I.T. Supply Solutions properly destroys the information on your hard drives either by wiping the medium or physically destroying the item or both. 

In today’s blog, our data destruction experts answer several frequently asked questions about hard drive shredding.

What is the best way to shred a hard drive?

Industrial machines specifically designed to destroy hard drives are the best way to shred them. These machines weigh 1.5 tons and can shred up to 600 memory drives in one hour using heavy-duty steel wheels with huge teeth that destroy computer memory drives.

Why do you shred hard drives?

Shredding prevents data thieves from accessing any data, even when using extraordinary means. There is no way to put back the memory storage enough to have a computer read the medium.

How much does hard drive shredding cost?

Shredding costs anywhere from $7 to $20 per hard drive, with an average of $12 each, depending on the quantity. Another factor is whether you send them to a data destruction company or if the company comes to your site. When your quantity goes up, prices per drive generally go down. 

Can you oversee the hard drive shredding process?

Yes. In fact, data destruction companies prefer your CTO, IT manager, or technology manager oversee every one shredded. When the process is complete, you will receive a Certificate of Destruction noting the serial numbers of every shredded memory drive and what was done to each.

What happens to hard drives after they are shredded?

Shredded drives are mingled with other electronic devices, called “e-scrap,” ahead of recycling and before being transported to a specialized recycling center. At the recycling facility, conveyors move the scrap through a series of vibrating tables and magnetic machines that sort out various metals.

What metals are in shredded hard drives?

Several metals are in these devices, all of which can be recycled and repurposed for other things, including small amounts of precious metals:

• Copper
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Palladium
• Neodymium (in magnets)
• And more

Why must shredded hard drives be recycled responsibly?

There are billions of memory drives in the world today, with hundreds of millions shipped every year. It’s essential to recycle these items responsibly to keep heavy metals out of landfills, which helps prevent heavy metals from entering groundwater to reduce contamination.

Can you cash in some of the heavy metals in a hard drive?

Yes, you can receive some money back from expired drives by recycling some of the metals in the memory. How much metal you can recover depends on how many drives you need to shred.

Can you destroy hard drives with a hammer?

No, this method of destruction is not recommended.

Can you destroy hard drives with acid, bleach, or chemicals?

No, this method of destruction is not recommended.

Why should you hire a professional data destruction company to shred hard drives?

Professional data destruction companies use the best practices, including meeting or exceeding Department of Defense data destruction standards. Plus, professional companies give you Certificates of Destruction for every drive they shred.

Contact I.T. Supply Solutions or call 859-694-0602 for more information.