What’s the best way to destroy a drive?

After wiping, remove and drill through the platters or have a certified shredder handle it. SSDs require shredding or secure erase.

Is wiping an SSD the same as an HDD?

No, use the SSD manufacturer’s secure erase tool or encrypt then reset; multi‑pass overwrites do not reliably sanitize SSDs.

Electronics recycling

How to Recycle Hard Drives

Internal and external hard disk drives from computers.

Recyclable$0–$10 as scrap; working high‑capacity drives may have resale valueUpdated Jun 2026

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Quick answer

Yes, hard drives are recyclable e-waste, but wipe or physically destroy them first to protect your data, since deleting files isn't enough. After wiping (or shredding/drilling the platters), drop the drive at a certified e-waste recycler or a retailer e-waste program.

Recyclable: Yes
Typical value: $0–$10 as scrap; working high‑capacity drives may have resale value
Donate / take-back: Available

How to Prepare

1Wipe data completely or physically destroy
2Remove from computer carefully

How to Recycle Hard Drives

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How to Recycle Hard Drives

Quick answer

Sell your car for cash, the easy way

Accepted

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Donation

Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back

Recycling centers that accept Hard Drives

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