How to Prepare
- 1Wipe data completely or physically destroy
- 2Remove from computer carefully
- 3Keep intact for professional data destruction
- 4Separate SSDs from traditional hard drives
Where to Recycle
- Computer repair shops
- E-waste recyclers
- Data destruction services
Special Instructions
Data security critical. Consider professional data destruction services.
Environmental Impact
Contains rare earth elements and precious metals. Proper recycling recovers valuable materials.
Data Wipe & Security
- Use multi‑pass wipe for HDDs (or degauss)
- Use manufacturer secure erase for SSDs (ATA Secure Erase) or encrypt then reset
- Physically destroy platters if highly sensitive
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- 3.5" and 2.5" HDDs, SSDs, and external drives
- With or without cables/enclosures
Not Accepted
- Drives containing regulated data without documentation (business)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0–$10 as scrap; working high‑capacity drives may have resale value
Donation
- Generally not donated; recycle due to data sensitivity
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Hazardous Components
- Neodymium magnets
- Lead solder on PCBs
FAQs
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.