Destruction of data carriers for companies

Proper destruction of data carriers for companies is essential to prevent data leaks and comply with the GDPR. Old IT equipment often still contains sensitive information, even if it has been out of use for a long time. Think of customer data, patient files, contracts, financial company information, photos, videos or access to internal systems. 

On this page you can read why professional destroy data carriers What is important is which types of data carriers fall under this and how E-Waste Nederland supports you in this.

Why is data carrier destruction so important?

Many companies underestimate how much data is still on depreciated equipment. A simple format or factory reset rarely completely removes data – often it can be recovered with the right software.

With the advent of stricter privacy legislation such as the GDPR, you as an organization are required to carefully destroy personal data and business-sensitive information. If you do not do this correctly, you run the risk of fines, reputational damage or even legal claims. Professional data destruction is therefore not only safe, but also necessary to remain compliant.

Certified data carrier destruction: the process

Destroying data carriers for companies, institutions and organisations is a process that must be carried out accurately, certified and controlled. Not only to prevent data leaks, but also to comply with the requirements of laws and regulations such as the GDPR and ISO 27001. A data carrier often contains much more information than you might think at first glance – from customer files and financial documents to login details and business strategies.

Bee E-Waste Netherlands we ensure that the destruction is completely safe, demonstrable and in accordance with applicable standards. You can choose from various methods, depending on the type of carrier and your security level:

Physical destruction (shredding)

In physical destruction, data carriers are shredded in an industrial shredder. The disks are reduced to pieces smaller than 9 mm, fully in accordance with the DIN 66399 H5 standard. This method is 100% safe and irreparable.

Software Wiping

If you want to reuse or sell data carriers, certified software data erasure can be the answer. We use tools like Blancco, which completely overwrite data according to international standards. You will receive a wipe report as proof.

Destruction on location or in a secured warehouse

You have the choice: have your data carriers destroyed at your own location (with mobile shredder) or choose for safe disposal to our secure processing location. In both cases you will receive a certificate of destruction with serial numbers, date and applied method.

destruction of data carriers for companies

Which data carriers should be destroyed?

Data carriers include all devices on which digital data can be stored. You can think of:

  • Hard disk drives (HDD)
  • Solid State Drives (SSD)
  • USB sticks and memory cards (SD, microSD, CF, etc.)
  • Backup tapes (e.g. LTO, DAT, DLT, DDS)
  • CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays
  • External hard drives
  • NAS drives or RAID systems
  • Smartphones and tablets
  • Laptops and notebooks
  • Desktops and workstations (with internal storage)
  • VOIP phones with memory
  • Network equipment with storage (routers, switches with logging)
  • Hard drive printers and copiers
  • Servers and server components
  • Wearables (such as smartwatches with storage)
  • Digital cameras and camcorders (with internal memory or card)
  • Medical devices with patient data

NB! Even old, damaged or non-functioning data carriers may still contain data that can be recovered. These should also be destroyed carefully.

Our working method for data carrier destruction

Step 1) Inventory: We start with an inventory in which we map out together with you which data carriers need to be destroyed. Think of hard drives, USB sticks, tapes or other information carriers. We take into account the type of carriers, the quantity and whether you choose destruction on location or in our secure warehouse.

Step 2) Quotation & planning: Within two working days you will receive a no-obligation quote with a clear proposal. This will state which destruction method will be used, what the costs are and when the processing can take place – without any surprises afterwards.

Step 3) Destruction: The destruction takes place on location with our mobile shredder or in our certified warehouse in Bodegraven. We always work according to strict standards, such as DIN 66399 H5, and ensure a fully controlled and safe process.

Step 4) Certificate & Reporting: After completion, you will receive an official certificate of data destruction. This document includes the serial numbers of the destroyed data carriers, the processing date and the method used – ideal for GDPR accountability and internal audits.

Step 5) Environmentally friendly recycling: Finally, we ensure sustainable processing of residual materials. Metals, printed circuit boards and plastics are separated and recycled according to WEEELABEX guidelines. In this way, you contribute to data security and circular business operations.

Do you have any questions about the destruction of data carriers for companies or do you want to have your old have hard drives destroyed? Then please feel free to Contact contact us, we are happy to assist you.

Want to have your data carriers destroyed safely?

Do you want to prevent old data carriers from posing a risk to your organization? Choose a secure, certified approach.

E-Waste Nederland is part of W3E and fully certified according to WEEELABEX, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and Blancco. We have years of experience with business customers who have high demands on compliance and internal audits. You benefit from national coverage with efficient logistics. This way you are assured of a professional and audit-proof data destruction partner.

Request a no-obligation quote today and receive a proposal within two working days.

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