Destroying cell phones and tablets? Do it safely. Do it right. Do it on site.

These days, a business smartphone or tablet has entire businesses on it. Mails, calendars, contacts, accesses to cloud storage, VPNs, business applications. In short, everything you need.

And what makes it even riskier: you often have no idea what’s on those devices anymore. Within minutes, a criminal with the right software will uncover exactly the data you want to protect at all costs. Even if a device stops working or is locked with a code, your data is far from secure. With forensic techniques and hacking tools, professionals often uncover much more than you would ever expect.

The only real solution: certified destruction

At IT Recycling, we destroy old cell phones and tablets in two ways:

1. On site, under customer supervision
2. Collection and destruction in our own, high-security facility

We always recommend choosing on-site destruction. Then you can be sure that the device will be destroyed immediately and under your supervision. All without it ever leaving your premises. But we also understand budgets. That is why IT Recycling also offers a secure pick-up service. Just be sure to pay close attention to who you do business with. Always ask if the company is ISO 27001 and Weeelabex certified. After all, you are handing over sensitive company data. We at IT Recycling are of course ISO 27001, 9001, 14001 and Weeelabex certified. And when we collect devices, they are always destroyed within one working day. No delay, no queue, no risk.

Tablets? Even more flammable than phones

We’re talking about cell phones here, but tablets fall under exactly the same risk. In fact, tablets are often even harder to open and contain larger lithium batteries that can burn even brighter if damaged.

Note: the battery is a risk in itself

Cell phones and tablets contain lithium batteries. These absolutely must not go into the shredder. Why?

• They catch fire very easily
• They emit toxic, pungent fumes
• Those fumes are guaranteed to give you a headache (within 5 minutes we know from experience)
• They make the shredder waste unusable for recycling

That’s why we always remove the battery first. Manually and with proper precautions. This is not a job for the customer himself. Batteries are often glued on and an incorrect operation can lead to a fire. Our employees are experienced, work with protective equipment, keep a bucket of water and suitable fire extinguishers ready and take the job 100% safely off your hands.

Why on-site destruction is extra safe

Mobile devices usually do not have a serial number on the device itself. Often you can only retrieve the serial number if the phone or tablet is still working and you can get into it. In practice, that rarely works.

That’s why we count the devices upon receipt or on site. Because you do not receive a serial number list, destruction under supervision is even more important. Otherwise you have no proof or reference of what happened to your appliances.

And after that? Then we take everything

After shredding, if required, we take all other computer waste present at the customer’s premises directly for recycling. One appointment, one visit, all taken care of.

Making an appointment

Summary

• Old cell phones and tablets are data carriers with company-sensitive content
• Security, damage or locking are no guarantee of data security
• Have them professionally destroyed. Preferably on site, under supervision
• Never remove the battery yourself. This is specialist and a fire hazard
• Always ask external parties for ISO 27001 and Weeelabex certification
• At IT Recycling, destruction is always arranged within one business day

Want to know more or make an appointment right away?