Secure disposal for business data
Secure Data Destruction for Businesses
Old computers and storage devices can retain personal, confidential and commercially sensitive information. We help organisations remove redundant data-bearing equipment through a secure, documented destruction and recycling process.
- Secure handling
- Physical destruction options
- Records for your files
Who needs data destruction?
A practical service for organisations with confidential information
Businesses, schools, professional practices and public-facing organisations often hold personal or sensitive information on computers, servers and storage devices. When that equipment reaches end of life, data security needs to come before recycling.
We help SMEs, IT teams, accountants, solicitors, schools and other organisations plan a suitable disposal route.
Common reasons to book
- Replacing computers or servers
- Closing or moving an office
- Clearing stored legacy equipment
- Removing failed or obsolete drives
- Creating a documented disposal record
Data-bearing equipment
Tell us what needs to leave your control
The correct process depends on the equipment, storage type, condition and your internal requirements.
Computers and laptops
Desktop computers, workstations and laptops may contain internal drives holding user, customer or operational data.
Servers and storage
Servers, storage arrays and related equipment can contain several drives and may need extra planning before collection.
Loose storage devices
Hard drives and other media can be collected as part of an IT clearance or discussed as a separate destruction requirement.
Data destruction and recycling
Security first, recycling second
We agree how the data-bearing devices will be handled before the remaining equipment enters the recycling process.
Scope
List the equipment, storage types, quantity, location and any deadlines.
Collection
We agree the collection and secure handling arrangements.
Process
Data-bearing devices follow the agreed erasure or physical destruction route.
Records
Relevant destruction and waste documentation is supplied as agreed.
Certificates and waste records
A Certificate of Destruction provides a record that the agreed media or devices have been processed. A Waste Transfer Note records the transfer of waste where applicable.
Tell us about any asset references or reporting needs before collection so these can be considered when the service is arranged.
Related services
One route for data and redundant equipment
Data destruction often forms part of a wider IT recycling or office-clearance requirement. Hard drives needing physical destruction can follow our dedicated hard-drive destruction process.
For general electrical equipment, see our e-waste recycling service.
Before collection
Information that helps us quote
- Your organisation and collection postcode
- Equipment or media types
- Approximate quantities
- Any asset list or reference requirements
- Access, timing or security considerations
- The records your organisation expects to receive
Frequently asked questions
Data destruction questions
Is data destruction the same as IT recycling?
No. Data destruction deals with information held on storage devices. IT recycling deals with the remaining equipment and materials. A business collection may need both services.
Can you collect complete computers and servers?
Yes, subject to the equipment and location. Send an approximate inventory or photographs so we can plan the collection.
What documentation is available?
A Certificate of Destruction and relevant waste documentation can be supplied as part of the agreed service.
How should we prepare equipment?
Keep the equipment secure, avoid removing asset labels needed for your records and provide an inventory if you have one. We will explain any other preparation when arranging collection.
How quickly can you collect?
Timing depends on location, quantity and the required service. Tell us your deadline and we will confirm current availability.
Discuss your data destruction requirements
Send the device types, quantity, postcode and any reporting requirements.