The Case for Green Data Destruction

With more and more of the electronic devices used in business storing potentially sensitive information, the skillful destruction of this data at the end of the life cycle is more important than ever. These days, depending upon the type of equipment being used, even copy and fax machines might be storing data and copies of the documents that have come in contact with them. If sensitive documents such as tax returns or business intelligence briefs are copied or sent using these machines, there's the potential that this data is still lurking somewhere within its memory banks.
There have been multiple reports in the media about sensitive information that has been discovered on second-hand hard drives. Some of this data has been highly sensitive. Even government agencies have been reported as having failed to remove sensitive and confidential information from computer systems they have disposed of. These incidents have increased public awareness of the need for proper data destruction, although it still remains a serious issue. While the removal of confidential data from recycled electronics, computer equipment and data storage drives is required by law in many states, an alarming percentage of equipment tested was reported to contain at least some confidential information.

When it comes time to dispose of old office electronics, proper data destruction should be a high priority. This applies to any type of electronic device, from computers to scanners to cell phones. However, there's more to data destruction than just smashing up the device or hard drive and throwing it in the garbage or landfill. If a business is eco-minded, values the planet and wants to preserve its future, then green data destruction is a must. Using green methods of data destruction is far healthier for the environment and can also be much more protective of the sensitive business information being handled.

Blending Recycling and Effective Data Destruction

There are ultimately only two guaranteed ways of successfully and completely eliminating data from hardware, components and devices. One method is by using a specific type of software to "sanitize" or "wipe" the device. The other method is to actually physically destroy the hard drive or device and render it beyond further use or reconstruction.

Fortunately, going green when having data destroyed is relatively easy to do. It all starts with the intention to handle old data, electronics and data storage devices in a responsible, eco-friendly way. One way to do this properly is to take electronics at the end of their life cycle to an electronics recycler who also offers the capacity to shred the hard drives. The exact process for recycling electronics is a complex one, and it depends on the device. Generally, the process entails breaking down the electronics into its component parts which are then each handled differently, depending upon the materials comprising them. These parts and components are then shipped off to appropriate recyclers who can either repurpose, reuse or refurbish them, or dispose of them in a planet-conscious manner. One of the steps in this process involves an electronics recycler removing and shredding the storage component or hard drive, thereby making the data that was once stored there permanently inaccessible.

Prior to sending old electronics to a recycler, green-minded businesses will want to make sure that the company chosen uses a viable and green data destruction system with their clients' electronics. The data destruction company should show that it can carefully track IT assets throughout the entire process of data destruction and the recycling of electronic components. At the end of the process, they should be able to provide the business with proof of proper data destruction and a guarantee that the process was completed both successfully and in a green manner.

While the green destruction of data and electronics does incur costs to a business when done properly, knowing that the process will be kinder and gentler on the environment going forward is worth the effort and expense. Protecting sensitive business data and intelligence is always worth the cost, and doing so in an eco-friendly manner is a valuable added bonus.