ITAD and IT recycling services, explained

Making the data on old drives and devices unrecoverable — by software erasure, shredding or degaussing — usually with a certificate as proof.

Physically shredding hard drives and SSDs so the data can’t be recovered — either at your premises or at the provider’s site.

Companies that say they collect IT equipment free of charge. Many set conditions — a minimum number of items, an area, or equipment with resale value — so check before you book.

Dealing with old business IT — computers, laptops, servers, phones and network kit — securely and responsibly: removing or destroying the data, then reusing, reselling or recycling the hardware, with records of what happened to each item.

Overwriting the storage in drives and devices with specialist software so the data can’t be recovered, while leaving the device usable. Good providers give a report or certificate for each drive, usually listed by serial number.

Physically destroying hard drives, SSDs, phones or tapes at your own premises — often in a shredding vehicle — so the data never leaves your site.

Physically shredding or crushing drives and other storage at the provider’s own secure facility after collection.

Wiping magnetic media such as hard disk drives and backup tapes with a very strong magnetic field. It does not work on SSDs or flash memory, and the drive can’t be used again afterwards.

Recycling computers and IT equipment that can’t be reused, so that metals, plastics and other materials are recovered.

Collecting and treating waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) more widely — not only IT but other electrical items too.

Testing, repairing, cleaning and upgrading used equipment so that it can be used again.

Reselling used equipment that still has value. Some providers buy it from you or share the proceeds.

Planning and carrying out the removal of servers, storage and network equipment from data centres and server rooms.

Collecting equipment from your premises. Some do this free, some only above a minimum quantity or within an area, and some charge.

Accepting equipment that you bring to their site — check opening times and whether you need to book first.

Handling mobile phones and tablets, including wiping or destroying the data on them.

Passing refurbished equipment on to charities, schools, community groups or people who need it.

Handling equipment at the end of a lease, including wiping data before it goes back to the leasing company.