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Guide to Follow: Disposing of Old Computer Hard Drives

Amanda Shaw • May 25, 2021

No matter why you decide to dispose of your computer, it is necessary to apply the proper disposing of old computer hard drives methods. The computer hard drives are the most known storage provider for any digital file. Generally, you can store anything you want to keep on your computer hard drives. Then you should also hold the most confidential and essential data in a backup hard drive since the computer hard drives can suffer from data damage and corruption. The computer hard drive aims to give you accessible storage that helps you keep and maintain all of your files on your computer. 


Moreover, when you finally have to say goodbye to your computer, there is an important reminder you must keep in mind before disposing of your computer. It would be best if you dealt with the matter of disposing of your computer hard drive first. You might wonder why, well, it is for your data security. When disposing of old computer hard drives, you are giving your data protection, and you are also helping to maintain eco-safety. 


disposing of old computer hard drives

Types of Computer Hard Drive

Hard drives have different types and usage. It is vital to be wise when choosing your hard drive because each hard drive has its purpose and qualities. There are two most known basic types of hard drives; external and internal hard disk drives. The internal hard drive is easy to understand since relying on its term itself can be found. The internal hard drives are the type of hard drives found inside a computer unit, and the purpose of an internal hard drive is to give easy access to storage in the computer or other electronic devices. 


On the other hand, external hard disk drives are the opposite of internal hard drives since they can be found outside the laptop or computer. The external hard disk drives are mostly connected through a cable port. There are external hard drives because it serves as backup storage for essential files. After all, there are risks in compiling the data only on an internal computer hard drive since the computer hard drive is vulnerable to viruses and damages. The external hard drives also have a more portable and compact design.


Ineffective Ways in Disposing of Old Computer Hard Drives

The disposal of computer hard drives is not a simple task nor a beginner's duty. However, some people managed to complete the disposing of old computer hard drives by themselves. However, they often commit errors along the process that takes effect in data leakage or unknowingly made the data easy-accessible to data thieves. Here are some ineffective ways of disposing of old computer hard drives that you need to keep in mind to avoid getting into trouble and dangerous data leakage. 

disposing of old computer hard drives

1. Just wiping or erasing data in the hard drive

 

It is ineffective and risky to only wipe or erase data in the hard drive if you will not keep your hard drive and you have the intention to give it away. According to experts, there is data recovery software. Then, which can be used to restore the data in a hard drive, so, even if you are giving your hard drive to your trusted people, consult the experts first to ensure no chance for data recovery in your computer hard drive. 


2. Believing in Formatting Solution 


Formatting the computer hard drive won't do better because there is accessible software that can retrieve data from the formatted computer hard drive. Hence, it will be easy to collect that data if the person to whom you give your formatted hard drive wants to recover the information. Thus, it is advisable to rely upon experts' help if you plan to recycle your computer hard drive. 


3. Not giving importance to your computer hard drive


All the data stored in a hard drive that is not disposed of correctly have potential risks, and every data should be a responsibility to the person who collected and stored the data in the computer hard drive. Any information is valuable for data thieves. Whether what data your computer hard drives stores, you must take proper action to dispose of it so you will not be contributing to e-waste problems. 


4. Storing Computer Hard Drives 


Some companies opt to store the hard drives in a storage room. However, the fact that the data inside the computer hard drives still exist, there is the possibility of getting it stolen. There is no guarantee that all the stocked piled computer hard drives will be safe forever inside the storage room. 


5. Damaging the hard drive with a hammer, etc


While damaging the computer hard drive will work, it is not recommended to do it; instead, professionals should manage the disposal to ensure the secured and properly disposing of old computer hard drives. When we own a computer or any digital devices, we are responsible for taking care of it, and dangerous disposal might affect us negatively and contributes danger to e-waste problems. Speaking to experts of hard drive destruction companies gives us the necessary knowledge on maintaining our data security.   

disposing of old computer hard drives

Safety Concerns in Computer Hard Drive Disposal

After years of using the computer and its hard drive, it will undoubtedly decrease performance because of viruses or natural phenomena. The disposal of the computer hard drive can be distressing without professional guidance. Moreover, hard drives give risk and damage without the proper disposal. Here are the top safety concerns everyone should know about in disposing of old computer hard drives.

Safety in Environment


Many people purchase more than one electronic device such as a computer and laptop to keep up with social media. However, as time passes, the devices will no longer be helpful as they become old and unworkable. Thus, there is no choice but to dispose of it or, worst, dump it. Indeed, large purchases of electronic devices add up to tons of e-waste in landfills in the long run. The toxic components in the devices will harm the environment. That is why an electronic disposal company is essential in solving the e-waste problems. Its appropriate methods of disposing and recycling save the environment from suffering from the danger of e-waste. 


Human Safety 


It concerns humans' health if not properly educated about the safe way of disposing of old. Those who are not well aware of proper electronic device disposal might have taken risks to discard the devices. Moreover, there is news about people in developing countries who mishandled their electronic devices. They melted down their electronic devices to dispose of them, with an effect that exposed them to harmful components coming from the e-waste. We should always prioritize human safety, and it is also part of the concern of electronic waste disposal companies. 


Safety Recycling


In computer hard drive recycling, it is not easy for beginners to know if other people can restore their computer hard drive data or not. Successful, safe recycling is only achievable with the guidance of electronic recycling experts. There is no loss when depending on the professionals’ work since they designed their services according to every safe electronic disposal aspect. 


Data Security Safety


Whatever data you stored in your computer hard drive, it is vital to keep it safe up until its disposal. You will not probably like it if your personal stored data will end in the wrong hands. It would be best if you took necessary precautions when disposing of old. Since it is not enough to delete or reformat the hard drive, it is recommended to consult help and advice from the experts. 


We have our shared responsibility in our environment, whether we own electronic devices or not. However, holding electronic devices incorporates additional responsibilities, up until the electronic device disposal. 

The Better Option: Consulting the Experts

While it is better to learn and try to do things first, disposing of old computer hard drives is not an easy job to complete. Even if you could finish your old computer hard drive disposal, you might be doubtful if your process were all right. Indeed, it requires adequate knowledge, experience, and skills to dispose of a computer hard drive completely. Thus, it is not for beginner's work. 


 Say, it is always practical to leave important matters to the expert's hands. It is an option of disposing of old computer hard drives that can save you from suffering from mistakes and keep you from spending too much time and effort in doing the computer hard drive disposal. Also, you can significantly benefit when you let an e-waste disposal company take care of your hard drives for you. The credible e-waste disposal company is reliable in proper and healthy old computer disposals while maintaining the ecosystem.

Achieve Safe Computer Hard Drives Disposal with Abtron

We are the experts you are looking for! Abtron is a company that is known for our experienced experts and exceptional service. 


Our services are on top because of our credibility in giving our valued customers the most satisfying and secured electronic waste disposal and recycling services. At Abron, you will never worry about data breaching and leakage. You can rely on your data security and privacy with us. Aside from our competent electronic waste disposal and recycling services, we can also assist you with various asset customization to help you in your industry necessity. Discover our exceptional services. Connect with Abtron and get a free quote today!

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