Destroying SSD: the only sure way to delete data for good

In fact, data on an SSD is very difficult to really erase. Companies that do not want to take any risk therefore opt for SSD destruction with a professional SSD shredder.

Why wiping SSDs is not enough

Many organizations think a simple “wipe” is enough. This is partly true, but certainly not completely:

1. Mechanical hard drives and SSDs – with both, software erasure or formatting does not always remove all data. Residual data can be left behind and read back with special techniques.
2. With SSDs, it’s even more complex – techniques such as wear leveling and TRIM allow old data to remain in memory cells even after a thorough wipe or factory reset.

Therefore, destroying the entire ssd, i.e. physically destroying it, is the only method that offers 100% security.

Europe’s most powerful mobile hard drive shredder

IT-Recycling has the largest, thickest, strongest and fastest mobile hard disk shredder in Europe. This machine is built into a 27-ton truck, runs on a power of 100 kW and can shred as much as 2000x SSD destruction per hour into 9 mm chips.

In addition, we have on board an ULTRA fine shredder – and there is only one mobile version of this in the Netherlands. This two-stage shredder with single shaft granulator and screen can reduce SSDs and M.2 drives to shreds smaller than 2 mm. For customers with the highest demands on data destruction, this is the solution.

SSDs and M.2 drives from laptops and data centers

Our story applies not only to classic SSDs, but just as much to the M.2 drives that are in almost all modern laptops today. We also encounter SSDs and M.2s in large numbers in data centers, especially when phasing out old servers and emptying racks.

Therefore, professional SSD destruction at IT Recycling is the logical choice for companies, data centers and governments that do not want to take any risk.

On-site SSD destruction: maximum security

IT Recycling offers the option of destroying SSDs at your location. This has an important advantage:

• Destruction takes place under the eyes of the customer.
• This eliminates any risk of human error or fraud.
• You see for yourself how the SSDs go through the shredder and turn into tiny shreds.

For organizations working with sensitive personal data, medical records or trade secrets, this is the most secure and transparent solution.

Two levels of SSD shredding: 9 mm or 2 mm

• 9 mm shredding – more than adequate for most organizations.
• 2 mm shredding – for customers with the very highest demands for data destruction.

Both options are available both in our warehouse and on site.

Cost of SSD destruction

At IT Recycling, costs are clear and straightforward. You can always find them on our website, but here is a clear overview:

When to choose data wiping instead of ssd destruction?

Physical destruction is not required in all cases. For less stringent requirements, wiping can be a fine choice. For example, when devices are given a second life.

Therefore, IT Recycling offers at the purchase of old IT equipment a free data wipe as standard. Your SSDs and hard drives are carefully erased with specialized software. This is safer than standard formatting and gives you peace of mind that the equipment can be resold or reused without worry.

Briefly:

• SSD destruction → maximum security, no risk of data leakage.
• SSD wiping → suitable if the equipment is resold or reused, with lower data removal requirements.

Fully AVG-proof and audit-ready

All data destruction by IT Recycling is fully compliant with AVG legislation. You will receive a complete set of documents that is more than sufficient for audits of all ISO standards, including ISO 27001.

Case study: government in Leeuwarden

Last week we performed a large project at a government agency in Leeuwarden. There we processed 1,000 laptops, equipped with a mix of SSDs, M.2 drives and some mechanical hard drives.

• All laptops were opened on site and the data carriers were fully registered.
• Immediately thereafter, all disks were destroyed on site at 9 mm.
• Of the 1,000 laptops, 800 turned out to be suitable for reuse. We purchased these and the buyback price was directly offset against the cost of data destruction.
• The entire load of mixed computer waste was immediately disposed of and recycled free of charge.

Within one day, everything was taken care of: data destroyed, equipment removed and reused, and the client still kept a tidy profit.

Why IT Recycling choose SSD destruction?

• Largest and fastest mobile hard disk shredder in Europe.
• The only one in the Netherlands with a mobile ULTRA fine shredder for 2 mm.
• On site or in our secure warehouse.
• Always proof: registration and certificate of destruction.
• Buyout service including free datawipe.
• Fully AVG-proof and suitable for ISO audits.
• 20+ years of experience in IT recycling and data destruction.

Conclusion

Erasing SSDs is not always enough. Only by physically destroying an SSD with a professional shredder are you 100% sure that data is never readable again. IT-Recycling offers both on-site SSD destruction and free data shredding at buyout. With the choice between 9 mm or 2 mm shredding, you decide which level of security best suits your organization.

Want to know more? Read all about SSD destruction or contact us directly for a no-obligation appointment.