How to safely dispose of an old hard drive
Deleting files and formatting a drive doesn't remove your data. Here is how to make sure nobody can recover it.
Published 25 September 2026
Deleting is not erasing
When you delete files or format a drive, the data usually stays on it until it is overwritten. That is exactly how we recover deleted files, and it means anyone who gets your old drive could do the same.
Hard drives
Use a secure erase tool that overwrites the whole drive, or the secure erase option in your drive maker's software. For drives that held sensitive business data, physical destruction is the safest choice.
SSDs
Overwriting an SSD is less reliable because of how it manages its memory. Use the manufacturer's secure erase tool, or, on a drive that was encrypted from the start, erase it and discard the encryption key. For sensitive data, physical destruction is again the safest option.
Laptops and phones
Use the built-in reset that erases all content, such as "Erase All Content and Settings" on a Mac, after signing out of your accounts.
Recycle responsibly
Once the data is gone, recycle the drive or device through a WEEE electronics recycling point rather than household waste.