Responsible recycling of old or unwanted electronic devices prioritizes keeping both the devices and the hazardous materials they contain out of landfills, supporting environmental protection and sustainability.

With the growing prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT), it is equally important to safeguard the private and proprietary data stored on these devices. In 2025, data destruction is no longer optional—it is a critical requirement. Organizations across sectors including multinational corporations, schools, retailers, banks, government agencies, and medical practices handle sensitive information that could cause significant financial or personal harm if compromised. Beyond the risk of data breaches, failing to properly manage data can also damage an organization’s reputation for carelessness.

Managing old, broken, or unused devices—such as computers, printers, phones, and scanners requires careful attention. Many countries enforce strict regulations, and failing to comply can result in hefty fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Proper destruction of all data is essential to ensure compliance and protect sensitive information.

Why Secure Data Destruction Is Essential

According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach has risen to $4.9 million, marking a 10% increase from previous years. Breaches in public cloud environments are even higher, averaging $5.17 million.

Regardless of where an organization stores personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive personally identifiable information (SPII), data security is critical. This underscores that there is no shortcut when it comes to proper data destruction.

Why Deleting Files or Restoring to Factory Settings Falls Short

Contrary to common belief, simply deleting files does not permanently remove them from your electronic devices, and restoring a device to its factory settings is not sufficient either.

When you delete a file or perform a factory reset, you are merely removing the reference that links the file name or icon to the data itself. With the right tools or effort, those files can often be recovered. The underlying data on your computer, tablet, phone, or other devices remains intact.

To make data truly unrecoverable, organizations have two reliable options: shredding and degaussing. Choosing the best method depends on your organization’s specific needs and the type of data being destroyed.

E-Waste in Next Decade: How to Destroy Data Safely and Securely

How do you determine the best data destruction method? If your organization still has magnetic media in storage, degaussing can be an effective option. However, many devices will still need to be shredded to obtain a Certificate of Destruction (COD) that provides verifiable proof of data disposal.

While most organizations now use newer technology requiring shredding, older magnetic media may still exist in storage or supply rooms. It’s important to securely destroy this data to comply with legal regulations.

Be aware of the data destruction standards for your industry. For example, medical offices in the U.S. must comply with HIPAA, which mandates the secure deletion of data from all devices storing patient information—including EKG machines, tablets, printers, and pagers.

When retiring any electronic device that stores sensitive data, obtaining a Certificate of Destruction (COD) is crucial. This document serves as proof that personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive PII (SPII) was properly destroyed and can protect your organization in cases where a data destruction provider fails to follow the proper protocol.

A COD typically includes:

- The data sanitization method used

- Verification steps that were followed

- The personnel responsible for completing the destruction

- The date the process was completed

- Details of the items destroyed

Rising Threats Make Expert Data Destruction Essential

Even halfway through the year, the volume of compromised data is already alarming. Retaining records that are no longer needed can expose organizations to significant risk, making proper data deletion critical. Simply deleting files is not enough.

For comprehensive data security, partnering with a certified IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider is essential. While degaussing may be suitable in certain situations, it cannot address all data types. Professionals ensure that data is destroyed correctly and in compliance with applicable laws.

It’s crucial to work with ITAD companies or e-waste recyclers that hold certifications such as NAID AAA, SOC Type 2 and 3, and ISO 27001. These credentials verify that the organization has been audited and meets the highest international standards for data security.

The bottom line: data destruction is a vital and non-negotiable component of the electronic device recycling process.