft.
Here are five smart, secure, and responsible things to do with your old IT equipment—with a focus on data destruction and protection.
1. Schedule Professional Hard Drive Destruction
The most effective and compliant way to dispose of outdated hard drives is through certified hard drive destruction. Unlike wiping or formatting, physical destruction ensures the data can never be recovered.
At Shredding On Site, we provide on-site or off-site hard drive shredding services throughout Maine and New Hampshire, following strict NAID AAA-Certified procedures.
Benefits include:
- Irreversible destruction of sensitive data
- Per unit serial number tracking available
- Compliance with HIPAA, FACTA, and other data privacy laws
- A Certificate of Destruction for audit records
Don’t take risks—schedule secure hard drive destruction today
2. Remove and Shred Storage Devices Separately
If you’re not ready to destroy the entire device, be sure to at least remove internal storage media—such as:
- Hard drives (HDD or SSD)
- USB drives
- Memory cards
These components should be collected in a locked media disposal bin until they can be properly shredded. Never assume a device is “safe” just because it’s old or non-functional.
We offer custom e-media destruction services for offices handling sensitive digital information.
3. Recycle E-Waste Responsibly
Once electronic storage media (hard disk drives, solid state drives, etc.) are removed, , the remaining computer components can be sent to a certified electronics recycling facility. Many recyclers will accept laptops, computer towers, monitors, keyboards, and cables—just be sure your data storage components are removed and destroyedbefore handing them over.
Look for R2 or e-Stewards certified recyclers for proper handling of e-waste. These organizations follow responsible recycling practices and ensure materials are safely processed.
Shredding On Site can help you find an approved e-waste recycler near you. Explore how we help reduce electronic waste while maintaining data security.
4. Donate Computer Equipment—After Data Destruction
If the computer equipment still works, consider donating it to a local nonprofit or school—but only after data has been thoroughly destroyed. Even deleted files can be recovered with basic software tools, making donations a high-risk activity without prior destruction.
To remain compliant and secure:
- Remove all hard drives and storage media
- Use certified destruction services before donation
- Maintain documentation for your records
Support your community while staying secure by donating equipment safely.
5. Create an IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) Policy
If your organization regularly upgrades devices, it’s time to formalize the process. An IT Asset Disposal policy ensures every piece of old technology is accounted for and securely destroyed or recycled.
Your policy should include:
- Inventory tracking of devices and drives
- Designated data destruction protocols
- Vendor documentation and Certificates of Destruction
- Scheduled audits and updates
A strong ITAD policy is a critical part of your company’s information governance and data protection strategy.
Secure, Compliant Hard Drive Destruction in Maine & New Hampshire
Whether you have one old laptop or dozens of outdated hard drives, secure destruction is the only way to protect your data. At Shredding On Site, we provide professional hard drive and media shredding services to help your business stay secure and compliant.
? Contact us today to schedule a one-time purge or ongoing electronic media destruction service.