Tape destruction is essential to securely delete confidential corporate data and prevent data leaks.
The importance of destroying old backup tapes is of course in the data that is on the tapes. They often contain sensitive information such as customer data, financial administration or business processes. Even when backup tapes are unused in an archive for years, this data often remains readable and therefore vulnerable to misuse.
Incorrect removal or storage can lead to data breaches, GDPR fines or reputational damage. That's why professional data destruction important to prevent company information from ending up in the wrong hands.
There are several ways to destroy data tapes. Not every method is equally effective or GDPR-proof. Below we explain the most commonly used methods:
Physical destruction is the safest method and therefore always our advice. Most companies are therefore required to shred tapes. Each tape is shredded into unreadable pieces with an industrial data shredder. This makes the data completely unrecoverable. This method is suitable for all types of tapes, including DLT, LTO, DDS and VHS.
Another method is to magnetize tapes. This uses a strong magnetic field to erase the stored data. Such a machine is called a degausser. This method is effective for magnetic media, and makes the tape unusable immediately. But beware: degaussing is only GDPR-proof if the process is carried out in a certified manner.
Tape overwriting, or software erasure, can theoretically remove data by overwriting, but it is a slow process and more prone to errors than physical destruction. For extremely sensitive data or companies with very high data protection requirements, this method is sometimes used first, followed by shredding.
At E-Waste Nederland we use a structured and transparent method for backup tape destruction. This ensures fast processing, maximum security and full GDPR compliance. This is how it works destroy backup tapes step by step:
Step 1: Inventory of the tape material
We start with a detailed inventory of the tapes you want to have destroyed. For example, you can send us an inventory list with information such as type of tapes, quantity and location. Based on this, we can quickly make a suitable proposal.
Step 2: Quotation and planning
After receiving the inventory, you will receive a no-obligation quote within two business days. This will also include the proposed destruction method, a time schedule and any additional services such as transport or data reporting. If you agree, we will schedule the execution at a time that suits your organization.
Step 3: Pick up, deliver or destroy on location
You can choose: we pick up the tapes at your company, you bring them to our location in Bodegraven yourself, or we carry out the destruction on your own premises with our mobile destruction unit. The choice depends on your wishes, the volume and the desired security level.
Step 4: Certificate of Destruction and Settlement
After the destruction, you will receive an official certificate of data destruction, including a report with serial numbers (if available) and date of processing. This will ensure your GDPR compliance and allow you to demonstrate the destruction during audits or internal controls.
Don't want your tapes to leave your premises? Then choose our mobile tape destruction on location. Our data shredder comes to your premises, where the tapes are destroyed immediately under supervision. You can watch the process yourself and receive the official certificate of data destruction immediately. This method is fully GDPR compliant and offers maximum transparency and control for your organization.
After the tapes have been destroyed, the materials are separated as much as possible to enable maximum recovery of raw materials. Plastics, metals, magnetic tapes and other components are carefully sorted and offered to certified processors for high-quality recycling. In this way, we ensure that valuable materials can be reused in the production chain. This not only contributes to the circular economy, but also reduces the ecological footprint of your organization and reduces the burden on the environment from electronic waste.
The costs for shredding tapes depend on several factors. Think of the number of data tapes and the logistical handling: do you have the tapes picked up, do you bring them to our location in Bodegraven yourself, or do you opt for destruction on location? A combination with hardware purchase can also influence the price.
Do you want to know exactly what it costs to shred your tapes? Or do you want to have other data carriers destroyed, such as hard drives or USB sticks destruction? Then ask for the rates without obligation. We are happy to think along with you and draw up a customized proposal, tailored to your wishes and situation.
E-Waste Nederland offers a specialized data destruction service tailored to the business market. We combine security, transparency and speed in one reliable service. As a certified IT data destruction company we work according to the highest standards, including WEEELABEX, ISO 27001 and the GDPR. This way you are assured of a carefree processing of your old data carriers, including a destruction certificate for your administration.
We understand how sensitive the information on tapes can be: from customer data and project files to internal financial reports. That's why we offer customized solutions for every situation: from physical on-site data destruction to a safe collection service throughout the Netherlands. E-Waste Nederland guarantees full data security and sustainable processing, so that your organization complies with laws and regulations and contributes to a circular economy.
We offer attractive prices for backup tape destruction
Secure and certified destruction of all data tapes and data carriers
Data destruction service for companies, also possible on location
Choose certified data tape destruction and comply with GDPR legislation and environmental standards.
Yes, with our collection service we come and collect data tapes throughout the Netherlands. Our logistics service collects your tapes at your location by appointment. This can of course be done directly in combination with other IT hardware such as hard drives, servers, computers or laptops. This saves time and guarantees safe handling of all your data carriers and equipment.
Yes, companies can hand in old tapes at E-Waste Nederland. You can make an appointment for delivery to our location in Bodegraven. This is a convenient option if you prefer to arrange the transport yourself or if you want to deliver smaller quantities. We will take care of the further certified processing.
Absolutely. We specialize in destroying backup tapes with sensitive or confidential company data. Our destruction methods are fully GDPR-proof and certified. After processing, you will always receive an official destruction certificate as proof for audits or internal documentation.
The costs for destroying tapes depend on several factors, such as the amount of tapes, the chosen method (for example shredding or degaussing), and whether you choose to pick up, bring or destroy on location. For a specific price indication you can easily request a free quote.
Data tapes can last 10 to 30 years if stored correctly. However, the exact lifespan and reliability of the medium is highly dependent on temperature, humidity and the quality of the equipment used. Even old tapes can still contain legible information, which makes it extra important to have them destroyed correctly.
Throwing away data tapes in the trash or with the residual waste is a very big risk. So never do this! The stored information can easily end up in the wrong hands. Therefore, always hand in your tapes to a certified data destruction company or recognized processor. This way you can be sure of safe and environmentally friendly processing.
In theory, backup tapes can be reused. In that case, the tapes should be wiped or overwritten. The medium then remains intact and can be reused. However, our advice is: always opt for physical destruction (shredding) of the entire storage medium. This way, you can be 100% certain that all data can never be retrieved.
