Is your office or household bursting at the seams with old computers? On top of taking up valuable storage space, leaving outdated devices lying around can also put your privacy at risk. Whether you were thinking of giving your old computers away or would prefer to have them destroyed, we can help you decide the best course of action. Below are just some of your options.
Deleting vs. Degaussing
If your old computers are still in good working order, you might not need to throw them away. In order to cut down on electronic waste and the costs associated with buying new equipment, many organisations recycle computers amongst employees. It happens in families and social circles too – someone needs a new computer, so they get a hand-me-down from whoever has one to spare. This may seem like a practical solution, but it can be fraught with risk.
Identity theft is on the rise in Australia, costing businesses and individuals millions of dollars each year. Even if you trust the person you’re giving your old computers to, you never know where they might end up.
But you can just delete your old data, right? Wrong. If you’re serious about protecting your privacy, degaussing is a much safer option.
Using electromagnetic fields, degaussing can delete electronically stored data. It works on a range of devices, including computers. While deleting everything from your old computer might make it look as though it’s been wiped clean, the deleted files can still be retrieved. Degaussing is the only method that permanently deletes data. Before giving your old computers away, you should always have them degaussed first.
Destruction and Recycling
Have your computers reached the end of their lifespan? Allowing them to end up in landfill could put your privacy and the environment at risk. Some of the materials used to make computers can turn toxic when exposed to the elements, resulting in the release of hazardous chemicals. To prevent this from happening, you can opt to use a sustainable method of disposal.
Apart from minimising your environmental footprint, physically destroying your computers can also prevent confidential data from falling into the wrong hands. It doesn’t matter if you need to get rid of an old laptop, desktop, or tablet – nearly all computers are suitable for recycling.
How to Recycle Computers
Don’t just dump your old computers in the recycling wheelie bin. You’ll need to engage with a certified recycling service. If you’re worried about the hassle involved with this process, Shred-X can help. We recycle computer parts all the time, so you can trust us to take care of your old devices. If you’re cleaning out your entire office, our facilities can also handle printer recycling, paper shredding and product destruction.
Computers have become an integral part of daily life, but even the most reliable models will need replacing eventually. A dusty old computer might not look all that dangerous, but you never know what secrets could still be lurking on its hard drive. Using a secure disposal method will ensure your personal information never sees the light of day. If you’re still not sure what to do with your old computers, contact Shred-X today.