CompuCycle destroys all data through two different options: data sanitization or the physical destruction of hard drives and other data bearing devices. Both options meet and exceed the NIST SP 800-88 rev. 1 standard (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and the DoD 5220.22-M method (Department of Defense).

Each data bearing asset is scanned and inventoried for the make, model, serial number and any company related asset tags. An itemized audit report is then created with all of the information on the assets, and is sent to the client to use for asset tracking.

CompuCycle’s shredding services pair our industrial-strength equipment with our industry-leading dedication to data security. We’re able to process hundreds of hard drives, floppy disks, CD-ROMS, USB drives and tape drives in a matter of minutes, making it a fast and effective method of data sanitization.

After any data bearing equipment are data sanitized, like laptops or PCs, they are then tested to make certain that they are in good and working condition. If the device is not functional, the hard drives will be pulled and physically shredded. The remainder of the asset will then either be refurbished, or recycled.

The Refurbishment process includes the replacing of hard drives, AC adapters, memory, screens, etc. It also includes cleaning the physical device to make it aesthetically prepared to be remarked.

CompuCycle offers two methods of achieving data sanitization that target the software and allow the hardware to be reused or sold:

Data sanitization erasure renders data unrecoverable by overwriting either the target data or the entire device with random, worthless data.

Cryptographic erasure,or crypto erase for short, uses 128-bit or higher encryption on the data while erasing the encryption key, rendering it impossible to decode.

No matter which method you choose, CompuCycle certifies all data sanitation performed in our facility complies with National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-88 guidelines and U.S. Department of Defense standards (DOD 5220.22-M).

Virtually any type of widely used computer electronic can be remarketed, depending on a few factors. There’s no hard-and-fast rule for what can be remarketed, but typically IT assets that hold value are:

• five years old or younger;
• equipped with i3, i5 or i7 processors;
• 19 inches or larger (for monitors); and
• branded from a recognizable tech manufacturer.

This means network routers, servers, switches, hubs, laptops, desktops, monitors, hard drives, copiers, racks, shelves, and more that are in good condition still hold value and can be resold.

IT equipment that will not be able to be remarketed has the hard drives and memory pulled and shredded, and then is de-manufactured. The de-manufacturing process includes removal of any batteries or other hazardous materials, capacitors, etc. The remainder of the IT asset is then sent to our fully automated shredding processor to be shredded and separated back into the raw materials, such as plastics, aluminum, copper wiring.

Next door to our main facility, we have installed a fully automated shredding processor system. When IT equipment is first received at our main facility, all data is either wiped or physically shredded. Once the data destruction is complete, any equipment that needs to be processed for recycling to go on to a refinery or smelter will first go through our shredding processor. The equipment is physically shredded and sorted by raw material type.

CompuCycle has eliminated the risk that any of your IT equipment will end up in a landfill through eliminating the need for downstream partners. There are NO devices that can leave CompuCycle without being data sanitized, refurbished for reuse, or physically destroyed.

CompuCycle Responsibly Recycles IT equipment.